Prime Minister is referred to as the de facto executive as he is the real executive authority. Article 75 says that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the president. The Prime Minister can be a representative of either House of the Parliament.According to the conventions of the parliamentary form of government, the President must designate the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. There have been questions on the topic of the Prime Minister in the UPSC exams earlier. This article explains about the Role, Election, Conditions of Office, Power and functions of the Prime Minister. These nuances are important for upcoming UPSC Prelims as well as the Mains 2024 Exam.

Prime Minister of India

• The prime minister is both the head of government and the real executive of the Indian system.
• Article 74 states that “There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.”
• Article 75 mentions three things:
  • The President appoints the PM and other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the PM
  • Ministers hold their office during the pleasure of the President;
  • The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Article 78 states that the Prime Minister communicates all decisions made by the council of members to the President.
• The President can also refer issues for the consideration of the council of members.

Prime Minister - Union Executive - Appointment

• Indirect election: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
• The President must designate the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister in line with the norms of the parliamentary form of government.
• However, if no party has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the President may use his own discretion in selecting and appointing the Prime Minister.
• In such a case, the President normally selects the Prime Minister as the leader of the largest party or coalition in the Lok Sabha and instructs him to seek a vote of confidence in the House within a month.
• The President used this discretion for the first time in 1979, when Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (then President) named Charan Singh (the coalition leader) as Prime Minister following the fall of the Janata Party administration led by Morarji Desai.
• There is one further case in which the president may have to use his discretion in selecting and appointing the Prime Minister.
• However, if the governing party elects a new leader after the death of an existing Prime Minister, the President has no choice but to appoint him as Prime Minister.(Appointed Rajiv Gandhi as PM after the death of Indira Gandhi, by then President Zail Singh).
• According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister may serve in either of the two Houses of Parliament.
• Three Prime Ministers, for example, were Rajya Sabha members: Indira Gandhi (1966), Deve Gowda (1996), and Manmohan Singh (2004).

Prime Minister of India - Details

Power And Functions Of The Prime Minister

With Respect to the Council of Minister

• The PM recommends a person to the President for appointment as ministers.
• Portfolio allocation: The Prime Minister has the ability to appoint Ministers to portfolios.
• Chairman of the Cabinet: The Prime Minister presides over Cabinet sessions as the chairman of the Cabinet.
• If there is a significant difference of opinion among the members, he has the authority to enforce his decision.
• The PM can ask for the resignation of any minister.
• He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
• If the PM resigned from his office the Council of Ministers get collapsed.
• Representative: The Prime Minister is the country's official representative at high-level international gatherings.

In relation with the President

• Chief Advisor: The PM acts as a principal channel of communication between the President and Council of Ministers.
  • He serves as the President's chief advisor.
• The PM has to communicate the decision of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of affairs of the Union and proposal for legislation to the President.
• The PM advises the President regarding appointment of the various important officials like Attorney General, CAG, Chairman and member of the UPSC, Chairman and member of the Finance Commision and so on.

With Respect to the Parliament

• The Prime Minister is the leader of the lower house.
• PM can recommend the President with regard to summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the Parliament.
• He can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha at any time to the President.
• He announces government policies on the floor of the House

Some other functions and powers of the PM

• The PM is the chairman of Niti Aayog, NDC, National Integration Council, National Water Resource Council and Inter-State council.
• The PM also acts as chief spokesman of the Union government.

Constitutional Provisions at Glance

Comparison Between Indian and British Prime Minister

Conclusion

India's Prime Minister occupies a central position in the nation's political framework, serving as the head of government and wielding significant power and responsibility. Over the years, Prime Ministers have left their indelible mark on India's socio-economic and political landscape, shaping policies, fostering international relations, and navigating complex domestic issues. Whether it be crafting strategies for economic development, ensuring national security, or promoting social welfare, the Prime Minister's leadership is pivotal in addressing the diverse needs and aspirations of India's vast population.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?

A) Chief Justice of India
B) President of India
C) Vice-President of India
D) Speaker of Lok Sabha

2. Which body does the Prime Minister head in India?

A) Lok Sabha
B) Supreme Court
C) Union Executive
D) Election Commission

3. Which of the following can lead to the resignation of the Prime Minister?

A) Vote of no confidence
B) Impeachment by the President
C) Removal by the Supreme Court
D) Dissolution of Lok Sabha

4. What is the tenure of the Prime Minister in India?

A) 5 years
B) 6 years
C) No fixed tenure
D) 4 years

5. Who presides over Cabinet meetings in India?

A) President
B) Speaker
C) Vice-President
D) Prime Minister

GS Mains Questions and Answers

Q1: Discuss the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India and their significance in the Union Executive.

Answer: The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the Union Executive and holds significant authority in the functioning of the government. The PM advises the President on key matters, heads the Council of Ministers, and is responsible for overseeing the functioning of ministries. The Prime Minister also represents India on international platforms, leads policy formulation, and ensures the implementation of laws. Their role is crucial in maintaining the stability of the government and ensuring effective governance.

Q2: Evaluate the role of the Prime Minister in maintaining the balance of power between the executive and the legislature in India.

Answer: The Prime Minister plays a key role in maintaining the balance of power between the executive and the legislature. As the leader of the executive, the PM ensures that policies are implemented and that the government functions smoothly. At the same time, the PM is accountable to the legislature, particularly the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha to stay in power, ensuring a system of checks and balances between the two branches of government.

Q3: Analyze the process of appointment and removal of the Prime Minister of India and its impact on parliamentary democracy.

Answer: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India, usually as the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. The PM's tenure depends on maintaining the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha. If the PM loses this confidence, a vote of no confidence can be passed, leading to their resignation. This process reinforces the principles of parliamentary democracy, ensuring that the executive remains accountable to the legislature.

Previous Year Questions on the Prime Minister and Union Executive

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Who among the following is the leader of the Union Executive in India?

A) President
B) Chief Justice
C) Prime Minister
D) Speaker

Answer: C

Explanation: The Prime Minister is the leader of the Union Executive and holds real executive power in India.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: Discuss the role of the Prime Minister in the effective functioning of the Union Executive in India.

Answer: The Prime Minister plays a central role in the effective functioning of the Union Executive. As the head of the government, the PM coordinates between various ministries, leads policy formulation, and ensures that laws passed by the legislature are implemented. The PM also represents India in diplomatic affairs and is instrumental in maintaining the stability and accountability of the government.

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