Part VI - The States • Article

Article 167 Simplified: Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor, etc

The Chief Minister acts as the bridge between the Governor and the state cabinet. The CM must inform the Governor about all cabinet decisions and legislative proposals, provide any state administration information the Governor requests, and bring any individual minister's decision to the full cabinet if the Governor wants it reviewed.

Official Text

It shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each State— (a) to communicate to the Governor of the State all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation; (b) to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation as the Governor may call for; and (c) if the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

The Chief Minister has a duty to tell the Governor about the decisions the ministers make, answer the Governor's questions about how the state is run, and bring individual decisions to the whole cabinet if the Governor asks.

Student Mode

Establishes the Chief Minister's role as the constitutional link between the State Council of Ministers and the Governor. The CM has three duties: (a) To communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to state administration and legislative proposals to the Governor. (b) To furnish any administrative information or legislative proposals that the Governor requests. (c) If the Governor requires, to submit for cabinet consideration any decision taken by an individual minister that has not been collectively discussed by the Council.

Example

If a state department minister decides to change local mining policy, the Governor can request the Chief Minister to place this individual decision before the entire Council of Ministers for a collective discussion.

Key Takeaway

The Chief Minister has a constitutional duty to keep the Governor informed, ensuring the Governor can act as an effective constitutional guardian.

FAQs

Can the Governor request information about state administration directly from other ministers?

No. The constitutional channel of communication is through the Chief Minister. Under Article 167, it is the duty of the Chief Minister to furnish this information.

What is the purpose of Article 167(c) regarding individual minister decisions?

It safeguards the principle of collective responsibility. If a single minister takes a major decision without consulting the rest of the cabinet, the Governor can flag it and require the CM to place it before the full cabinet for collective deliberation and approval.

Quiz

Who is constitutionally responsible for communicating all decisions of the State Council of Ministers to the Governor?

Answer: The Chief Minister

Under Article 167(c), if a decision is taken by a single minister without cabinet consultation, who can require it to be submitted to the Council of Ministers?

Answer: The Governor