The Prime Minister of India: Powers, Functions & Constitutional Role
Introduction
The Prime Minister (PM) is the real executive head of India, while the President is the nominal head. The PM is the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha and heads the Council of Ministers (CoM).
Constitutional Basis: Articles 74-75 & 78 of the Indian Constitution.
Appointment & Tenure
- Appointment: The President appoints the PM (usually the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha).
Article 75(1): The PM is appointed by the President.
- Oath: Administered by the President (as per Third Schedule).
- Term: Holds office during the pleasure of the President (but must have Lok Sabha majority).
Article 75(2): Ministers hold office at the President’s pleasure.
- Resignation/Removal: If the PM loses majority support in Lok Sabha, they must resign.
Powers & Functions of the Prime Minister
1. Head of the Council of Ministers
- Recommends ministers to the President and allocates portfolios.
Article 75(1): PM advises the President on ministerial appointments.
- Can reshuffle or dismiss ministers.
- Presides over Cabinet meetings.
Article 78: PM communicates all decisions of the CoM to the President.
2. Leader of Lok Sabha
- Chief spokesperson of the government in Parliament.
- Guides legislative agenda and policy decisions.
3. Link Between President & Council of Ministers
4. Chief Advisor to the President
- Advises the President on key appointments (e.g., CAG, Attorney General, CEC).
5. Foreign Policy & Defense
- Represents India in international forums.
- Heads the Nuclear Command Authority.
6. Crisis Manager
- Chairs the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- Leads during emergencies (e.g., war, financial crisis).
Constitutional & Legal Provisions
| Article/Rule |
Provision |
| Article 74 |
Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President (headed by PM) |
| Article 75 |
Appointment, tenure, and responsibilities of PM & Ministers |
| Article 78 |
PM’s duty to inform the President |
| Article 352-360 |
PM’s role in emergencies (National, President’s Rule, Financial) |
Special Powers & UPSC Must-Know Facts
- The PM can be from either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha (but usually from Lok Sabha).
Example: Indira Gandhi (1966-77, 1980-84), Manmohan Singh (2004-14).
- The PM’s Office (PMO) is an extra-constitutional body that assists in decision-making.
- The PM chairs key committees:
- NITI Aayog (replaced Planning Commission)
- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
- First PM of India: Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964).
- Longest-serving PM: Jawaharlal Nehru (16 years, 286 days).
- Shortest-serving PM: Gulzarilal Nanda (13 days, interim PM).
Comparison with President
- President: Nominal head (Article 52).
- PM: Real executive head (Article 74).
- President acts on PM’s advice (except in hung Parliament).
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