How many times may the President of India ask the Prime Minister to have an executive recommendation reconsidered by the Cabinet?
Presidential Power: Cabinet Recommendation Reconsideration
The President of India exercises various constitutional powers, often acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. One such power relates to the reconsideration of executive advice.
Understanding the President's Role
Article 78 of the Indian Constitution outlines the duties of the Prime Minister concerning the President. It states that it shall be the duty of the Prime Minister:
- To communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
- To furnish such information relating to the administration of the Union and proposals for legislation as the President may call for.
- If the President so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council.
Reconsideration of Executive Recommendations
The President has the constitutional authority to ask the Prime Minister to reconsider a recommendation made by the Council of Ministers (Cabinet). This power is crucial for ensuring that the executive decisions are well- deliberated. However, the extent of this power is specific:
- The President can send a recommendation back to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for reconsideration.
- Crucially, the Constitution limits this power. After the Cabinet reconsiders the matter and sends it back to the President, the President must act according to the advice tendered after reconsideration.
- Therefore, the President can only ask for reconsideration once.
Analysis of Options
Let's examine why the other options are incorrect based on the constitutional provision:
- Option 1: It is at the President's absolute discretion without limits. This is incorrect as the Constitution places a specific limit on this power.
- Option 2: As many times as needed. This contradicts the single-instance limit set by the Constitution.
- Option 3: Twice. The Constitution allows for reconsideration only one time, not twice.
- Option 4: Only once. This aligns with the constitutional provision, which allows the President to return a recommendation for reconsideration just one time.
The President of India may ask the Prime Minister to have an executive recommendation reconsidered by the Cabinet only once.
Important Questions from Executive of the Union
Consider the following statements :
1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through
1. Adjournment motion
2. Question hour
3. Supplementary questions
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the following is / are the function / functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?
(1) Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
(2) Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
(3) Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Consider the following statements:
(1) The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India.
(2) All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are, implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?
1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.
Select the correct answer.
