The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
In a parliamentary democracy, the government is divided into three organs: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. The Chief Minister plays a pivotal role as the real executive authority at the state level.- Statement 1 is Correct: The Chief Minister is the head of the State Government. While individual Ministers are assigned charge of specific government departments, the Chief Minister exercises general supervision and coordination over all departments. As the head of the Council of Ministers, the Chief Minister guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all ministers and their respective departments.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The primary function of the Executive is to enforce and implement laws and policies. The responsibility for making laws lies with the Legislature (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad in states). While the Executive (Ministers) plays a role in drafting bills and introducing them in the legislature, the constitutional mandate for enacting laws belongs to the legislative body.
Key Takeaway: The Chief Minister is the de facto executive head of the state government responsible for administration, whereas the Legislature is the supreme law-making body.