Prime Minister of India, Powers, Functions & Constitutional Role

The Prime Minister of India is the de facto head of the Indian Government and wields real executive authority. This position plays a crucial role in Indian parliamentary democracy, influencing governance, policy decisions, and inter-institutional coordination. For UPSC aspirants, a deep understanding of the Prime Minister’s constitutional status, powers, and working style is vital for Prelims, GS Paper 2, and Essay papers.

Prime Minister of India Introduction

In India’s parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the chief executive authority. While the President is the nominal executive, the PM acts as the real head of the government. The PM is central to decision-making, coordination between ministries, and overall governance. This makes the position not only powerful but also accountable in a democracy. The office derives its strength from both constitutional provisions and democratic conventions.

Why is Indian Governance Called a ‘Prime Ministerial Government’?

India is often described as a Prime Ministerial form of government, not just parliamentary. This terminology is used because of the central and often dominant role played by the PM in the functioning of the executive and legislature. Especially during stable majority governments, the PM’s influence is vast and often overshadows other institutions.

Reasons for This Terminology:

• PM chairs the Cabinet and decides policy direction.
• Acts as the link between the President and the Cabinet.
• Commands majority in the Lok Sabha.
• Appoints or removes ministers and sets legislative priorities.
• Drives party strategy and election campaign.

Constitutional Provisions for the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister’s powers and role are not codified in a single article but are spread across various constitutional provisions and conventions. Articles 74, 75, and 78 are most relevant. The Constitution recognizes the PM as the keystone of the Indian executive structure.

Article	Provision
Article 74	Council of Ministers with PM to aid and advise the President
Article 75	PM appointed by the President; ministers hold office during President’s pleasure
Article 78	PM must communicate all Cabinet decisions to the President

• PM is mentioned only in passing but is the pivot of the entire executive machinery.
• Office is guided by constitutional conventions and parliamentary practices.
• The real influence lies in their control over the legislature and Council of Ministers.

Appointment of the Prime Minister

The PM is appointed by the President of India, but this is not a matter of presidential discretion. The President invites the leader of the majority party or alliance in the Lok Sabha to form the government. This ensures democratic legitimacy.

In Case of No Majority:

• President may invite the leader most likely to form a stable government.
• Confidence vote in Lok Sabha must follow.
• In hung parliaments, coalition dynamics and letters of support become crucial.

Oath, Term, and Salary

Upon appointment, the Prime Minister takes the Oath of Office and Secrecy as per the Third Schedule of the Constitution. There is no fixed tenure mentioned for the PM, unlike the President. The PM remains in office as long as they command the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

Key Details:

Aspect	Details
Oath	Administered by the President
Term	Not fixed; tenure depends on Lok Sabha confidence
Salary	As determined by Parliament; includes allowances, residence, staff, security

• Resignation is submitted to the President.
• No term limits on how many times a person can become PM.

Powers of the Prime Minister

The PM’s powers are comprehensive, making the office the most powerful in the Indian political structure. These powers can be broadly categorized into executive, legislative, political, and international roles.

1. Executive Powers

• Allocates portfolios among ministers.
• Chairs Cabinet and inter-ministerial meetings.
• Advises President on ministerial appointments and dismissals.
• Supervises administration through ministries.

2. Legislative Powers

• Leader of the Lok Sabha (if a member).
• Advises on summoning and dissolving the House.
• Plays a central role in policy statements and introduction of bills.
• Influences legislative agenda.

3. Political Powers

• Leader of the ruling party or coalition.
• Shapes party ideology, manifesto, and election strategy.
• Commands discipline within party and coalition.

4. Foreign Affairs & Defence

• Represents India in international platforms.
• Oversees national security and defence policy decisions.
• Conducts summits and bilateral meetings.

Functions and Responsibilities of the PM

The Prime Minister is the keystone in Indian polity. The office is central to governance, administrative leadership, and political management. It acts as the fulcrum between the legislature and the executive.

Main Functions:

• Coordinates work of all ministries.
• Ensures collective responsibility of Cabinet.
• Acts as link between President and Cabinet.
• Represents India on global forums.
• Initiates and monitors key welfare and development programs.
• Leads disaster response and crisis management.

Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers

The PM is the undisputed leader of the Council of Ministers. The strength of the CoM depends on the PM’s leadership, coordination, and ability to maintain unity.

Powers over CoM:

• Recommends appointment/dismissal of ministers.
• Allocates departments and monitors their performance.
• Enforces collective responsibility.
• Calls and chairs Cabinet meetings.
• Guides policy decisions taken by the Cabinet.

Prime Minister and the President

The relationship between the Prime Minister and President is based on Article 74 and 78. While the President is the constitutional head, the PM ensures the President acts on aid and advice of CoM.

Constitutional Dynamics:

• PM informs President about Cabinet decisions (Art. 78).
• Advises President on ordinances, bills, and dissolutions.
• Plays a key advisory role during National Emergencies.
• Maintains cordial and consultative relations with the President.

Prime Minister and Parliament

The PM is the Leader of the House (Lok Sabha) and is primarily responsible for defending the government’s policies in Parliament. Accountability to the legislature is a cornerstone of Indian democracy.

In this Role:

• Defends government policies and decisions.
• Answers questions and motions in Lok Sabha.
• Introduces bills, budgets, and resolutions.
• Ensures Cabinet aligns with Parliament’s confidence.
• Maintains order and ensures coordination with opposition.

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

The PMO is the administrative and policy nerve centre supporting the PM. It enhances the PM’s efficiency in decision-making and coordination.

Key Functions:

• Policy formulation and implementation monitoring.
• Coordination with ministries.
• Acts as link between PM and civil services.
• Manages public communication and feedback.
• Advises PM on strategic and national issues.

Prime Minister in International Relations

The PM is India’s foremost representative on the global stage. This role has grown with India’s global aspirations, diplomatic presence, and strategic alliances.

Roles:

• Attends international summits (G20, BRICS, UN).
• Negotiates treaties and agreements.
• Builds strategic relations with foreign leaders.
• Responds to global crises and positions India diplomatically.

Resignation, Removal, and Death of the PM

The Prime Minister can leave office by resigning, losing majority support, or due to demise. The Constitution ensures continuity and stability through convention and presidential discretion.

Resignation:

• Can resign voluntarily by submitting resignation to President.

Removal:

• Through a No-Confidence Motion in Lok Sabha.

Death:

• Cabinet recommends an interim PM.
• President may appoint caretaker PM till new leader is elected.
• Ensures continuity of governance.

Prime Minister and Inter-State Relations

The Prime Minister plays a vital role in maintaining Centre-State harmony and fostering cooperative federalism. Though federalism in India is tilted towards the Centre, the PM uses constitutional bodies like the Inter-State Council and NITI Aayog to facilitate consensus on national issues and resolve regional disputes.

Key Points:

• Inter-State Council (Article 263):
  Chaired by the PM; discusses Centre-State and inter-state matters, promotes coordination.

• NITI Aayog:
  PM as Chairperson ensures states’ participation in national planning, cooperative and competitive federalism.

• Crisis Coordination:
  PM leads meetings with Chief Ministers (e.g., COVID-19 lockdown strategy, vaccine rollout).

• GST Council (Art. 279A):
  Though chaired by the Finance Minister, the PM plays an indirect consensus-building role, ensuring fiscal federalism.

• Zonal Councils:
  PM guides their functioning through the Ministry of Home Affairs; key for regional integration.

Case Examples:

• GST Implementation (2017): PM facilitated political consensus among states for uniform taxation.

• COVID-19 Coordination: PM’s direct communication with states helped manage national-level lockdowns and relief.

• Cauvery Dispute Resolution: PM’s intervention supported negotiation beyond tribunal rulings.

Prime Minister and Role in Appointments to Constitutional Posts

The Prime Minister plays a central role in appointing key constitutional authorities by recommending names to the President. This includes posts like the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Election Commissioners, UPSC Chairperson, and Governors. These appointments are often made through high-powered committees, where the PM is either a chairperson or key member.

Key Appointments Involving PM:

• Governor of States: Recommended by the PM to the President.

• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): Appointed by President on PM’s advice.

• Election Commissioners: Appointed by the President, often based on PM’s recommendation (recent reforms propose selection via committee).

• UPSC Chairman & Members: Advised by PM in consultation with other authorities.

• Attorney General & Solicitor General: Appointed on advice of the PM and Law Ministry.

• Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) & CIC: PM chairs the selection committee.

• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): PM is part of the selection panel.

High-Powered Committees Involving the PM:

Issues with the Prime Minister’s Position and Suggested Reforms by Committees

The Prime Minister’s position in India is constitutionally robust but has seen significant centralization and personalization of power, especially in dominant-party regimes. This has triggered debates on the balance between collective cabinet responsibility and individual authority of the PM.

Key Issues with the Prime Minister’s Position:

1. Centralization of Power in PMO

   • The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has evolved from a coordinating body to a power hub, often overshadowing ministries.

   • Allegations of excessive bureaucratic control and political centralization in policy-making.

2. Weakening of Cabinet System

   • The principle of collective responsibility is sometimes undermined, with ministers having limited autonomy.

   • Major decisions (e.g., demonetization, foreign policy moves) often taken without wide cabinet consultation.

3. Politicization of Appointments

   • Allegations that appointments to constitutional posts and institutions (e.g., Governors, CAG, EC) are politically motivated.

4. Reduced Parliamentary Accountability

   • Use of ordinances, bypassing legislative debates, and weakening of Parliamentary standing committees.

5. Opaque Functioning of PMO

   • Limited transparency in PMO functioning, decision-making, and records management.

Suggested Measures by Committees & Commissions:

Way Forward

India’s Prime Minister plays a central role in ensuring democratic governance and executive accountability. As India evolves into a complex polity, the role of the PM must balance power with democratic values. Strong institutions, empowered civil services, and cooperative federalism are crucial for a sustainable democracy. Regular Parliamentary debates, transparency, and responsiveness to public aspirations will strengthen the institution of the Prime Minister and Indian democracy as a whole.

Prime Minister of India FAQs

Q1: What constitutional articles define the PM’s role?

Ans. Articles 74, 75, and 78.

Q2: Can a Rajya Sabha MP be Prime Minister?

Ans. Yes. As per constitutional provision.

Q3: What is the PMO?

Ans. It is the executive office supporting the Prime Minister in governance and administration.

Q4: What is collective responsibility?

Ans. Cabinet is collectively accountable to Lok Sabha for all government decisions.