Introduction

The Premier or prime minister is the leader of the cabinet of ministers as part of the government. It might be present as a parliamentary or a type of semi-presidential system. In countries like India, the prime minister holds more accountability than the President and is the presiding member of the national cabinet of ministers. In India, president powers are ceremonial, while executive power is generally exercised by the prime minister and the council of members. The council of members is generally chosen by the majority party, which also forms the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha). 

Responsibilities of prime ministers of India 

The prime ministers of India were accountable for directing government functions and hence supervised every initiative undertaken by the government. The ministerial committees, research and innovation council, and economic council sessions are headed by the prime minister. The Premier reserves the right to decide working and holidays to be exercised within the nation. 

After the revolt of 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru was elected as India’s first prime minister. 

India follows parliamentary rule; hence, most of the executive powers are executed by the government. The prime minister also has advisory functions towards the President of India. 

Roles of Prime minister of India 

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi was India’s first women prime minister who succeeded Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966. She held the prime minister’s responsibility for three consecutive years from 1966 to 1977 while she was also heading the fourth term till 1980, after which she was assassinated. Thus, the responsibility of a prime minister is described below.

 Linkage of President and council of members

 The prime minister leads the council of ministers and thus, acts as a communication channel amongst the President & council. Hence, the prime minister of India was responsible for communicating decisions made by the council of ministers. 

Portfolio Allocation

The prime minister is also responsible for allocating portfolios amongst ministers while also distributing work in the different ministry offices. Also, the PM collaborates with the different ministries and coordinates the fulfilment of broader goals. 

Ministry In- Charge

The PM himself retains portfolios that are not to any ministry. He is responsible for mentoring and monitoring the ministry of personnel, public grievances, ministry of planning, atomic energy department, department of space, cabinet’s appointment committee. The PM is accountable for summoning and presiding meetings within cabinets.

Acting as a link in parliament and cabinet

The chief spokesperson of the government is the prime minister and is accountable for announcing any policy decision. The Premier also holds the power of intervening debates. 

List of Indian Prime Ministers :

Authorities of Prime minister 

All the prime ministers of India enjoy authority for efficiently commencing their duties. 

• The PM is the head of the government and has the authority over all executive decisions
• The PM is also the leader of the council of ministers; in case of death or resignation, the entire council has to resign
• The Prime Minister leads the lower body of the parliament, the Lok Sabha
• The PM has the authority to be a spokesperson for representing India in international affairs
• The PM has also played a vital role in directing India’s foreign policy

Services received by the prime minister of India

All the prime ministers of India were also entitled to receive various services mentioned below.

• The official residence is known as “Panchavati”
• Security through a personal special protection group
• The personal car is a BMW 750i in the current times.
• Aircraft which is preferably (Air India).
• The Prime minister of India’s salary is Rs. 280 000 per month and 3, 360,000 on an annual basis, the salary of all prime ministers of India was decided by the parliament and hence is revised regarding changing economic conditions

Conclusion 

The Prime Minister holds larger and broader roles in a parliamentary form of government like India. He oversees the function, announces policies, distributes work, allocates departments and takes an active part in the growth & development of India. All the prime ministers of India are provided with varied services. After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru was the first premier, while Indira Gandhi was lady prime minister.