By allocating portfolios to ministers, what administrative need does the Prime Minister meet?

Correct answer: Division of work and clarity of responsibility

Correct answer: A. A portfolio is a particular department or area of government work, such as health, education, finance or transport. When the Prime Minister allocates portfolios, responsibilities are divided among ministers and each minister knows which department must be supervised. This makes administration more organised and makes it easier to identify who must answer for decisions and performance in that area. The Prime Minister may also change portfolios when coordination or political and administrative needs require it. Option B is wrong because portfolio allocation is not the appointment of judges. Option C is wrong because the Election Commission is a constitutional institution and is not created by distributing ministerial departments. Option D is wrong because the constitutional term of the Rajya Sabha is not fixed through portfolios. Memory cue: a portfolio answers the question, “Which minister is responsible for which work?”