Detailed Notes
Chapter 19: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Introduction
In India’s Parliamentary system, the Prime Minister (PM) is the real executive authority, wielding significant power as the head of government, while the President remains the nominal head. The PM leads the Council of Ministers, shapes national policy, and coordinates administration, earning the title “keystone of the Cabinet arch”. The Council of Ministers ensures collective governance, accountable to the Lok Sabha, driving India’s democratic machinery.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 74(1): Mandates a Council of Ministers headed by the PM to aid and advise the President.
- Article 75(1): The President appoints the PM, who leads the government.
- Article 75(3): Establishes collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha.
Appointment of the Prime Minister
- Process:
- The President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as PM.
- In a hung Parliament (no clear majority), the President exercises discretion, appointing someone who can prove majority support through a floor test.
- Post-General Elections:
- Single-party majority: Leader of the party becomes PM.
- Coalition government: Leader of the largest coalition/group is invited.
- Qualifications:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be a member of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha (or get elected/nominated within 6 months if not a member at appointment).
Oath of Office
- Administered by the President.
- The PM swears to:
- Uphold the Constitution.
- Protect sovereignty and integrity of India.
- Discharge duties faithfully.
Term of the Prime Minister
- Duration: No fixed term; holds office as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
- Termination:
- Resignation (voluntary).
- Loss of majority via a no-confidence motion.
- Death or defeat of major government bills (treated as implicit loss of confidence).
Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister
- In Relation to Council of Ministers:
- Recommends ministers for appointment by the President.
- Allocates portfolios among ministers.
- Can request resignations or advise the President to dismiss ministers.
- Chairs Cabinet meetings and guides policy decisions.
- In Relation to the President:
- Acts as the link between the President and Council of Ministers (Article 78).
- Communicates Cabinet decisions to the President.
- Advises on:
- Summoning/proroguing Parliament.
- Dissolving Lok Sabha.
- Appointing key officials (e.g., Governors, Judges).
- In Relation to Parliament:
- Leader of the House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, depending on membership).
- Defends government policies in Parliament.
- Makes policy statements and advises on parliamentary sessions.
- Other Functions:
- Represents India at international forums (e.g., G20, UN).
- Addresses the nation during crises (e.g., wars, disasters).
- Leads policy initiatives and national development.
Position of the Prime Minister
- Real Head: Exercises executive power, unlike the ceremonial President.
- Leader of the Nation: Shapes domestic and foreign policies.
- Chief Advisor: Guides the President per Article 74.
- Coordinator: Aligns ministries and Centre-State relations.
- Political Leader: Heads the ruling party/coalition, driving political strategy.
- Significance: The PM is the pivot of India’s governance system.
Council of Ministers
- Composition:
- Cabinet Ministers: Senior leaders heading key ministries (e.g., Finance, Defence).
- Ministers of State (Independent Charge): Manage specific departments independently.
- Ministers of State (MoS): Assist Cabinet Ministers in specific roles.
- Role:
- Formulates national policies.
- Implements government programs.
- Advises the President.
- Ensures collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha.
Collective Responsibility (Article 75(3))
- The Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha.
- A no-confidence motion against the government leads to the resignation of the entire Council, including the PM.
- Quote: “The Cabinet sinks or swims together.”
Individual Responsibility
- Each minister is accountable for their department’s actions.
- The PM can demand a minister’s resignation for poor performance or misconduct.
Cabinet System of Government
- The Cabinet is a smaller, high-level body within the Council of Ministers.
- Makes key policy decisions, which are formally ratified by the Council.
- Significance: Acts as the core decision-making authority.
Difference Between Council of Ministers and Cabinet
| Feature | Council of Ministers | Cabinet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large (60–70 members) | Small (15–20 members) |
| Includes | All ministers | Only Cabinet Ministers |
| Meetings | Rarely meets as a whole | Regular meetings |
| Constitutional Status | Mentioned in Constitution | Not separately mentioned |
Resignation or Removal of Prime Minister
- Voluntary resignation.
- Death in office.
- No-confidence motion passed in Lok Sabha.
- Defeat of major bills (e.g., Finance Bill), implying loss of confidence.
- Impact: PM’s resignation leads to the dissolution of the entire Council of Ministers.
Important Prime Ministers of India
- Jawaharlal Nehru: Longest-serving PM (17 years), shaped modern India.
- Indira Gandhi: First woman PM, declared Emergency (1975–77).
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Launched Golden Quadrilateral project.
- Manmohan Singh: Architect of 1991 economic reforms, served two terms.
- Narendra Modi: Introduced GST, Digital India, and Surgical Strikes.
Recent Developments
- Prime Minister’s Office (PMO): Growing role in policy coordination.
- Presidentialization Debate: Perception of concentrated power in the PM’s role.
- International Engagement: Enhanced PM visibility in global forums (e.g., G20 presidency).
Conclusion
The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers form the real executive in India’s Parliamentary democracy, driving governance and policy. The PM’s leadership and the Council’s collective responsibility ensure accountability to the Lok Sabha, reflecting the popular will. As the quote states, “A strong and wise Prime Minister is the pivot on which rests the stability and progress of a Parliamentary democracy”, highlighting their critical role in India’s progress.
Chapter 20: Cabinet Committees
Introduction
Cabinet Committees are specialized groups of senior ministers that streamline decision-making within the Cabinet, which is too large for detailed discussions on all issues. These committees handle specific policy areas, enhancing efficiency, coordination, and confidentiality in governance. They are vital for effective policymaking in India’s parliamentary system.
Constitutional Status
- Not mentioned in the Constitution.
- Based on Parliamentary conventions and empowered by Rules of Business under Article 77.
Composition of Cabinet Committees
- Members: Senior Cabinet Ministers.
- Chairperson: Usually the Prime Minister or a senior minister.
- Types:
- Standing Committees: Permanent, reconstituted periodically.
- Ad hoc Committees: Temporary, created for specific tasks (e.g., COVID-19 management).
Major Cabinet Committees (2024)
| Committee | Functions |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) | Handles Centre-State relations, political, and economic issues; known as “Super Cabinet”. |
| Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) | Formulates economic policies, approves projects, subsidies, and budget allocations. |
| Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) | Manages national security, defense, nuclear policy, and counter-terrorism. |
| Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs | Schedules government business in Parliament, prepares President’s Address. |
| Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth | Fast-tracks infrastructure and economic projects. |
| Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development | Focuses on job creation and skill enhancement. |
Detailed Study of Important Committees
- Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA):
- Nickname: Super Cabinet.
- Handles political and economic issues, resolves inter-ministerial disputes.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister.
- Significance: Addresses high-stakes policy matters.
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA):
- Formulates economic policies, approves foreign investments, subsidies, and industrial licenses.
- Key role in budget planning.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister.
- Significance: Drives economic growth and development.
- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
- Manages national security, defense, nuclear policy, and counter-terrorism.
- Members: Ministers of Defence, Home, Finance, External Affairs.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister.
- Significance: Ensures strategic and security preparedness.
- Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs:
- Manages legislative business, schedules Parliament sessions, and prepares President’s Address.
- Chairperson: Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
- Significance: Ensures smooth parliamentary functioning.
- Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth:
- Fast-tracks infrastructure and economic projects, critical for post-COVID recovery.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister.
- Significance: Boosts economic revival.
Functions and Importance of Cabinet Committees
- Efficient Decision-Making: Handle specialized issues, reducing Cabinet’s workload.
- Speed and Expertise: Smaller groups enable quick, informed decisions.
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Prevents conflicts and overlaps.
- Confidentiality: Sensitive matters (e.g., defense) discussed among select ministers.
- Cabinet Support: Recommendations streamline full Cabinet approvals.
Key Features of Cabinet Committees
- Flexible Membership: PM can alter members as needed.
- Secrecy: Discussions remain confidential.
- PM’s Dominance: Heads key committees, with authority to overrule.
- Efficiency: Minimizes delays in policy formulation.
Recent Developments
- New Committees (2019):
- Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth.
- Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development.
- Reconstitution: Post-2019 elections (Modi 2.0), committees were realigned to reflect new priorities.
- Focus Areas: Economic recovery, employment, and infrastructure development.
Comparison: Cabinet vs. Cabinet Committees
| Feature | Cabinet | Cabinet Committees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger (25–30 members) | Smaller groups |
| Role | Final decision-making | Recommends decisions |
| Constitutional Mention | Mentioned in Constitution | Not mentioned |
| Meeting Frequency | Regular | As needed |
Conclusion
Cabinet Committees are critical for efficient governance, enabling specialized, swift, and coordinated decision-making. Operating behind the scenes, they shape India’s policies in areas like security, economy, and infrastructure. As the quote states, “Good governance depends on small, effective decision-making groups — Cabinet Committees are India’s answer to that”, underscoring their pivotal role in India’s parliamentary executive system.