The Prime Minister of India has significant powers and control in this position. According to the mentioned details in the constitution of India, the position of the Prime Minister holds control over the decisions and activities more than the President. The Prime Minister is also the head of the advisory body of the council minister serving the President. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, and the advises the President to choose the council minister for variable segments and departments of the political system. In the constitution of India, the specific articles and amendments mention the appointment process, eligibility, and powers of the Prime minister.

Appointment Of The Prime Minister: 

There are special constitutional provisions for the appointment procedure of the Prime Minister of India. The appointment process is regulated under the supervision of the President to govern the nation with majority members of their political party in the Lok Sabha. Let’s have a look at specific features related to the appointment of the Prime Minister mentioned in the constitution of India:

  • The Prime Minister of India will permanently be appointed by the President of India. 
  • The President holds the charge to invite the leader of the majority party holding position of the Lok Sabha membership.
  • When none of the political parties hold majority votes for the Lok Sabha membership, the then-President can use their discretionary powers to appoint the Prime Minister. 
  • The President invites the coalition leader or largest political party to collect the vote of confidence from the Lok Sabha members and command support of two or more parties. The tenure to seek the vote of confidence in around a month.

Powers And Functions Of The Prime Minister:

According to the Indian constitution, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and holds variable powers regarding the President, council minister, and Parliamentary houses. All these powers have variable functionality and impact on the citizens of India. Below are the mentions:

  • Function Relative To The President: The prime minister is the functional medium of communication regarding any discussion between the President and council ministers. This communication relates to the specific proposal prepared to pass in the legislative assemblies and the decision related to the administration of several affairs of the Union council. Being head of the advisory committee and appointed by the President, the prime minister holds the charge to appoint the administrative officials like members and Chairman of the Finance Commission and UPSC, CAG, Attorney General, etc.
  • Functions Relative To The Council Ministers: The President invites the leader of the majority party for the position of the Prime Minister, who is also the prime member of the President’s advisory body. Hence, for the nomination and selection of the council ministers, the prime minister advises the candidates. The prime minister can allot and shuffle the department of the council minister within their cabinet. The PM holds the charge to demand resignation from council ministers under any circumstances. The Prime Minister has absolute power and control over the actions and decisions of council ministers. If the Prime Minister resigns from the position, the position of council minister will automatically be dissolved. 
  • Parliamentary Functions Of Prime Minister: As the Prime minister is appointed by the President, they hold specific parliamentary powers in both legislative assemblies. The Prime Minister is the leader of the lower parliamentary house and can suggest the dissolving of the Lok Sabha to the President at any point in time. The Prime Minister holds the charge to announce and introduce the governmental policies on the floor of the parliamentary houses. The PM can suggest the summoning and prorogue of the sessions of the parliamentary houses. 
  • Miscellaneous Function Of Prime Minister: The Prime Minister seeks the command support of two or more parties under specific circumstances. It is why they attain certain miscellaneous powers in the political system of India. The PM attains the chairman position of chief spokesman of the Union government. The Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the National Water Resource Council, NITI Aayog, National Integration Council, Inter-State Council and NDA.  

Conclusion:

The Prime Minister of India is the active head of the governing system of India. The constitution of India mentions the powers of the Prime Minister relative to various aspects of the political structure of India. In general terms, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is active as the head of the President’s advisory body. The Prime Minister is the communication channel between the President and Council Minister. The President invites the leader of the political party to hold majority positions in the Lok Sabha membership. The Prime Minister holds charge of various government departments and allocates the departments to the council ministers.