The Prime Minister of India is the head of government in India’s political system and the de facto head of state. While the President of India serves as the constitutional head, the Prime Minister exercises real executive authority and is responsible for the administration of the government. The significant role of the Prime Minister makes India a Prime Ministerial Government in practice.
Why is the Indian Government called a ‘Prime Ministerial Government’?
- The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India and is usually the leader of the party or coalition holding the majority in the Lok Sabha.
- He/she is responsible for the administration of the government and serves as the chief spokesperson for government policies.
- Under Article 75, the Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Article 74(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. Ministers work under the guidance of the Prime Minister.
- Because of this central role, the Prime Minister’s office dominates the executive branch, and hence the Indian government is described as a ‘Prime Ministerial Government’.
Constitutional Provisions Pertaining to the Prime Minister
Article | Description |
75(1) | President shall appoint the Prime Minister who commands the majority in Lok Sabha |
75(1) | Prime Minister is appointed by President; other ministers are appointed on PM’s advice |
75(1) | PM is head of Council of Ministers |
75(3) | Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha |
75(2) | PM can be removed by a vote of no confidence in Lok Sabha or by resignation |
75(3) | PM holds office during President’s pleasure but must have majority support in Lok Sabha |
84(2) | Must be an Indian citizen and a member of either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha |
Appointment of the Prime Minister
- Constitution does not prescribe a strict selection process.
- By convention, the President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
- If no party has a clear majority, the President uses discretion, typically inviting the leader of the largest party or coalition to form the government, who must then win a vote of confidence in Lok Sabha within a month.
Oath, Term, and Salary
Oath: Administered by the President before taking office, which includes:
- Bearing true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India
- Upholding sovereignty and integrity of India
- Faithfully discharging duties without fear, favour, or ill will
Term:
- No fixed term; holds office as long as he/she has the confidence of Lok Sabha
- Cannot be arbitrarily dismissed by the President if majority support exists
- Can resign anytime
Salary and Perks:
- Periodically determined by Parliament.
- Includes member of Parliament salary, sumptuary allowance, free housing, travel allowances, medical facilities, etc.
Powers of the Prime Minister
Executive Powers:
- Head of Union Council of Ministers
- Coordinates activities of ministries and departments
- Presides over cabinet meetings
Legislative Powers:
- Advises President on summoning/proroguing Parliament sessions.
- Can recommend dissolution of Lok Sabha.
- Participates in legislative proceedings.
Diplomatic Powers:
- Represents India internationally.
- Receives foreign diplomats on behalf of the President.
Emergency Powers:
- Advises President during national emergencies.
- Responsible for safeguarding national security.
Appointment Powers:
- Advises President on appointments of:
- Governors
- Chief Election Commissioner
- CAG (Comptroller & Auditor General)
- Attorney General of India
- UPSC members and others
Financial Powers:
- Overall management of the economy and finances.
- Presents annual budget to Parliament.
Functions and Responsibilities
1. Relating to the Council of Ministers:
- Recommend ministers for appointment.
- Assign and reassign portfolios.
- Ask for a minister’s resignation or advise President to dismiss them.
- Preside over Cabinet meetings.
- Guide, control, coordinate ministers.
- Can cause Council’s collapse by resigning.
2. Relating to the President:
- Primary communication channel between President and Council of Ministers.
- Informs President of all decisions and legislative proposals.
- Advises President on key appointments: Attorney General, CAG, UPSC members, Finance Commission members, Election Commissioners, etc.
3. Relating to Parliament:
- Advise President on summoning/proroguing sessions.
- Recommend dissolution of Lok Sabha.
- Announce government policies.
4. Other Functions:
- Chair bodies like NITI Aayog, Inter-State Council, National Integration Council, National Water Resources Council.
- Shape foreign policy.
- Chief spokesperson for government.
- Crisis management at political level.
- Leader of ruling party.
- Political head of administrative services.
- Engage with public and receive grievances.
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
- Administrative body assisting the Prime Minister in exercising constitutional, executive, and administrative functions.
- Coordinates functioning of ministries and departments.
- Advises PM on policy, administration, and governance matters.
- Headed by Principal Secretary with senior officials assisting.
- Departments under PMO include:
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
Department of Space (DoS)
National Security Council (NSC)
Conclusion
The Prime Minister of India is the central figure of governance, balancing administrative, legislative, diplomatic, and financial responsibilities. Through the Council of Ministers and the PMO, the Prime Minister exercises significant influence over the policies, governance, and administration of the nation. The office symbolizes leadership, stability, and continuity in India’s parliamentary democracy.
Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of India?
Answer: C) President
Q2. Which article of the Constitution provides for the office of the President of India?
Answer: A) Article 52
Q3. The President of India is elected by:
Answer: C) Electoral college of elected MPs and MLAs
Q4. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the impeachment of the President?
Answer: C) Requires two-thirds majority of both Houses
Q5. The maximum tenure of an acting President in case of vacancy is:
Answer: B) 6 months
Q6. The Vice President of India is:
Answer: B) Elected only by members of both Houses of Parliament
Q7. Who was the first Vice President of India?
Answer: C) Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Q8. The Vice President acts as Chairman of which House?
Answer: B) Rajya Sabha
Q9. Articles 63–71 of the Constitution deal with which office?
Answer: C) Vice President
Q10. Which statement is true about removal of the Vice President?
Answer: B) Can be removed by Rajya Sabha resolution agreed by Lok Sabha
Q11. Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
Answer: B) President of India
Q12. Which article of the Constitution mentions the appointment of the Prime Minister?
Answer: A) Article 75
Q13. The Prime Minister is responsible for:
Answer: D) All of the above
Q14. The Prime Minister’s term depends on:
Answer: B) Confidence of Lok Sabha
Q15. Which body assists the Prime Minister in administrative and policy functions?
Answer: B) PMO
Mains Practice Questions
Q1. Examine the role of the President of India as the ceremonial head of state and discuss how this role supports the functioning of the parliamentary system.
Q2. Critically analyze the process of election of the President of India. How does the proportional representation system ensure fairness?
Q3. Discuss the constitutional provisions for the impeachment of the President of India. Why has no President been impeached so far?
Q4. Explain the powers of the President in judicial appointments and governance. How do these powers maintain the balance of power in the Indian polity?
Q5. Discuss the constitutional role of the Vice President of India and explain how it supports legislative functioning as Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Q6. Compare and contrast the powers and privileges of the President and Vice President of India.
Q7. Evaluate the process of election and eligibility criteria for the Vice President of India. How does it differ from the presidential election?
Q8. Examine the importance of the Vice President’s role during President’s absence or incapacity.
Q9. Explain why India is called a Prime Ministerial Government. Discuss the constitutional and practical reasons.
Q10. Analyze the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India in relation to:
• Council of Ministers
• President
• Parliament
• Administration
Q11. Evaluate the role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in policy-making and governance.
Q12. Critically examine the balance of power between the President and Prime Minister in India’s parliamentary system.
Q13. Discuss the emergency powers of the Prime Minister and how they contribute to national security and crisis management.
The Prime Minister of India – UPSC FAQ Guide
Who appoints the Prime Minister of India and on what basis?
The President of India appoints the Prime Minister, usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
Why is the Indian government often called a ‘Prime Ministerial Government’?
Because the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, controls policy decisions, guides Parliament, and dominates the executive branch, making the system PM-centric.
What are the constitutional provisions related to the Prime Minister of India?
Key provisions are under Articles 74 and 75, which define the PM’s role as head of the Council of Ministers, collective responsibility to Lok Sabha, and appointment/removal process.
What powers does the Prime Minister of India exercise?
The Prime Minister has executive, legislative, financial, diplomatic, and emergency powers, along with authority over appointments like Governors, CAG, CEC, and UPSC members.
What is the tenure of the Prime Minister of India?
The Prime Minister has no fixed term and holds office as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
