Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers

Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers

In a parliamentary system of Government, the Prime Minister occupies a unique position as the most powerful function that controls both the Parliament and the Executive.

Prime Ministers of India

Notes on Prime Ministers

Prime Ministers defeated by a vote of no confidence:

• V.P. Singh in 1990

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1996 (defeated by only one vote)

• H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997

Prime Ministers who died in office:

• Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964

• Lal Bahadur Shastri in January 1966 (in Tashkent)

• Mrs. Indira Gandhi on 31st October, 1984

Other notable facts:

• Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India.

• Jawaharlal Nehru had the longest tenure as the Prime Minister (16 years, 9 months, 12 days).

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister for the shortest period of 13 days.

• V.P. Singh was the first Prime Minister to lose the confidence of the House.

• Jagjivan Ram has the record for remaining in the Central Cabinet for the longest period (32 years).

Rajya Sabha Members Who Became Prime Minister

Appointment and Powers of the Prime Minister

• The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.

• Other ministers are appointed and/or dismissed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

• The Prime Minister must be the leader of the party in the majority in the Lok Sabha or a person who can win the confidence of the majority in that House.

  • Prime Minister + Cabinet Ministers = The Council of Ministers.

Types of Ministers

1. Cabinet Minister

2. Minister of State

3. Deputy Minister

Role and Responsibilities of the Prime Minister

• Head of the Council of Ministers, thus the head of the Government.

• Leader of his/her party or coalition of parties in Parliament and usually the Leader of the Popular House.

• Enjoys large powers of patronage. All ministers are appointed at his/her recommendation and stand dismissed at his/her demand.

• Allots work among ministers and can change their portfolios at will.

• Acts as the channel of communication between the Council of Ministers and the President.

Salaries and Privileges of Ministers

• Ministers get salaries and allowances payable to members of parliament.

• Receive a sumptuary allowance at a varying scale and a residence, free of rent.

• Cabinet Ministers attend meetings of the Cabinet.

• Ministers of State are not members of the Cabinet but can attend Cabinet Meetings if invited.

• Deputy Ministers assist the Minister in the discharge of duties and do not take part in Cabinet meetings.

• Non-MPs can be appointed as Ministers but must secure a seat in either House of Parliament within 6 months.

Responsibility of Ministers

• Ministers are collectively responsible to the legislature but individually responsible to the President.

• Ministers can take part in the proceedings of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but can vote only in the House they are members of.

Final Thoughts

The Prime Minister of India holds a unique and powerful position in the parliamentary system, acting as the link between the Executive and the Parliament. As the head of the Government and leader of the ruling party or coalition, the PM enjoys significant powers of appointment, portfolio allocation, and decision-making.

The Council of Ministers, led by the PM, functions collectively to implement policies, yet each minister remains individually responsible. Over time, India has witnessed Prime Ministers with long tenures, like Jawaharlal Nehru, and short-lived terms, like Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The PM’s role is not only administrative but also political, shaping the country’s direction through leadership and vision. The office reflects the essence of democratic governance, balancing authority with accountability.

Understanding this role provides insight into how India’s parliamentary democracy functions effectively.