Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister

Sections 53 to 56 set up the government of the J&K UT.

The rules

• The Council of Ministers, headed by the Chief Minister, may not exceed 10 per cent of the Assembly's strength (about 9, including the CM).
• The LG appoints the Chief Minister, and appoints other Ministers on the CM's advice (Section 54).
• Ministers hold office during the LG's pleasure. The Council is collectively responsible to the Assembly.
• A Minister who is not a member of the Assembly for six consecutive months ceases to be a Minister.
• The Council advises the LG on matters within the Assembly's legislative powers (Section 53). On other matters the LG acts in his discretion.
• The Chief Minister must tell the LG of the Council's decisions on administration and proposed legislation, and give any information the LG asks for (Section 56).

The first elected government

• The first Council of Ministers under the Act took office on 16 October 2024, after the 2024 elections. Omar Abdullah (National Conference) was sworn in as Chief Minister. Surinder Choudhary became the Deputy Chief Minister.
• On 17 October 2024, the Cabinet passed a resolution asking the Centre to restore statehood.