APPSCGROUPTIMES: THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA

Sunday 24 June 2012

Overview

The Prime Minister is the head of government and the head of the Council of Ministers
The PM is responsible for the discharge of functions and powers of the President
The PM must be a member of either House of Parliament, or be elected within 6 months of taking office

ELECTION TO OFFICE

Appointment

The Prime Minister is appointed by the President on the basis of his being the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha
If no party gets an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha or a PM resigns or dies, the President can use his own discretion in the choice of a Prime Minister
If the person the President so appoints is not a member of the Lok Sabha, he must get himself elected within a period of 6 months

Conditions of service

The Prime Minister serves in office for 5 years
He can be re-appointed
When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, he can continue in office upon the request of the President
If the government is defeated in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister and entire cabinet must resign
However, if defeated in the Rajya Sabha, resignation is not obligatory

FUNCTIONS OF THE PRIME MINISTER

1. Legislative functions

1. He is the leader of the majority in the Lok Sabha

2. The President convenes and prorogues sessions of Parliament in consultation with the PM

3. Can recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President

4. All members of the Cabinet are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the PM

2. Administrative functions

1. Acts as the chief channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers

2. Allocates portfolios among various ministers and shuffles them

3. Presides over meetings of the Council of Ministers

4. Supervises the working of other Ministers

3. Executive functions

1. Represents the country internationally

2. Acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Planning Commission

3. Has exclusive jurisdiction over the disposal of the PM’s National Relief Fund and the PM’s National Defence Fund

4. Advisory functions

1. Assists the President in the appointment of all high officials

2. Recommends to the President proclamation of emergency

3. Advices the President on the imposition of President’s Rule

APPSCGROUPTIMES