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17 Sep 2026 : Role of the Prime Minister of India

Article 3: Role of the Prime Minister of India

Why in news: During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the PM held several bilateral meetings, including with leaders from South Africa, China, the Philippines, Kazakhstan and African countries, illustrating the Prime Minister's role in India's international diplomacy and multilateral engagement. 

Key Details

  • Constitutional Head of Government: The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers under Article 74 and plays the central coordinating role in the Union executive.
  • Appointment and Portfolios: Under Article 75, the President appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The PM also allocates and reshuffles ministerial portfolios.
  • Link with President: Article 78 requires the PM to communicate decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President and furnish information sought by the President. 
  • Policy Leadership: The PM provides broad policy direction and inter-ministerial coordination. The semiconductor CEO roundtable on 16 September illustrates this role in emerging strategic sectors. 
  • Parliamentary Accountability: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha under Article 75(3), making parliamentary confidence central to the functioning of the Prime Minister and government.

Constitutional Position

  • The Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the Council of Ministers and the central figure in India's parliamentary system of government.
  • Under Article 74, there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at its head to aid and advise the President.
  • Under Article 75, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, while other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • The Prime Minister normally belongs to the Lok Sabha and must enjoy the confidence of the House to remain in office.
  • The office combines constitutional authority, political leadership and administrative coordination.

Formation and Leadership of the Council of Ministers

  • The Prime Minister plays the central role in forming the Union Council of Ministers.
  • The PM advises the President on the appointment of other ministers and determines the allocation of portfolios.
  • The Prime Minister can reshuffle portfolios and recommend changes in the composition of the ministry.
  • The PM also coordinates the functioning of different ministries and seeks to maintain collective responsibility.
  • Under Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • The Prime Minister therefore acts as the principal link between individual ministers and the collective functioning of the Union government.

Link Between the President and the Council of Ministers

  • The Prime Minister serves as an important constitutional link between the President and the Council of Ministers.
  • Article 78 specifically lays down the duties of the Prime Minister in relation to furnishing information to the President.
  • The PM must communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of Union affairs and proposals for legislation.
  • When required by the President, the Prime Minister must also provide information concerning the administration of Union affairs and legislative proposals.
  • If the President so requires, the PM must place before the Council of Ministers a matter on which a minister has taken a decision but which has not been considered by the Council.

Leadership of Parliament and Government

  • The Prime Minister provides political leadership to the government in Parliament.
  • The PM plays an important role in determining the government's legislative priorities and policy agenda.
  • Major government policies and legislative proposals are generally coordinated through the Cabinet before being presented to Parliament.
  • The Prime Minister also communicates major government priorities to Parliament and the wider public.
  • The PM's position is closely connected with the government's ability to maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
  • In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister therefore functions as the principal leader responsible for coordinating executive action with parliamentary accountability.

Cabinet Leadership and Coordination

  • The Prime Minister is the chairperson and principal coordinator of the Cabinet.
  • Cabinet meetings provide a forum for discussing major issues relating to economic policy, internal administration, national security and foreign affairs.
  • The PM helps reconcile differences between ministries and facilitates coordinated decision-making.
  • The Prime Minister also exercises an important role in determining which matters require Cabinet consideration.
  • Several important Cabinet committees are headed by the Prime Minister, allowing coordination on areas requiring inter-ministerial decision-making.
  • This coordinating role becomes particularly important when an issue involves the responsibilities of several ministries.

Role in National and International Affairs

  • The Prime Minister represents India in important international meetings, summits and diplomatic engagements.
  • The PM plays a major role in shaping the government's broad approach towards foreign policy and international relations, while working with the Ministry of External Affairs and other institutions.
  • The Prime Minister also provides political leadership during major national emergencies, crises and significant policy challenges.
  • At the domestic level, the PM can use the office to coordinate responses involving multiple states and Union ministries.
  • The Prime Minister's international role has increased with India's expanding participation in multilateral organisations, regional groupings and global economic forums.

Role in Policy Direction and Democratic Accountability

  • The Prime Minister provides the broad policy direction of the Union government, while implementation is carried out through ministries, departments and administrative institutions.
  • The PM's Office assists in coordination, monitoring and follow-up of important government initiatives.
  • However, the Prime Minister does not exercise unlimited constitutional authority; the office operates within the framework of the Constitution, Parliament, judiciary and federal structure.
  • The Council of Ministers remains collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, providing an important mechanism of democratic accountability.
  • The role of the Prime Minister therefore combines leadership, coordination, policy direction and accountability within India's parliamentary constitutional framework.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister occupies a central position in India's parliamentary system, combining political leadership with constitutional responsibilities. The office facilitates coordination between the President, Council of Ministers and Parliament while providing direction on major national priorities. At the same time, the Prime Minister functions within constitutional limits and remains accountable through Parliament, collective responsibility and democratic institutions.

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution specifically deals with the duties of the Prime Minister with respect to furnishing information to the President?

  1. Article 74
  2. Article 75
  3. Article 78
  4. Article 80

Answer: c

Source: The Indian Express