Prime Minister Notes
The Prime Minister is the real executive authority in India and is the head
of the Council of Ministers, the chief advisor to the President, and the
leader of the Lok Sabha.
Articles Related to the Prime Minister
| Article |
Provision |
|
Article 74
|
Council of Ministers headed by PM to aid and advise the President
|
|
Article 75
|
Appointment, tenure, and responsibilities of PM and ministers
|
|
Article 78
|
Duties of PM regarding communication with the President
|
|
Article 85
|
President acts on the advice of PM to summon or dissolve Parliament
|
The PM is the de facto executive head, unlike the President who is the de
jure head.
Appointment of the Prime Minister
- Appointed by the President.
-
Generally: Leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
-
In Hung Parliament: President exercises discretion.
-
Examples:
-
1996: Atal Bihari Vajpayee invited as leader of the single largest
party.
-
2004: Dr. Manmohan Singh was chosen as PM despite not being Congress
President.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria |
Description |
|
Citizenship
|
Must be a citizen of India |
| Age |
Must be at least 25 years (for Lok Sabha) or 30 years (for Rajya
Sabha)
|
|
Parliament Membership
|
Must be a member of either House of Parliament
|
|
If not a Member
|
Must get elected/nominated to either House within 6 months
|
Role and Powers of the Prime Minister
A. Executive Powers
- Allocates portfolios among ministers.
- Chairs Cabinet meetings.
-
Acts as link between President and Council of Ministers.
- Supervises work of various ministries.
-
Advises the President on:
- Appointment of ministers
- Allocation of work
- Dismissal of ministers (if needed)
B. Legislative Powers
- Leader of the Lok Sabha (if from LS).
- Chief spokesperson of the government.
-
Advises President to summon or dissolve the Lok Sabha.
-
Recommends President to issue Ordinances.
C. Financial Powers
- Head of NITI Aayog.
-
Plays key role in shaping the Budget and economic policies.
D. Foreign Affairs
-
Represents India at global platforms like G20, UN, BRICS, etc.
-
Advises on foreign treaties and relations.
E. Crisis Manager
-
Leads during wars, disasters, pandemics, and emergencies.
-
Communicates with citizens and Parliament during crises.
Relationship with the President
|
Prime Minister
|
President |
|
De facto Head (real authority)
|
De jure Head (constitutional authority) |
|
Advises on most actions
|
Acts on PM’s advice (Article 74) |
|
Appoints ministers, judges, etc., on PM’s advice
|
Formally appoints officials based on advice
|
Key Takeaways for UPSC
|
Key Point
|
Explanation |
|
Real Executive
|
Prime Minister is the most powerful post in the Indian political
system.
|
|
Council of Ministers
|
He is the head of the CoM, and its functioning is dependent on him.
|
|
Binding Advice
|
President is bound by PM’s advice under Article 74.
|
|
Lok Sabha Majority
|
The PM must have the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
|
|
Collective Responsibility
|
Entire CoM is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha under
Article 75(3).
|
|
Discretionary Scenarios
|
President can appoint PM based on discretion in case of hung
Parliament.
|
Quick Revision Table
| Topic |
Summary |
| Articles |
74, 75, 78 (key ones) |
|
Appointed by
|
President |
|
Leader of
|
Majority party in Lok Sabha |
| Head of |
Council of Ministers |
|
Key Function
|
Runs the government, controls Cabinet, advises the President
|
|
Executive Role
|
Allocates portfolios, supervises ministers
|
|
Legislative Role
|
Advises dissolution, leader in Parliament
|
|
Financial Role
|
Budget decisions, heads NITI Aayog |
|
Emergency Role
|
Key leader during crises |
