Consider the following statements : 1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister. 2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Statement 2 is correct because Article 75(1A), introduced by the 91st Amendment Act (2003), mandates that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Constitution does not define or classify ministers into ranks; this hierarchy is instead based on parliamentary conventions and the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act, 1952. The core concept tested is the constitutional framework and statutory limitations governing the Union Council of Ministers.