Prime Minister and Council of Ministers - Powers & Functions

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In the realm of governance, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers hold pivotal roles in steering a country's course. The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the ruling party. He leads the government and shapes policy decisions. He is supported by the Council of Ministers. They collectively plan and execute laws, policies, and administrative functions. This dynamic interplay of leadership and collaboration forms the backbone of a nation's executive machinery, influencing its direction and progress.

Who is a Prime Minister?

  • A Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers in a parliamentary system of government. 
  • In India, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is the leader of the political party that has the majority in the Lok Sabha. 
  • The Prime Minister holds the highest executive position in the country. 
  • He leads the government, making policy decisions, and implementing laws and programs. 
  • The Prime Minister represents the country on national and international platforms. 
  • He plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of the nation.

Appointment of the Prime Minister

  • The president appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister according to parliamentary conventions.
  • There is no particular procedure for the selection and appointment of the Prime Minister.
  • Under Article 75, the Prime Minister should be appointed by the president.


Powers and functions of the Prime Minister

  • Advises the President: The prime minister advises the President for the appointment or resignation of the council of ministers and other significant officials such as CAG, Chairman of UPSC, Election Commissioners etc.
  • Allocate Portfolios: The prime minister is responsible for the location and reshuffling of portfolios of the Council of Ministers.
  • Act as a communication channel between the Council of Ministers and the President: He communicates information related to administrative affairs to the president.
  • Act as Chairman: The prime minister acts as a chairman of various councils such as Niti Aayog, National Development Council, National Integration Council (NIC), Inter-state Council (ISC), and National Water Resource Council.
  • Act as a head: The Prime Minister presides over the meetings of the council of ministers and announces government policies in houses of parliament.
  • Other functions: Shaping foreign policies, leader of the party, political head etc.


Prime Ministerial Post Eligibility

  • He must be a citizen of India.
  • He must be a member of either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha at the time of taking the oath or be a member of either House within six months of appointment.
  • He must be 30 years old if he is a member of the Rajya Sabha, but he could be 25 if he is a member of the Lok Sabha.


Important articles related to the Prime minister of India and President

Articles related to the Prime minister of India and President

Article

Description

Article 74

Deals with the Council of Ministers' power to aid and advise the president. This advice is not subject to court review.

Article 75

  • The Prime Minister is appointed by the president. 
  • Other ministers are appointed by the president on the Prime Minister's advice. 
  • Ministers serve at the president's pleasure. 
  • Ministers are individually responsible to the president and collectively responsible to Lok Sabha. 

Article 77

  • Executive actions on behalf of the President. 
  • The President formulates rules for the government.

Article 78

  • Prime Minister's duties: communication link between Council of Ministers and President. 
  • Advises president on appointments.


Important Facts about Indian Prime Ministers

Here are some facts about Indian Prime Ministers that are important for UPSC:

  • India has had 19 prime ministers since its independence in 1947.
  • The longest-serving prime minister was Jawaharlal Nehru. He served for 17 years and 286 days.
  • The shortest-serving prime minister was Charan Singh, who served for 208 days.
  • Indira Gandhi was the first woman to become prime minister of India. She served for a total of 16 years in two terms.
  • Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest person to become prime minister of India. He was 40 years old when he took office.
  • Narendra Modi is the current prime minister of India. He has been in office since 2014.

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