The correct answer is 15% of Lok Sabha. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • The size of the Union Council of Ministers was formally limited by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. Before this amendment, there was no specific numerical limit on the number of ministers, which often led to the formation of large cabinets for political convenience. • According to Article 75 (1A) of the Indian Constitution, the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Union Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha (House of the People). • This constitutional provision aims to ensure administrative efficiency, reduce the burden on the exchequer, and maintain the sanctity of the cabinet system by preventing jumbo ministries. • Based on the current strength of the Lok Sabha, which is 543 elected members, the maximum permissible number of ministers at the central level is 81. Related Concepts: • Provisions for State Governments: • Similar to the Union level, Article 164 (1A) restricts the size of the Council of Ministers in a State. The number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly of that State. • For smaller states, the law provides a minimum threshold where the number of ministers shall not be less than 12. • Specific Exception for Delhi: • Under the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi follows a different rule. Article 239AA limits the number of ministers to 10% of the total membership of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, resulting in a maximum of 7 ministers. • Categorization of Ministers: • The Council of Ministers is a multi-tier body comprising Cabinet Ministers (who lead major ministries), Ministers of State (Independent Charge), Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. The 15% limit applies to the sum of all these categories.