The Prime Minister and The Union Council of Ministers

The Prime Minister and The Union Council of Ministers

» In a parliamentary system of Government, the Prime Minister occupies a unique position as the most powerful functionary who controls both the Parliament and the Executive.
» Prime Minister is appointed by the President. Other ministers are appointed and/or dismissed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
» Prime Minister, must be the leader of the party in majority in the Lok Sabha or a person who can win the confidence of the majority in that House.
» As the head of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the Government. Also, he/she is the leader of his/her party or/and of a coalition of parties in Parliament and usually the Leader of the Popular House.
» The PM enjoys large powers of patronage. All the ministers are appointed at his/her recommendation and stand dismissed at his/her demand.
» The PM allots work among the ministers. Also, he/she can change their portfolios at will.
» The PM is the channel of communication between the Council of Ministers and the President.
» Ministers get the salaries and allowances etc as payable to members of parliament. In addition they get a sumptuary allowance at a varying scale and a residence, free of rent. Cabinet Ministers attend meeting of the Cabinet.
» Ministers of State are not members of the Cabinet and they can attend a Cabinet Meeting only if invited to attend any particular meeting.

» A Deputy Minister assists the Minister in discharge of his duties and takes no part in Cabinet meetings.
» There is no bar to the appointment of a non-MP as Minister, but he cannot continue as Minister for more than 6 months unless he secures a seat in either House of Parliament.
» Though the ministers are collectively responsible to the legislature, they are individually responsible to the President.
» A Minister can take part in the proceedings of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but he/she can vote only if he/she is a member of that House.