PRIME MINISTER

AND COUNCIL OF

MINISTERS

The President of India is a constitutional

executive head, the real executive authority of the

Union is exercised by the Prime Minister and his

Council of Ministers. India has adopted a cabinet

system of government. Article 74 of the

Constitution lays down that there shall be a

Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the

head to advice the President who shall in the

exercise of his functions act in accordance with

such advice. The office of the Prime Minister has

been created by the Constitution. The Prime

Minister is appointed by the President. Generally

the President has no choice in the appointment of

the Prime Minister and invites the leader of the

majority party in the Lok Sabha for this office.

QUALIFICATION APPOINTMENT

Must be a citizen of india

Must be member of either house of parliament

If he is not , he must become within six m0nth if his appointment

Leader of the majority party or one who enjoys the majority support in the Lok Sabha

Shall be appointed by the President in accordance wih the well- established parliamentary practice of inviting the leaders of the majority party in LokSabha

President has discretionary power when no party or coalition commandsa majority in the Lok Sabha to appoint PM

TERM The Prime Minister theoretically holds office

during the pleasure of the President. Actually

the Prime Minister stays in office as long as

he enjoys the confidence of the Parliament .

The normal term is five years but it is

automatically reduced if the house is

dissolved earlier.

POWER

1.LEGISLATIVE POWER

2.EXECUTIVE POWER

LEGISLATIVE POWERFixes the Programme of the Parliament

Makes Important Policy Statements in the Parliament

Defends the Policies of the Government in the Parliament

Director of Foreign Policy

Director of Indian Economy

Leader of the Lok Sabha

Recommends Dissolution of the Lok Sabha

EXECUTIVE POWER

Formation of Council of Ministers: appoints, removes and distributes portfolios to Ministers

Presides the Meetings of the Cabinet

Leader of the Council of Ministers

Prepares the list for various important appointments such as those of governors, judges of Supreme and High Court, members of UPSC, Election Commission, ambassadors and high Commissioners. These appointments are however made by the President

The Cabinet of ministers is a large body of Ministers

The Ministers of Cabinet rank are about 20 – 25 and they hold the charge of important departments

The Ministers of State hold independent charges of Ministries

The another category of ministers known as Deputy Ministers are attached to Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State

The cabinet meeting is only attended by the Ministers of Cabinet rank but if there is a need then the Ministers of state may also be invited for the meeting

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

A minister must be a member of either House of Parliament. If a person who is not a member of either House of Parliament is appointed a minister, he shall cease to be a minister after six months, unless in the meanwhile he manages to get elected to either of the two Houses. Ministers may be chosen from members of either House and a Minister who is a member of one House , has right to speak in and to take part in the proceedings of the other House though he has no right to vote in the House of which he is not member.

PRINCIPLES ON WHICH THE CABINET

SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS-

ACCOUNTYBILITY &

RESPONSIBILITY

Individual Responsibility of

Ministers

Role of the Prime Minister

CATEGORIES OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

The council of Ministers has three category of Ministers

The Cabinet Minister

The State Minister

The Deputy Minister

POWERS OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS EXECUTIVE POWER The Ministry exercises all the executive powers

All the departments of Government are under the control of the Ministers and it is is their responsibility to run the administration smoothly

The council of Ministers lays down the policy of the government and in light of that department work is carried out

The Council of ministers executes the decision taken by the Cabinet .They maintain order nd peace in the states

All the big and important appointments are made on the advice of the Council of Ministers

THANKS