The Prime Minister of India is the most senior member of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. The prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. The Prime Minister of India is the presiding member and chairman of the cabinet and is responsible for bringing proposal of legislation. A Prime Minister of India is the official who is appointed to manage the Civil Service and execute the directives of the head of state.
The Prime Minister of India is appointed by the President to assist the latter in the administration of the affairs of the executive. The Prime Minister of India is the presiding and actual head of the government and head of the executive branch. The head of state’s official representative usually holds a largely ceremonial position, although often with reserve powers.
Must Read: Well Known Prime Ministers of India
The term prime minister in the sense that we know it originated in the 18th century in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister’s executive office is usually called the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister of India is expected to become a member of parliament within six months of beginning their tenure, if they are not a member already. They are expected to work with other ministers to ensure the passage of bills through the legislature.
Some specific ministries/department are not allocated to anyone in the cabinet but the prime minister himself. The Prime Minister of India is usually always in-charge of:
- Appointments of the Cabinet
- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
- Ministry of Planning
- Department of Atomic Energy and
- Department of Space
Also Read: Prime Ministers of India – On a Timeline
The prime minister leads the functioning and exercise of authority of the Government. He is invited by the President in the Parliament as leader of the majority party to form a government at the federal level and exercise its powers. The prime minister nominates the members of their Council of Ministers to the president. They also work upon to decide a core group of Ministers as in-charge of the important functions and ministries of the Government.
The Prime Minister of India is responsible for aiding and advising the president in distribution of work of the Government. The prime minister, in consultation with the Cabinet, schedules and attends the sessions of the Houses of Parliament and is required to answer the question from the Members of Parliament to them as the in-charge of the portfolios.
The Prime Minister of India represents the country in various delegations, high level meetings and international organisations that require the attendance of the highest government office and also addresses to the nation on various issues of national or other importance.
Don’t Miss: The President’s Power to Pass Ordinance