Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi surpassed Indira Gandhi’s record by serving 4,078 consecutive days as PM, becoming the second-longest serving Prime Minister in India’s history with an uninterrupted tenure across three Lok Sabha terms since 2014.
Description:
- The PM is the real executive head in the Indian parliamentary system.
- Article 74(1): Council of Ministers with the PM at the head to aid and advise the President.
- Article 75: CoM appointed by the President on PM’s advice.
- Other ministers function under the PM’s leadership → hence termed “Prime Ministerial Government.”
Constitutional Provisions Related to PM:
| Article | Provision |
| Article 74(1) | CoM with the PM to aid and advise the President. |
| Article 75(1) | President appoints PM; other Ministers on PM’s advice. |
| Article 75(2) | PM holds office during pleasure of President. |
| Article 75(3) | CoM is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha. |
| Article 84(2) | PM must be an Indian citizen & a member of either House of Parliament. |
Appointment of PM:
- Constitution silent on specific procedure.
- The President appoints the leader of majority in Lok Sabha.
- In case of no clear majority, the President uses discretion → the leader of the largest party/coalition is appointed & asked to prove majority.
Oath, Term, and Salary:
- Oath: Administered by the President (to uphold the Constitution, integrity of India, etc.).
- Term: No fixed term; continues as long as they have majority support in Lok Sabha.
- Salary: Decided by Parliament; includes MP salary + housing, travel, medical, and allowances.
Powers of the Prime Minister:
- Executive Powers:
- Head of Union CoM; coordinates ministries.
- Chairs Cabinet meetings.
- Legislative Powers:
- Advises President on summoning/dissolving Lok Sabha.
- Announces government policies in Parliament.
- Diplomatic Powers:
- Represents India globally; handles international relations.
- Emergency Powers:
- Advises President during National Emergency.
- Appointment Powers:
- Recommends key appointments (Governors, CAG, AGI, UPSC, EC, etc.).
- Financial Powers:
- Overall responsibility of economic & budgetary management.
Functions & Responsibilities:
- With CoM:
- Recommends ministers to President.
- Allocates/reallocates portfolios.
- Can request the minister’s resignation or dismissal.
- Coordinates ministry functions.
- With President:
- Acts as the chief link between President & CoM.
- Informs the President about Cabinet decisions.
- Recommends appointments.
- With Parliament:
- Leader of Lok Sabha.
- Advises on summoning & proroguing sessions.
- Can recommend dissolution of Lok Sabha.
- Others:
- Chair of NITI Aayog, NIC, Inter-State Council, etc.
- Chief spokesperson & political head during crises.
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