Responsibilities and Powers of Prime Minister of India

The Prime Minister of India is the Head of the Government and Chief Advisor to the President of India. Also, the head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.

The Council of Minister is appointed by the President to assist the PM in the administrative affairs of the executive. The PM shall resign if he/she is unable to prove majority in the lower house when instructed by the President.

Roles and Responsibilities of the PM –

1. Link between the President and the council of ministers – The PM communicates to the President of the decisions taken by the ministers and to brief the President regarding the administration of the Union as called by the President.
2. Allocates Portfolio – PM allocates and distributes the work among the various ministries and departments through the Cabinet Secretariat.
3. In-charge of Ministries – The PM retains certain portfolios which are as follows
   1. Ministry of personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
   2. Ministry of Planning

• Department of Atomic Energy

1. Department of Space
2. Appointments Committee of Cabinet

4. Link between the Parliament and the Cabinet – He is the Chief Spokesperson of the Government in the Parliament along with the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha. Announcement of important policy decisions is his responsibility.
5. Official Representative – PM represents India in International Organisations, Various delegations and also addresses the nation during the time of emergency as well as on various occasions of national importance.
6. Makes major appointments – Although all major appointments (Governors, ambassadors, members of Public Service Commission et cetera) are made in the name of President, they are actually made by the PM. Some of the removals are also effected by him.

Powers and Authorities –

1. Head of the Government – All the important decision making bodies are under the supervision of the Prime Minister. Though the President heads the state, most of the executive decisions are made by the Prime Minister.
2. Leader of the Council of Ministers – The PM’s position in the Council of Ministers is that of ‘First among Equals’. In an event of death or resignation of a PM, the entire council of ministers has to resign. The PM can remove a minister by asking for his resignation or by having him dismissed by the President. If any difference of opinion arises between the Prime Minister and any other minister, the opinion of the Prime Minister prevails.
3. Leader of Parliament – PM can take part in debates in a House of which he is not a member of. He can also advise the President to dissolve Lok Sabha.

Facilities offered to the Prime Minister –

• Official residence: 7, Race Course Road or “Panchavati”
  • Personal staff Special Protection Group (SPG) who is responsible for his security
  • Prime Ministerial car (currently BMW 750i)
  • Exclusive aircraft (Air India One)