The Prime Minister of India is the real executive head of the Union Government.
India follows the parliamentary system of government, where the President is the constitutional head and the Prime Minister leads the government in actual working.
The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers, leader of the majority in Lok Sabha, and the central figure in the Union Executive.
Table of Contents
Appointment Of The Prime Minister
The Constitution does not mention a detailed procedure for selecting and appointing the Prime Minister.
According to Article 75, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
However, this does not mean that the President can appoint any person of his choice.
Under parliamentary conventions, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.
When No Party Gets Clear Majority
When no political party gets a clear majority in Lok Sabha, the President may exercise discretion.
In such a situation:
- The leader of the largest party or coalition may be appointed as Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister must prove majority in Lok Sabha through a vote of confidence.
- This majority must be proved within the time given by the President.
Oath Of Office And Secrecy
Before entering office, the Prime Minister takes the oath of office and secrecy.
The oath is administered by the President.
What The Prime Minister Swears In The Oath
The Prime Minister swears:
- To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
- To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- To faithfully discharge the duties of office.
- To do justice to all people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
Term Of The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President.
But this pleasure is not absolute.
As long as the Prime Minister enjoys majority support in Lok Sabha, the President cannot dismiss him.
If the Prime Minister loses majority:
- He must resign, or
- He may be dismissed by the President.
Salary And Allowances
The salary and allowances of the Prime Minister are determined by Parliament.
The Prime Minister receives:
- Salary equal to that of a Member of Parliament.
- Sumptuary allowance.
- Official residence.
- Free accommodation.
- Travel allowances.
- Medical facilities.
Powers And Functions Of The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister has wide powers in the Indian parliamentary system.
His powers can be understood under different heads.
1. As Head Of The Council Of Ministers
The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers.
Main Powers
- He recommends persons for appointment as ministers to the President.
- The President appoints only those persons who are recommended by the Prime Minister.
- He can ask a minister to resign.
- He can advise the President to dismiss a minister.
- He allocates portfolios among ministers.
- He reshuffles portfolios when required.
- He presides over meetings of the Council of Ministers.
- He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the work of ministers.
Importance Of The Prime Minister In The Council
The Council of Ministers depends on the Prime Minister.
If the Prime Minister resigns or dies, the entire Council of Ministers collapses.
But if any other minister resigns or dies, only that individual vacancy is filled.
This shows that the Prime Minister is the central pillar of the Council of Ministers.
2. As Link Between President And Council Of Ministers
The Prime Minister acts as the main channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
Under Article 78, it is the duty of the Prime Minister:
- To communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President.
- To provide information to the President regarding Union administration.
- To submit matters for consideration of the Council of Ministers if the President requires.
3. As Leader Of Lok Sabha
The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
As leader of Lok Sabha:
- He announces major government policies.
- He participates in important debates.
- He defends the policies of the government.
- He helps maintain coordination between the government and Parliament.
- He advises the President regarding summoning and proroguing of Parliament.
- He may advise dissolution of Lok Sabha.
4. As Leader Of The Nation
The Prime Minister represents the political leadership of the country.
He addresses people on important national issues and explains the policies of the government.
In national emergencies, wars, economic crises, major reforms and international events, the Prime Minister plays a key role in giving direction to the country.
5. As Chief Policy Maker
The Prime Minister gives broad direction to the policies of the Union Government.
Major national policies are generally shaped under his leadership.
The Cabinet works under his guidance and the ministries function according to the larger policy framework decided by the government.
Prime Minister’s Office
The Prime Minister’s Office, or PMO, assists the Prime Minister in his work.
It is an important administrative institution that helps the Prime Minister perform his responsibilities efficiently.
Background Of PMO Officials
The background of PMO officials is not formally fixed.
- The Principal Secretary may or may not be from the civil services.
- Other officials are generally drawn from civil services.
- They serve for varying durations.
Functions Of The PMO
The PMO performs several important functions.
- Assists the Prime Minister in his overall responsibilities.
- Maintains liaison with central ministries and departments.
- Coordinates with State Governments.
- Assists the Prime Minister in his role as chairman of various bodies.
- Manages public relations.
- Handles interaction with the press.
- Communicates with the general public.
- Reviews cases submitted to the Prime Minister.
- Maintains contact with the President, Governors and foreign diplomats.
- Acts as an advisory body to the Prime Minister.
What PMO Usually Does Not Handle
The PMO does not normally handle the Prime Minister’s functions as Head of the Cabinet.
However, it may deal with:
- Personal correspondence with ministers.
- Matters related to party policies or domestic issues.
The Prime Minister of India is the real executive head of the Union Government.
India follows the parliamentary system of government, where the President is the constitutional head and the Prime Minister leads the government in actual working.
The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers, leader of the majority in Lok Sabha, and the central figure in the Union Executive.
Appointment Of The Prime Minister
The Constitution does not mention a detailed procedure for selecting and appointing the Prime Minister.
According to Article 75, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
However, this does not mean that the President can appoint any person of his choice.
Under parliamentary conventions, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.
When No Party Gets Clear Majority
When no political party gets a clear majority in Lok Sabha, the President may exercise discretion.
In such a situation:
- The leader of the largest party or coalition may be appointed as Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister must prove majority in Lok Sabha through a vote of confidence.
- This majority must be proved within the time given by the President.
Oath Of Office And Secrecy
Before entering office, the Prime Minister takes the oath of office and secrecy.
The oath is administered by the President.
What The Prime Minister Swears In The Oath
The Prime Minister swears:
- To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
- To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- To faithfully discharge the duties of office.
- To do justice to all people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
Term Of The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President.
But this pleasure is not absolute.
As long as the Prime Minister enjoys majority support in Lok Sabha, the President cannot dismiss him.
If the Prime Minister loses majority:
- He must resign, or
- He may be dismissed by the President.
Salary And Allowances
The salary and allowances of the Prime Minister are determined by Parliament.
The Prime Minister receives:
- Salary equal to that of a Member of Parliament.
- Sumptuary allowance.
- Official residence.
- Free accommodation.
- Travel allowances.
- Medical facilities.
Powers And Functions Of The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister has wide powers in the Indian parliamentary system.
His powers can be understood under different heads.
1. As Head Of The Council Of Ministers
The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers.
Main Powers
- He recommends persons for appointment as ministers to the President.
- The President appoints only those persons who are recommended by the Prime Minister.
- He can ask a minister to resign.
- He can advise the President to dismiss a minister.
- He allocates portfolios among ministers.
- He reshuffles portfolios when required.
- He presides over meetings of the Council of Ministers.
- He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the work of ministers.
Importance Of The Prime Minister In The Council
The Council of Ministers depends on the Prime Minister.
If the Prime Minister resigns or dies, the entire Council of Ministers collapses.
But if any other minister resigns or dies, only that individual vacancy is filled.
This shows that the Prime Minister is the central pillar of the Council of Ministers.
2. As Link Between President And Council Of Ministers
The Prime Minister acts as the main channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
Under Article 78, it is the duty of the Prime Minister:
- To communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President.
- To provide information to the President regarding Union administration.
- To submit matters for consideration of the Council of Ministers if the President requires.
3. As Leader Of Lok Sabha
The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
As leader of Lok Sabha:
- He announces major government policies.
- He participates in important debates.
- He defends the policies of the government.
- He helps maintain coordination between the government and Parliament.
- He advises the President regarding summoning and proroguing of Parliament.
- He may advise dissolution of Lok Sabha.
4. As Leader Of The Nation
The Prime Minister represents the political leadership of the country.
He addresses people on important national issues and explains the policies of the government.
In national emergencies, wars, economic crises, major reforms and international events, the Prime Minister plays a key role in giving direction to the country.
5. As Chief Policy Maker
The Prime Minister gives broad direction to the policies of the Union Government.
Major national policies are generally shaped under his leadership.
The Cabinet works under his guidance and the ministries function according to the larger policy framework decided by the government.
Prime Minister’s Office
The Prime Minister’s Office, or PMO, assists the Prime Minister in his work.
It is an important administrative institution that helps the Prime Minister perform his responsibilities efficiently.
Background Of PMO Officials
The background of PMO officials is not formally fixed.
- The Principal Secretary may or may not be from the civil services.
- Other officials are generally drawn from civil services.
- They serve for varying durations.
Functions Of The PMO
The PMO performs several important functions.
- Assists the Prime Minister in his overall responsibilities.
- Maintains liaison with central ministries and departments.
- Coordinates with State Governments.
- Assists the Prime Minister in his role as chairman of various bodies.
- Manages public relations.
- Handles interaction with the press.
- Communicates with the general public.
- Reviews cases submitted to the Prime Minister.
- Maintains contact with the President, Governors and foreign diplomats.
- Acts as an advisory body to the Prime Minister.
What PMO Usually Does Not Handle
The PMO does not normally handle the Prime Minister’s functions as Head of the Cabinet.
However, it may deal with:
- Personal correspondence with ministers.
- Matters related to party policies or domestic issues.
FAQs On The Prime Minister
Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
The President appoints the Prime Minister under Article 75.
Is there a fixed procedure for appointing the Prime Minister?
No. The Constitution does not specify a detailed procedure. By convention, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
What happens if no party gets a clear majority?
The President may appoint the leader of the largest party or coalition and ask him to prove majority in Lok Sabha.
Who administers the oath to the Prime Minister?
The President administers the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister.
What is the term of the Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President, but practically he remains in office as long as he enjoys majority support in Lok Sabha.
What is Article 74?
Article 74 provides for a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.
What is Article 75?
Article 75 deals with appointment, tenure, responsibility, qualification, oath, salary and allowances of ministers.
What is Article 78?
Article 78 mentions the duties of the Prime Minister toward the President.
What is the Council of Ministers?
The Council of Ministers is the body of ministers headed by the Prime Minister that aids and advises the President.
What are the categories of ministers?
The three main categories are Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers.
Is the post of Deputy Prime Minister mentioned in the Constitution?
No. The post of Deputy Prime Minister is not mentioned in the Constitution.
What is the maximum size of the Council of Ministers?
The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of Lok Sabha.
Which amendment added the 15% limit on ministers?
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 added this limit.
What is PMO?
PMO means Prime Minister’s Office. It assists the Prime Minister in coordination, administration, communication and advisory work.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – The Prime Minister
- Prime Minister – Real executive head of India.
- Article 75 – Prime Minister appointed by President.
- Selection convention – Leader of majority party in Lok Sabha is appointed PM.
- No clear majority – President may appoint leader of largest party or coalition.
- Vote of confidence – Required when majority is uncertain.
- Oath – Administered by President.
- Term – During pleasure of President, but depends on Lok Sabha majority.
- Head of Council of Ministers – Prime Minister.
- PM resignation or death – Entire Council of Ministers collapses.
- Article 74 – Council of Ministers aids and advises President.
- Article 75 – Appointment, tenure, responsibility, qualification, oath and salary of ministers.
- Article 77 – Conduct of Government business.
- Article 78 – Duties of Prime Minister.
- Council of Ministers categories – Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers.
- Cabinet – Chief policy-formulating body.
- Minister limit – Maximum 15% of Lok Sabha strength.
- 91st Amendment Act, 2003 – Added 15% minister limit.
- Non-MP minister – Must become MP within 6 months.
- Deputy Prime Minister – Not mentioned in Constitution.
- PMO – Assists Prime Minister and coordinates with ministries, states and key authorities.