Question

With reference to the Prime Minister of India, answer the following questions:

1. How can we say that the Prime Minister occupies a unique position in the Parliament?
2. State any three powers of the Prime Minister as a Chairperson of the Cabinet.
3. Mention three ways in which the Constitution ensures the pre-eminent position of the Prime Minister in relation to the Union Council of Ministers.

Answer 1

1. The Prime Minister has a unique position in Parliament. He represents the Lok Sabha, a freely elected body of Parliament. The President can call, prorogue, or dissolve Parliament based on the Prime Minister's advice. The Prime Minister is the primary spokesperson and defender of the Government in Parliament. Issues such as caste wars, corruption, and price increases can have adverse effects. The Prime Minister's intervention brings the matter to a close.
2. The Prime Minister has a unique role in India's Constitution. He possesses the following powers:
   1. Power to select and dismiss Ministers: The Prime Minister selects and dismisses Ministers.
   2. Power to allocate portfolios: The Prime Minister is responsible for allocating portfolios among ministers. He can reshuffle his Council of Ministers whenever he wants.
   3. Link between Cabinet and President: The Prime Minister informs the President about Cabinet decisions.
3. The Constitution values the Prime Minister's role over the Union Council of Ministers through three means:
   1. Appointment of Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister selects ministers, who are then appointed by the President based on his advice.
   2. Power to Allocate Portfolios and to Reshuffle the Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister appoints departments and portfolios to Ministers. He has the authority to reshuffle his Council of Ministers at his own choice.
   3. Power to Dismiss Ministers: The Prime Minister can fire ministers. He has the authority to request the resignation of a Minister who has made an error.