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Prime Minister of India
Prime Minister of India is the head of the government and the most powerful executive authority in the Republic of India. As per the Constitution of India, the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, advises the President of India, and holds significant decision-making authority in both domestic and international matters.[1]
Constitutional Role
According to Article 74 and Article 75 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister:
- Heads the Union Cabinet
- Advises the President of India
- Leads the executive branch of the government
- Is the chief spokesperson of the government in Parliament
- Coordinates the work of various ministries and departments
- Represents the nation in diplomatic affairs
The Prime Minister must be a member of the Lok Sabha or become one within six months of appointment. The person is appointed by the President but must command the majority support in the Lok Sabha.[2]
History
India’s first Prime Minister was Jawaharlal Nehru, who held office from 1947 to 1964. Since then, India has had several Prime Ministers, including:
- Indira Gandhi – First woman Prime Minister
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Manmohan Singh
- Narendra Modi – Current Prime Minister since 2014
Powers and Responsibilities
The Prime Minister:
- Frames national policy and oversees implementation
- Chairs cabinet meetings and allocates portfolios
- Represents India in international summits
- Exercises emergency powers (indirectly through cabinet)
- Is the crisis manager and face of the nation in difficult times
Residence and Office
The official residence of the Prime Minister is 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is the central coordinating agency of the Government of India.[3]
Election and Tenure
The Prime Minister is not directly elected by the people but is chosen by the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha after general elections. There is no fixed term; the PM holds office as long as they maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha.