Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Prime Minister of India

“The Prime Minister is the head of the government and the leader of the executive in India.”

Introduction

The Prime Minister (PM) of India is the chief executive of the Union government. He/she is the leader of the Council of Ministers and is responsible for running the government administration. The office is defined mainly under Articles 74, 75, and 78 of the Indian Constitution.

Appointment and Qualification

  • Appointed by the President of India.
  • Usually the leader of the party or coalition which has majority in the Lok Sabha.
  • Must be a member of either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
  • Minimum age: 25 years for Lok Sabha members; 30 years for Rajya Sabha members.

Powers and Functions

1. Executive Powers

  • Heads the Union Council of Ministers and allocates portfolios.
  • Advises the President on appointments (Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Election Commissioner, etc.).
  • Supervises the administration of various government departments.

2. Legislative Powers

  • Leader of the ruling party/coalition in Parliament.
  • Represents the government in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • Plays a key role in the formulation of policies and laws.

3. Diplomatic Powers

  • Represents India internationally.
  • Conducts foreign policy with other countries.

4. Military Powers

  • Head of the National Security Council.
  • Oversees defense policy and decisions.

Term and Removal

  • There is no fixed term; continues as long as he/she enjoys majority support in the Lok Sabha.
  • Can resign at any time.
  • Can be removed by a vote of no-confidence in Lok Sabha.
  • Ceases to be PM if he/she loses the majority or dissolves the Lok Sabha.

Relationship with President and Council of Ministers

The Prime Minister acts as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers. The PM advises the President and is responsible for communicating decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President.

Important Articles

  • Article 74: Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President
  • Article 75: Appointment and tenure of the Prime Minister and Ministers
  • Article 78: Duties of the Prime Minister
  • Article 83: Duration of Lok Sabha
  • Article 164: Chief Minister and other Ministers of States (for comparison)

Previous Year Questions

  • UPSC 2019: Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
  • The President of India.
  • SSC CGL 2020: What is the minimum age required to become the Prime Minister?
  • 25 years (if a Lok Sabha member) or 30 years (if a Rajya Sabha member).
  • HSSC 2021: Which Article of the Constitution deals with the appointment of the Prime Minister?
  • Article 75.
  • RRB NTPC 2018: What is the maximum term of the Prime Minister?
  • There is no fixed term; depends on Lok Sabha majority.
  • SSC JE 2017: Can the Prime Minister be a member of Rajya Sabha?
  • Yes, the PM can be from either House of Parliament.
  • UPSC 2020: Who can remove the Prime Minister from office?
  • Lok Sabha by passing a vote of no-confidence.
  • SSC GD 2019: What role does the Prime Minister play in the Parliament?
  • Leader of the ruling party and chief spokesperson in Parliament.
  • HPSC 2022: Who prescribes the duties of the Prime Minister?
  • Constitution of India, especially Articles 74, 75, and 78.
  • RRB Group D 2021: Which Article talks about the Prime Minister’s duty to communicate with the President?
  • Article 78.
  • SSC MTS 2018: What happens if the Prime Minister loses majority support in Lok Sabha?
  • He/she must resign or face removal through a no-confidence motion.
Did You Know? Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India and served for 17 years.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister is the linchpin of the Indian executive and plays a critical role in governance, policy-making, and political leadership. His/her support in the Lok Sabha determines the stability of the government and the success of legislative business.

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