The Himachal Pradesh Council of Ministers is the executive wing of Government of Himachal Pradesh and headed by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, who is the head of government and leader of the state cabinet.
The council of ministers are assisted by department secretaries attached to each ministry who are from IAS Himachal Pradesh Cadre.
The chief executive officer responsible for issuing orders on behalf of government is Chief Secretary to the state government.
According to Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, # There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his function, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.
According to Article 164 of the Indian Constitution, # The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, and the Minister shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor:Provided that in the States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, there shall be a Minister in charge of tribal welfare who may in addition be in charge of the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and backward classes or any other work.