examine the power and position of the prime minister in relation with the president and the council of minister. 12 marks
Answers
Answer:
Article 75 of the Indian Constitution mentions that a Prime Minister is one who is appointed by the President. There is no specific procedure for his election or appointment. Article 74(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with a Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. Thus, the Indian Constitution itself recognizes a Council of Ministers. The topic, ‘Prime Minister & Council of Ministers’ is important for IAS Exam and its three stages – Prelims, Mains and Interview.
This article will mention in detail about Prime Minister and Council of Ministers who form an important part of the Union Executive.
Table of Contents:
Is Prime Minister of India elected or appointed?
Power and Function of Prime Minister
Prime Ministers of India List
Relationship between the Prime Minister and the President of India
Council of Ministers
Prime Minister & Council of Ministers – Indian Polity Notes:-
Is Prime Minister of India elected or appointed?
President of India appoints a person as the Prime Minister who is either the leader of the party which holds a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha or is a person who is able to win the confidence of the Lok Sabha by gaining the support of other political parties. All other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Note: President can also appoint Prime Minister on his own discretion but only when no party has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. To get the list of Prime Ministers of India, candidates can check the linked article.
Power and Function of Prime Minister
Prime Minister of India serves the country by following various functions. He performs his functions taking responsibilities as:
The leader of Country: The Prime Minister of India is the Head of the Government of India.
Portfolio allocation: The Prime Minister has the authority to assign portfolios to the Ministers.
Chairman of the Cabinet: The Prime Minister is the chairman of the cabinet and presides the meetings of the Cabinet. He can impose his decision if there is a crucial opinion difference among the members.
Official Representative of the country: Prime minister represents the country for high-level international meetings
The link between the President and the Cabinet: The Prime Minister acts as the link between President and cabinet. He communicates all decisions of the Cabinet to the President which is related to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
Head: The Prime Minister is the head of Nuclear Command Authority, NITI Aayog, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Chief Advisor: He acts as the chief advisor to the President
Like Prime Minister is the head of Union Parliament, the Chief Minister is the head of state parliament. Read more about the Chief Minister & Council of Ministers in the linked article
Who is eligible to be a Prime Minister?
To become an Indian prime minister one has to be
A citizen of India.
A member of either Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha
He should have completed his 30 years if he is a member of the Rajya Sabha or can be 25 years of age if he is a member of the Lok Sabha
Position of the Prime Minister
Right from the days of the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister is treated at a much higher pedestal. His preeminence rests on his commanding position in the Cabinet, coupled with fact that he is the leader of the majority party.
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