The Prime Minister of India holds a central role in the functioning of the executive branch of government. Their powers and functions span a wide range of areas:
In Relation to Council of Ministers:
- Appointment of Ministers: The Prime Minister recommends individuals to be appointed as ministers by the President. The President appoints only those recommended by the Prime Minister.
- Allocation and Reshuffling of Portfolios: The Prime Minister allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among the ministers.
- Dismissal of Ministers: In case of disagreement, the Prime Minister can ask a minister to resign or recommend to the President to dismiss the minister.
- Chair of Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister presides over council meetings, influencing decisions and guiding discussions.
- Coordination and Control: The Prime Minister directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
- Dissolution of Council: If the Prime Minister resigns or passes away, the council of ministers is automatically dissolved, leading to a vacuum. This does not apply to the resignation or death of any other minister.
In Relation to the President:
- Communication Channel: The Prime Minister is the principal channel of communication between the President and the council of ministers. The Prime Minister communicates decisions and proposals for legislation to the President.
- Advice and Information: The Prime Minister provides information and advice to the President as requested and submits decisions for council consideration as required.
- Appointment Recommendations: The Prime Minister advises the President on key appointments such as the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Election Commissioners, and more.
In Relation to Parliament:
- Leader of the Lower House: The Prime Minister serves as the leader of the Lok Sabha and plays a key role in its functioning.
- Summoning and Proroguing: The Prime Minister advises the President on summoning and proroguing sessions of Parliament.
- Dissolution of Lok Sabha: The Prime Minister can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha at any time.
- Government Policies: The Prime Minister announces government policies on the floor of the House.
Other Powers and Functions:
- Chairperson Roles: The Prime Minister chairs several important councils and bodies, such as the NITI Aayog, National Integration Council, and others.
- Foreign Policy: The Prime Minister plays a major role in shaping the country's foreign policy.
- Government Spokesperson: The Prime Minister serves as the chief spokesperson for the Union government.
- Crisis Management: The Prime Minister is the crisis manager-in-chief at the political level during emergencies.
- Public Engagement: As the leader of the nation, the Prime Minister engages with various sections of society across states and listens to their concerns.
- Party Leadership: The Prime Minister is the leader of the party in power and the political head of the services.
