What is minister of State?

A Minister of State is a government official who serves in a specific role within a national government, often at a level below the full minister or cabinet minister. The specific duties and level of authority of a Minister of State can vary widely depending on the country and its governmental structure. Here are some general points about the role:

  1. Subordinate Role: Typically, a Minister of State is subordinate to a senior minister or cabinet minister. They may be responsible for specific tasks within a ministry or department.
  2. Specialization: They often focus on particular areas within a larger ministry. For example, in a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there might be a Minister of State for European Affairs.
  3. Deputy Function: In some countries, a Minister of State acts as a deputy to the main minister, helping to oversee the department and manage specific portfolios or projects.
  4. Political Appointees: They are usually appointed by the head of government (such as a Prime Minister or President) and may be members of the legislature or the ruling political party.
  5. Variations by Country:
    • In the United Kingdom, a Minister of State is a senior role but ranks below the Secretary of State, who heads a department.
    • In India, a Minister of State can either hold independent charge of a ministry or assist a cabinet minister in managing a ministry.
    • In Canada, a Minister of State is appointed to assist a full minister and may have specific responsibilities within the ministry.
  6. Representation and Delegation: They often represent their ministry in parliamentary sessions, public engagements, and sometimes in international meetings.

The exact role and influence of a Minister of State can vary significantly, and their responsibilities are often defined by the specific needs and structure of the government in which they serve.

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