Bihar
Bihar Ex- Deputy CM Passes Away
- 14 May 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Recently, Senior Political leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi passed away in New Delhi at the age of 72. He was suffering from cancer.
Key Points
- He was a Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar as well as the Finance Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2013 and 2017 to 2020.
- He was a lifelong member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
- He was appointed the Chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers for the Implementation of Goods and Service Tax in July 2011.
Deputy Chief Minister
- The post of Deputy Chief Minister in India is not a constitutional post, but a political arrangement to appease allies or factions within a party.
- He is equivalent to a Cabinet Minister in terms of rank and perks but does not have any specific financial or administrative powers.
- The Deputy CM has to report to the Chief Minister and seek his or her approval for any decision related to his or her portfolio.
- The Deputy CM does not have access to the files or matters that are meant for the Chief Minister.
- Neither Article 163 nor Article 164(1) explicitly mentions the position of Deputy Chief Minister.
- Article 163(1) establishes a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor.
- Article 164(1) outlines the appointment process, with the Chief Minister appointed by the Governor, and other Ministers appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.
