The Power and Influence of the Prime Minister: Roles, Responsibilities, and Constitutional Provisions

Introduction

Prime Minister serving as the head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the ruling party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister plays an important role in the formulation and implementation of government policies, administration, and decision-making processes.  With considerable authority and responsibility, the Prime Minister wields significant influence in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of India.

In the scheme of the Parliamentary system of government:

• President: Nominal executive authority (de-jure executive).
• Prime Minister: Real executive authority (de-facto executive).

Constitutional Framework: Appointment, Responsibilities, and Powers of the Prime Minister in India

Prime Ministerial Authority: Powers and Functions in India’s Executive Structure

• Article 74: Council of Ministers with the PM as the head to aid and advise the President on the exercise of his functions.
• Article 75: Other ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the PM. 
• Collective Responsibility: All ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President and shall be collectively responsible to the House of People of the state. [UPSC 2013]
  • Resignation or Death of the PM automatically dissolves the council of ministers.
• In Relation to the Council of Ministers
  • Ministerial Appointments: Recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the President. 
  • Portfolio Allocation: Allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among the ministers.
  • Dismissal or Resignation of Ministers: Can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him in case of a difference of opinion.
  • Presides over the meeting of COM and influences its decisions.
  • Guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
  • Can bring about the collapse of the COM by resigning from office.
  • The resignation or death of any other minister, on the other hand, merely creates a vacancy which the Prime Minister may or may not like to fill.

Prime Minister’s Additional Authorities: Facilitating Governance, Parliament Relations, and National Leadership

• In Relation to the President
  • Principal channel of communication between the President and the council of ministers [UPSC 2013]
  • Advises the president with regard to the appointment of important officials like the attorney general of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, chairman and members of the UPSC, election commissioners, chairman and members of the finance commission.
• In Relation to Parliament: Advises the President about summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the Parliament; recommend dissolution of the LS to the President at any time; announces government policies on the floor of the House.
• Other Powers & Functions: Chairman of the NITI Ayog, NIC, Inter State Council, National Water Resources Council and some other bodies; Significant role in shaping the foreign policy of the country; Chief spokesman of the Union government; Crisis manager-in-chief at the political level during emergencies; Leader of the party in power; Political head of the services.

Relation of PM with the President

• Article 74: There shall be a CoM with the PM as the head to aid and advise the president who shall, in the exercise of his/ her functions, act in accordance with such advice. 
  • However, the President may require the council of ministers to reconsider such advice and the President shall act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.
• Article 75:  The PM shall be appointed by the President and other ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the PM.
  • The ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President ; and  
  • The CoM shall be collectively responsible to the LS. 
• Duties of PM/CM (Article 78/167): It shall be the duty of the PM: to communicate to the President of the state all decisions of the CoM relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation; 
  • To furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation as the President may call for; 
  • If the President so requires, to submit for the consideration of the CoM any matter on which a decision has been taken by a  minister but which has not been considered by the council.

Conclusion

• The role of a Prime Minister is crucial in guiding a nation’s governance, representing its interests domestically and internationally, and steering policy decisions. 
• They wield significant power and responsibility, often serving as the face of the government. Effective leadership, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes are essential traits for success in this position. 
• Ultimately, the Prime Minister plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and trajectory of a country.

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