Prime Minister of India

In India, the Prime Minister is the chief of the government and holds significant power as the head of the nation. Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister is typically the leader of the party or coalition with the majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. The Prime Minister is responsible for the administration of the government and acts as the primary spokesperson for its policies.

According to Article 75, the President appoints the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. Article 74(1) mandates that the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, which assists and advises the President. Due to the importance and centrality of the Prime Minister’s role in India’s parliamentary system, the governance structure is often referred to as a ‘Prime Ministerial Government.’

Constitutional Provisions Regarding the Office of the Prime Minister

Some key articles related to the Prime Minister’s role include:

• Article 75(1): The President appoints the Prime Minister, who commands the majority support in the Lok Sabha.
  
• Article 75(1): The President appoints the other Ministers based on the Prime Minister’s recommendations.
  
• Article 75(1): The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers.
  
• Article 75(3): The Prime Minister holds office at the President’s pleasure but must have the Lok Sabha’s confidence.
  
• Article 84(2): The Prime Minister must be a citizen of India and a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
  

Appointment of the Prime Minister

The Constitution doesn’t outline a specific process for appointing the Prime Minister, but Article 75 grants the President the authority to appoint the Prime Minister. The President generally chooses the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha. In cases where no party has an outright majority, the President may use their discretion, typically appointing the leader of the largest party or coalition and asking them to prove their majority in the House within a month.

Oath, Term, and Salary

Oath: Before taking office, the Prime Minister swears an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India, pledging to uphold the country’s sovereignty, integrity, and laws, without bias.

Term: The Prime Minister serves at the pleasure of the President, with no fixed term. However, the Prime Minister cannot be dismissed as long as they maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha. If they lose this support, they must resign, or the President may remove them.

Salary: The Prime Minister’s salary and benefits, set by Parliament, include the standard pay of a Member of Parliament, along with additional perks such as allowances for travel, housing, and healthcare.

Powers of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister’s powers are vast and include:

• Executive Powers: The Prime Minister heads the Union Council of Ministers and oversees the administration. They also preside over Cabinet meetings and coordinate the activities of ministries and departments.
  
• Legislative Powers: As a member of Parliament, the Prime Minister participates in legislative affairs and advises the President on summoning and proroguing Parliament.
  
• Diplomatic Powers: The Prime Minister represents India globally and manages international relations, including conducting negotiations and receiving foreign diplomats.
  
• Emergency Powers: In times of crisis, the Prime Minister advises the President on national security measures.
  
• Appointment Powers: The Prime Minister advises the President on important appointments, including key judicial and administrative posts.
  
• Financial Powers: The Prime Minister plays a central role in the economic management of the country and oversees the presentation of the annual budget to Parliament.

Functions and Responsibilities of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the leader of the Union Council of Ministers and plays a vital role in government administration. Their key functions and responsibilities include:

• Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister recommends appointments of ministers to the President, allocates portfolios, and may request the resignation of ministers if needed. They preside over Cabinet meetings and guide government decision-making.
  
• President: The Prime Minister acts as the primary communication channel between the President and the Council of Ministers. They inform the President about decisions related to Union administration and advise on key appointments.
  
• Parliament: As the leader of the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister advises the President on summoning and proroguing Parliament sessions and recommends the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
  
• Other Functions: The Prime Minister also shapes India’s foreign policy, serves as the chief spokesperson of the government, manages political crises, and meets with citizens across the country to address issues.

The Role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is the administrative body that assists the Prime Minister in carrying out their duties. The PMO coordinates the work of various government departments, offers policy advice, and ensures the smooth functioning of government affairs. It is headed by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and comprises senior officials who support the Prime Minister’s functions.

Some key bodies and departments under the PMO’s purview include:

• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
  
• Department of Space (DoS)
  
• National Security Council (NSC)