Chapter 19: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Introduction
In India’s Parliamentary system, the Prime Minister (PM) is the real executive authority.
While the President is the nominal head, the Prime Minister is the de facto head of the government.
The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, controls administration, and guides national policy.
Thus, PM is often called the “keystone of the Cabinet arch.”
Constitutional Provisions
- Articles 74 and 75 deal with Prime Minister and Council of Ministers:
- Article 74(1):
There shall be a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President.
- Article 74(1):
- Article 75(1):
Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President.
Appointment of the Prime Minister
- The President appoints the leader of the majority party (or coalition) in Lok Sabha as Prime Minister.
- If no clear majority:
- President can use discretion and appoint a person who can prove majority support on the floor of the House.
- After General Elections:
- Single party majority: Leader of that party appointed.
- Hung Parliament: President invites largest coalition/group.
Qualifications for Prime Minister
- Should be a citizen of India.
- Must be a member of either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
- If not a Member of Parliament at time of appointment:
- Must get elected/nominated to Parliament within 6 months.
Oath of Office
Administered by the President, the Prime Minister takes oath to:
- Bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution,
- Uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
- Faithfully discharge duties.
Term of the Prime Minister
- No fixed term.
- Holds office as long as enjoys the confidence of Lok Sabha.
- Can resign voluntarily or be removed if loses majority support.
Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister
1. In Relation to Council of Ministers
- Recommends names of ministers to the President.
- Allocates portfolios among ministers.
- Can ask ministers to resign or advise President to dismiss them.
- Leads the meetings of Cabinet and guides discussions.
2. In Relation to the President
- Acts as link between President and Council of Ministers.
- Communicates decisions of the Cabinet to the President (Art 78).
- Advises the President regarding:
- Summoning, proroguing sessions of Parliament,
- Dissolution of Lok Sabha,
- Appointment of important officials.
3. In Relation to Parliament
- Leader of the House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
- Advises President to summon or dissolve Parliament.
- Defends government policies in Parliament.
- Makes important policy statements.
4. Other Functions
- Represents the nation at international forums (e.g., G20, UN, etc.).
- Addresses the nation on important occasions.
- Leads government in times of crisis (wars, natural disasters).
Position of the Prime Minister
| Position | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Real Head | Unlike the President, who is nominal. |
| Leader of the Nation | PM shapes national and international policies. |
| Chief Advisor to President | Constitutionally mandatory under Article 74. |
| Chief Coordinator | Between different ministries, Centre and States. |
| Political Leader | Leader of ruling party/coalition. |
Thus, Prime Minister is the pivot of the entire government machinery.
Council of Ministers
Composition
Three categories:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Ministers | Senior ministers heading important ministries (e.g., Finance, Defence, Home). |
| Ministers of State (Independent Charge) | Handle specific departments without cabinet oversight. |
| Ministers of State (MoS) | Assist Cabinet Ministers in specific areas. |
Role of the Council of Ministers
- Formulate national policies.
- Implement government programs.
- Advise the President in the exercise of his/her functions.
- Ensure collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha.
Collective Responsibility (Article 75(3))
- Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha.
- If Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, entire Council must resign, including the Prime Minister.
“The Cabinet sinks or swims together.“
Individual Responsibility
- Each Minister is individually responsible for acts of their department.
- PM can demand resignation of any Minister.
Cabinet System of Government
- Cabinet is a smaller body within Council of Ministers — highest decision-making authority.
- All important decisions are taken by Cabinet and formally approved by Council of Ministers.
Difference Between Council of Ministers and Cabinet
| Feature | Council of Ministers | Cabinet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large body (60–70 members) | Small body (15–20 members) |
| Includes | All ministers | Only senior Cabinet ministers |
| Meetings | Rarely meets as a whole | Regularly meets and decides policy |
| Constitutional Status | Mentioned in Constitution | Not mentioned separately |
Resignation or Removal of Prime Minister
- Resigns voluntarily.
- Dies in office.
- No-confidence motion passed against him/her.
- Defeat of a major government bill in Parliament (sometimes treated as implicit no-confidence).
If Prime Minister resigns, entire Council of Ministers collapses automatically.
Important Prime Ministers of India
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru | Longest-serving PM (17 years), architect of modern India. |
| Indira Gandhi | First woman PM, Emergency (1975–77). |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Introduced Golden Quadrilateral Highway project. |
| Manmohan Singh | Economic reforms architect (1991), two-term PM. |
| Narendra Modi | Introduced GST, Surgical Strikes, Digital India. |
Recent Developments
- Growing importance of PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) in policy coordination.
- Concentration of power around PM (debates on “Presidentialization” of PM role).
- Enhanced international visibility of Indian PM (G20 presidency, UN engagements).
Conclusion
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are the real rulers in India’s Parliamentary democracy.
They represent popular will and ensure accountability through Parliament.
The effectiveness of governance in India depends largely on the leadership and coordination provided by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
“A strong and wise Prime Minister is the pivot on which rests the stability and progress of a Parliamentary democracy.“
Important Quick Facts for Prelims & Mains
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Articles for PM and Council | Art 74–75 |
| Collective Responsibility Article | Art 75(3) |
| Oath administered by | President |
| Minimum Age for PM | 25 years (Lok Sabha) or 30 years (Rajya Sabha) |
| First Woman PM | Indira Gandhi |
| Longest-serving PM | Jawaharlal Nehru |
Chapter 20: Cabinet Committees
Introduction
The Cabinet is too large a body to meet frequently and discuss every administrative issue in detail.
Hence, the Cabinet Committees are formed to reduce its workload.
Cabinet Committees are small groups of senior ministers that handle specific areas and report to the Cabinet.
Thus, they are instrumental in policymaking and improve governance efficiency.
Constitutional Status
- Not mentioned in the Constitution.
- Based on conventions of Parliamentary government.
- Empowered by Rules of Business under Article 77 of the Constitution.
Composition of Cabinet Committees
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Members | Senior Cabinet Ministers. |
| Headed by | Usually the Prime Minister or any senior minister. |
| Types | Two types: (1) Standing, (2) Ad hoc Committees. |
Types of Cabinet Committees
- Standing Committees
- Permanent in nature.
- Reconstituted from time to time.
- Example: Cabinet Committee on Security.
- Ad hoc Committees
- Temporary in nature.
- Created for specific tasks, disbanded after work is done.
- Example: Committee on Covid-19 management during pandemic.
Major Cabinet Committees (2024)
| Cabinet Committee | Functions |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) | Deals with Centre-State relations, economic and political issues. |
| Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) | Formulates economic policies, approves major projects, subsidies, etc. |
| Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) | Deals with national security, defense policy, and major foreign policy decisions. |
| Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs | Schedules government business in Parliament. |
| Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth | Fast-tracks clearances for major projects. |
| Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development | Focus on generating employment and enhancing skills. |
Detailed Study of Important Committees
1. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA)
- Called “Super Cabinet.”
- Handles major political and economic issues.
- Settles disputes between ministries.
Chairperson: Prime Minister.
2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
- Handles economic policy formulation.
- Approves proposals relating to foreign investment, industrial licensing, subsidies, etc.
- Key in deciding Budget allocations.
Chairperson: Prime Minister.
3. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
- Discusses national security, defense matters, internal security.
- Deals with nuclear policy, military operations, counter-terrorism strategies.
Chairperson: Prime Minister.
Members:
- Ministers of Defence, Home, Finance, External Affairs.
4. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
- Manages legislative business during Parliament sessions.
- Fixes dates for convening and proroguing Parliament.
- Decides President’s Address and official statements.
Chairperson: Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
5. Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth
- Fast-tracks approval of major projects to boost infrastructure and economy.
- Especially critical during post-COVID recovery phase.
Chairperson: Prime Minister.
Functions and Importance of Cabinet Committees
- Efficient Decision-Making:
Cabinet cannot handle all issues directly; committees handle specialized matters. - Speed and Expertise:
Small groups make quicker and better-informed decisions. - Coordination Between Ministries:
Helps avoid conflict and overlap of responsibilities. - Confidentiality:
Sensitive issues like defense, nuclear policy discussed only among selected ministers. - Relieves Cabinet Workload:
Only important matters go to the full Cabinet after committee recommendations.
Key Features of Cabinet Committees
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Flexible Membership | PM can change members anytime. |
| Secrecy | Discussions are confidential. |
| Prime Minister’s Dominance | PM heads key committees and can overrule. |
| Efficiency | Reduces unnecessary debates in full Cabinet. |
Recent Developments
- Creation of new committees like:
- Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development (2019).
- Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth (2019).
- Reconstitution of committees after every General Election (latest in 2019 after Modi 2.0 came to power).
Comparison: Cabinet vs Cabinet Committees
| Feature | Cabinet | Cabinet Committees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger body (25–30 members) | Smaller groups |
| Role | Final decision-making authority | Recommend decisions to Cabinet |
| Constitutional Mention | Mentioned | Not mentioned |
| Frequency of Meetings | Regular | As needed |
Conclusion
Cabinet Committees are powerful decision-making bodies that ensure specialized, quick, and coordinated action by the government.
Although they work behind the scenes, their decisions shape India’s policies and governance.
Thus, they are a vital component of the Parliamentary Executive system in India.
“Good governance depends on small, effective decision-making groups — Cabinet Committees are India’s answer to that.“
Important Quick Facts for Prelims & Mains
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Constitutional mention of Cabinet Committees | None |
| Head of Key Committees like CCS, CCEA, CCPA | Prime Minister |
| New Committees Created Recently | Investment and Growth, Employment and Skill Development |
| Super Cabinet Nickname for | Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs |