The Prime Minister is the head of the government of India. While the President is the constitutional head of state, real executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. Here is how the office works.
How the Prime Minister is appointed
Article 75(1) of the Constitution says the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President. By convention, the President invites the leader of the party or coalition that has a majority in the Lok Sabha. If no party has a clear majority, the President uses discretion to invite the leader most likely to win a vote of confidence.
Who can become PM
- The PM must be a member of either House of Parliament.
- A person who is not an MP can be appointed, but must become a member within six months.
- Prime Ministers have come from the Rajya Sabha too, including Indira Gandhi in 1966 and Manmohan Singh.
Council of Ministers
- Other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- The 91st Amendment of 2003 limits the total number of ministers to 15 percent of the strength of the Lok Sabha.
- The Council includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with independent charge and Ministers of State.
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Key powers
- Chooses ministers and allocates portfolios.
- Chairs Cabinet meetings and guides policy.
- Advises the President on summoning and proroguing Parliament and on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
- Heads bodies like NITI Aayog and key Cabinet committees.
- Represents India in global diplomacy.
Duty to inform the President
Under Article 78, the PM must communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers about administration and proposals for laws, and give information the President asks for.
Accountability
Article 75(3) says the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the government loses a no confidence motion or a key vote, it must resign. This makes the PM answerable to elected representatives.
Term
There is no fixed term. The PM stays in office as long as the government enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Narendra Modi took oath for a third consecutive term on 9 June 2024.
The PMO
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) supports the PM in running the government and coordinating ministries.
Bottom line
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President but draws power from the Lok Sabha’s support. Leadership of the Cabinet makes the PM the most powerful office in India’s parliamentary system.
Source / स्रोत: Prime Minister’s Office, Constitution of India, Legislative Department, Cabinet Secretariat
