The ministers of the State Government are collectively responsible to

The correct answer is the Bidhan Sabha.

Key Points

• In a parliamentary system of governance, the State Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly, also referred to as the Bidhan Sabha.
• This principle of collective responsibility is enshrined in Article 164(2) of the Indian Constitution.
• The Bidhan Sabha, as the lower house of the state legislature, has the authority to hold the council of ministers accountable through motions like no-confidence motions.
• If the Bidhan Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the council of ministers, they are obligated to resign collectively.
• This mechanism ensures that the executive remains accountable to the legislature, thereby upholding the democratic framework.

Additional Information

• Article 164(2): This article of the Indian Constitution states that the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the legislative assembly of the state.
• Collective Responsibility: It means that all ministers stand and fall together. If the legislature withdraws its support, the entire council of ministers must resign.
• Bidhan Sabha: The Bidhan Sabha is the lower house of the legislature in Indian states with a bicameral system. In states with a unicameral system, it is the sole legislative body.
• No-Confidence Motion: A motion moved in the legislative assembly to test whether the council of ministers retains the confidence of the house.
• Governor’s Role: Although the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and the council of ministers, their accountability is to the legislative assembly, not the Governor.