The Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers
Position of the Prime Minister
- Under the Parliamentary System of Government, the Prime Minister (PM) is the Real Executive and the Head of the Union Government.
- The PM occupies the most powerful constitutional position, exercising leadership over both the Executive and the Legislature.
- Generally, the Prime Minister is the Leader of the Majority Party (or Coalition) in the Lok Sabha.
Appointment of the Prime Minister
- The President appoints the Prime Minister.
- Other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister must:
- Be the Leader of the Majority Party/Coalition in the Lok Sabha, or
- Be capable of commanding the confidence of the House.
Head of the Council of Ministers
- The Prime Minister serves as the Head of the Council of Ministers.
- He/She directs the functioning of the Union Government and coordinates the work of all Ministers.
- The Prime Minister is the Leader of the House (usually the Lok Sabha).
Powers & Functions of the Prime Minister
1. Formation of the Council of Ministers
- Recommends the appointment of Ministers to the President.
- Advises the President regarding the dismissal of Ministers.
- Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, effectively on the advice of the Prime Minister.
2. Allocation of Portfolios
- Allocates Departments/Portfolios among Ministers.
- May reshuffle or reassign portfolios whenever necessary.
3. Coordination
- Coordinates and supervises the work of the Council of Ministers.
- Ensures collective functioning of the Cabinet and resolves inter-ministerial issues.
4. Link Between President & Council of Ministers
- Acts as the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
- Keeps the President informed regarding major government decisions and policies.
Council of Ministers
Cabinet Ministers
- Form the core decision-making body of the Government.
- Regularly participate in Cabinet Meetings.
Ministers of State
- Generally not members of the Cabinet.
- Attend Cabinet meetings only when specially invited.
Deputy Ministers
- Assist Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State in discharging their responsibilities.
- Do not attend Cabinet Meetings.
Salary & Allowances
- Ministers receive Salary and Allowances as determined by Parliament.
- They are also entitled to:
- Sumptuary Allowance
- Official Residence
- Other admissible facilities.
Membership of Parliament
- A person need not be a Member of Parliament at the time of appointment as Minister.
- However, such a person must become a Member of either House of Parliament within six months; otherwise, he/she ceases to be a Minister.
Responsibility
Collective Responsibility
- The Council of Ministers is Collectively Responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Individual Responsibility
- Every Minister is Individually Responsible to the President, as Ministers hold office during the President’s pleasure.
Participation in Parliament
- A Minister may participate in the proceedings of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- However, a Minister can vote only in the House of which he/she is a Member.
