Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

Prime Minister  and Council of Ministers

Prime Minister 

Prime Minister is the most important political institution in the country. The President appoints the Prime Minister(Article 75).The President appoints the leader of the majority party or the coalition of parties that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha, as Prime Minister.

In case no single party or alliance gets a majority, the President appoints the person most likely to secure a majority support.The Prime Minister does not have a fixed tenure. He continues in power so long as he remains the leader of the majority party or coalition.

After the appointment of the Prime Minister, the President appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.  The Ministers are usually from the party or the coalition that has the majority in the Lok Sabha.Sometimes, a person who is not a member of Parliament can also become a minister. But such a person has to get elected to one of the Houses of the Parliament within six months of appointment as minister.

Cabinet Ministers - are usually top-level leaders of the ruling party or parties who are in charge of the major ministries. Usually, the Cabinet Ministers meet to take decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers. Cabinet is thus the inner ring of the Council of Ministers. It comprises about 20 ministers.

Ministers of State with independent charge 

They are usually in-charge of smaller Ministries. They participate in the Cabinet meetings only when specially invited.

Ministers of State

They are attached to and required to assist Cabinet Ministers.

Powers of the Prime Minister

As head of the government, the Prime Minister has wide ranging powers. He chairs Cabinet meetings. He coordinates the work of different Departments. All ministers work under his leadership. He also has the power to dismiss ministers. When the Prime Minister quits, the entire ministry quits.

Article 78: It shall be the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President on all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Government and proposals for the legislation.

Q1.The Prime Minister of India is:

Ans:Appointed

Q2.No confidence motion against the Union Council of Ministers can be initiated in:

Ans:Lok Sabha

Q3.Who presides over the meeting of Council of Ministers:

Ans:Prime minister

Q4.Who is the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.

Ans:Prime Minister

Q5.What is the term of office of the Prime Minister:

Ans:Not fixed

Q6.Article 75 of our Constitution mention :

Ans:The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President.

Q7.Duties of prime minister as respects the furnishing of information to the president is mentioned in:

Ans:Article 78

Q8.Who has the power to dismiss ministers:

Ans:The P.M 

Q9.How other ministers are appointed:

Ans:The President appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Q10.Who allocates various portfolios among the Ministers.

Ans:Prime Minister

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