Role of Prime Minister of India: Constitutional Powers and Key Contributions- (Part 02)

The role of the Prime Minister of India is pivotal in shaping the nation’s governance and policy. Various scholars have described this position using distinct metaphors, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s central authority within the government. This article explores the responsibilities, historical context, and significant contributions of the Prime Minister and their office, alongside notable facts and constitutional provisions.

The Prime Minister of India: Roles, Powers and Historical Context

Description of The Role of Prime Minister by Various Scholars

Various perspectives from notable figures shed light on the role of the Prime Minister in the British parliamentary system.

• Sir William Vernor Harcourt depicted the Prime Minister as ‘inter stellas luna minores,’ drawing a metaphor of a moon among lesser stars. 
• Ivor Jennings viewed the Prime Minister as a ‘sun around which planets revolve,’ underscoring their pivotal role in the constitution.
• Lord Morley characterized the Prime Minister as ‘primus inter pares’ and the ‘keystone of the cabinet arch,’ emphasizing their exceptional authority. 
• Herbert Morrison acknowledged the Prime Minister as ‘primus inter pares’ but suggested a need for a more robust appreciation of their position.
• Observers like R.H. Crossman noted the transformation of cabinet government into Prime Ministerial government, while Humphrey Berkely pointed out the super-ministerial powers of the Prime Minister, suggesting a collapse of parliamentary democracy at Westminster. This description resonates in the Indian context as well.

About the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

• Role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO): In India, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) functions as the administrative entity that supports the Prime Minister in the management of the Government of India and the execution of constitutional, executive, and administrative responsibilities.
• Coordination of Operations: The PMO is tasked with coordinating the operations of various departments and ministries within the Government of India, offering counsel to the Prime Minister on a diverse array of policy and administrative matters.
• Advisory Role: The head of the PMO is the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, leading a team of other senior officials who aid the Prime Minister in the fulfillment of his/her duties.
• Departments and Organizations Under PMO: Several departments and organizations fall under the jurisdiction of the PMO, including:
• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• Department of Space (DoS)
• National Security Council (NSC)

Prime Ministerial Funds

The Prime Minister oversees various funds that serve distinct purposes.

Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

• Establishment of PMNRF: Established in 1948 by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, the PMNRF initially assisted displaced people from Pakistan. 
• Current Focus: Today, its primary focus is on aiding families affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, cyclones, and floods. 
• Medical Support: Additionally, it provides secondary support for reimbursing medical expenses related to chronic and deadly diseases. 
• Tax Deductibility: Donations to the PMNRF are 100% tax-deductible under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

National Defence Fund

• Establishment: This fund was established by the Indian government in 1962 in the aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. 
• Leadership Structure: The Fund is chaired by the Prime Minister. 
  • The fund’s executive committee includes the ministers of defence, finance, and home, with the finance minister also serving as the treasurer.
• Administrative Oversight: A joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, specializing in NDF matters, acts as the secretary. 
• Funding Sources: The fund relies entirely on voluntary contributions from the public, without any budgetary support. 
• Tax Deductibility: Contributions to the NDF are 100% tax-deductible under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM Cares Fund)

• Establishment: In response to the rapid global spread of the COVID-19 virus in March 2020, 
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the PM Cares Fund. 
• Nature and Purpose of the Fund: This is a fully voluntary fund, without government budgetary support and was designed to address various emergency and distress situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Post of Deputy Prime Minister of India

• Constitutional Status: The position of Deputy Prime Minister in India lacks formal constitutional status and is not explicitly mentioned in any article of the Constitution or parliamentary legislation. 
• Informal Designation: Throughout history, different governments have informally designated a senior minister as the Deputy Prime Minister. 
• Responsibilities: The Deputy Prime Minister assumes the responsibilities of representing the government in the Prime Minister’s absence. 
• Purpose of Appointment: Generally, the appointment of Deputy Prime Ministers aims to fortify coalition governments. 
• Historical Context: Vallabhbhai Patel, who also served as the Home Minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet, was the first holder of this position.

Some facts about Prime Ministers of India

Chief Ministers who later became Prime Ministers

List of Prime Ministers of India

Important articles related to Prime Minister of India

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Prime Minister of India serves as a crucial leader in both domestic and international spheres. 

• Their authority is underscored by various constitutional articles and historical precedents, highlighting the evolution of this role over time. 
• Understanding these aspects provides valuable insight into the functioning of India’s democratic framework and the importance of effective leadership.

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