Question

Explain the position of the Indian Prime Minister in relation to the powers shared with the Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

Answer 1

Role of the Prime Minister of India with reference to the Parliament:

1. Leader of the house - He is the leader of the majority party/coalition.
2. Representative of the executive - The Prime Minister represents the executive in the legislature, announces important legislation, and responds to the opposition's concerns.
3. He advises the President with regard to summoning and postponing of the sessions of the Parliament.
4. He can recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha to President at any time.
5. He announces government policies on the floor of the House.

Role of the Prime Minister of India with reference to the Council of Ministers:

1. Chairman of the cabinet - The Prime Minister is the chairman of the cabinet and presides over the meetings of the Cabinet.
2. Head of the government - The Prime Minister is the head of the government and leader of the Council of Ministers.
3. He recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the president. The President can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Prime Minister.
4. Distributing and reshuffling portfolios among the Council of Ministers.
5. The link between the President and the Cabinet: The Prime Minister acts as the link between President and cabinet. He communicates all decisions of the Cabinet to the President which is related to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.