Administrative Reforms Commission had originally recommended the maximum ministerial-strength to be ten-percent of strength of the Lower House. But the then central government modified to fifteen-percent because of compulsion of alliance-politics prevailing at that time. But with change of time with a strong-determined government at the centre commanding absolute majority on basis of the largest party of the ruling alliance, need is to save ministerial expenses by accepting original recommendation of Administrative Reforms Commission for maximum ministers of ten-percent strength of Lower House.
System can be further ensured even in cases where single-party government may not be feasible by electing Prime Minister or Chief Minister simultaneously with Speaker and Deputy Speaker on secret and compulsory votes of all members of the Lower House through EVMs with VVPAT on nominations signed by at least 34-percent members. Members not participating in election may lose their voting rights in the House even though retaining membership. Such persons may only be removed by a no-confidence motion passed on same lines but with compulsion to name alternate incumbent in the same motion. System will end blackmailing for ministerial berths by alliance-partners making leader select ministers according to his or her own choice.
Madhu Agrawal
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
