Introduction:
The Prime Minister of India is the most important pillar of the Union Government. While the President is the head of the state, the Prime Minister is the head of government. According to the Constitution, real executive powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, not by the President. This system is borrowed from the British Parliamentary model.
For
students preparing for SSC, UPSC, or Railway exams, understanding the powers,
functions, and constitutional articles related to the Prime Minister and
the Council of Ministers is crucial. In this article, we will explain
everything in simple words with examples and articles so that you
can easily revise and remember.
Prime Minister of India – Articles & Appointment
· Article 74 – Provides that there shall be a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President.
· Article 75 – Deals with the appointment, tenure, and responsibilities of the Prime Minister and Ministers.
Appointment Process:
· The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India.
· By convention, the President appoints the leader of the party (or coalition) which has a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Example:
· In 2014 and 2019, Narendra Modi was appointed as the Prime Minister since the BJP got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.
Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister
1. Leader of the Union Cabinet
The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers.
He decides the agenda of cabinet meetings.
Example: PM chairs
cabinet meetings on budget, defense, or international relations.
2. Link between President and Council of Ministers (Article 78)
PM communicates all cabinet decisions to the President.
Example: PM
informs the President about the government’s decisions like passing bills or
signing treaties.
3. Leader of the Lok Sabha
Even though the Speaker conducts sessions, the Prime Minister plays a key role in policy presentation.
Example: PM
introduces important bills like GST Bill in Lok Sabha
through his cabinet.
4. Head of the Government
The Prime Minister represents the government both in India and abroad.
Example: PM
represents India in United Nations meetings and G20
Summits.
5. Power of Appointment
PM recommends names of ministers to the President.
PM
also plays a role in appointing Governors, judges, and ambassadors.
6. Emergency Powers
In case of national emergency (Article 352), PM becomes the most powerful decision-maker.
Example:
During wars or crises, PM chairs emergency cabinet committees.
Council of Ministers – Articles & Composition
· Article 74 & 75 – Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister.
· Maximum Strength: 15% of total members of Lok Sabha (91st Amendment).
Three Categories of Ministers
1. Cabinet Ministers
o Senior ministers heading important departments like Finance, Home, Defence.
o Example: Finance Minister presents the
Union
Budget.
2. Ministers of State (Independent Charge)
o They head specific ministries but are not part of the Cabinet.
o Example: Minister of State (IC) for
Youth Affairs.
3. Ministers of State (Attached to Cabinet Minister)
o They assist Cabinet Ministers in their departments.
Collective Responsibility – Article 75(3)
· The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
· If Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the entire Council including the PM must resign.
· Example: In 1979, PM Morarji Desai resigned after losing majority support.
Individual Responsibility – Article 75(2)
· Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, but in reality, on advice of PM.
· PM can ask any minister to resign if he/she loses confidence.
Important Articles Related to Prime
Minister & Council of Ministers
|
Article |
Provision |
Example/Explanation |
|
Article 74 |
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. |
PM + Council guides President in all executive decisions. |
|
Article 75(1) |
PM is appointed by the President; other ministers are appointed on advice of PM. |
In 2019, PM Narendra Modi was appointed by President Ram Nath Kovind. |
|
Article 75(2) |
Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President. |
In reality, PM can ask a minister to resign. |
|
Article 75(3) |
Collective responsibility of Council of Ministers to Lok Sabha. |
If Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, entire Council resigns. |
|
Article 75(4) |
Ministers take oath of office & secrecy before the President. |
Example: Oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. |
|
Article 78 |
Duties of PM: Inform President of cabinet decisions, furnish info, and submit matters for consideration. |
PM briefs President about government policies. |
List of Cabinet Ministers of India:
|
Cabinet Minister |
Portfolio (Ministry) |
|
Narendra Modi |
Prime Minister; Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; all important policy issues |
|
Rajnath Singh |
Defence |
|
Amit Shah |
Home Affairs & Cooperation |
|
Nitin Jairam Gadkari |
Road Transport & Highways |
|
Jagat Prakash Nadda |
Health & Family Welfare |
|
Nirmala Sitharaman |
Finance & Corporate Affairs |
|
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar |
External Affairs |
|
Piyush Goyal |
Commerce & Industry |
|
Dharmendra Pradhan |
Education |
|
Mansukh Mandaviya |
Chemicals & Fertilizers |
|
Narendra Singh Tomar |
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
|
Hardeep Singh Puri |
Petroleum & Natural Gas; Housing & Urban Affairs |
|
Bhupender Yadav |
Environment, Forest & Climate Change; Labour & Employment |
|
Anurag Thakur |
Information & Broadcasting; Youth Affairs & Sports |
|
Ashwini Vaishnaw |
Railways; Electronics & Information Technology; Communications |
|
Kiren Rijiju |
Parliamentary Affairs; Minority Affairs |
|
Smriti Irani |
Women & Child Development |
|
Sarbananda Sonowal |
Ports, Shipping & Waterways; AYUSH |
|
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat |
Jal Shakti |
|
Pralhad Joshi |
Coal & Mines |
(Note: This
list is updated as of 12th September 2025; however, portfolios may change due
to cabinet reshuffles. Students should always check official updates before
exams.)
Chemistry One Liners | One Liner Chemistry Questions | Chemistry Questions for All Exams| Part - 3.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are the real executive authorities in India. While the President is the constitutional head, the Prime Minister drives policies, governance, and administration.
Attempt MCQ Quiz:
|
Attempt Quiz 1 |
|
|
Attempt Quiz 2 |
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