Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
  2. The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Notes:
  • The executive power of the Union is vested in the President, and is exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution.
    • Supreme command of defence forces of the Union also vests in him.
    • Article 53(1) of the constitution vests the executive power of the union in the President.
  • For this purpose, ministers are deemed to be officers subordinate to him.
  • The Council of Ministers exercises the real executive power in the name of the President.
  • All executive decisions are taken in the name of the President (Article 77).
  • The Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio chairman of the Civil Services Board, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and the head of all civil services under the rules of business of the Government of India.
Prime Minister
  • A Prime Minister is the head of government in India’s political setup. He is the de facto head of state.
  • The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India and is the leader of the party or coalition that holds the majority of seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s parliament.
  • The Prime Minister is responsible for the administration of the government and serves as the chief spokesperson for the government’s policies.
  • Under Article 75, the Council of Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Also, Article 74(1) states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with a Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. Thus, other ministers work under the direction of the Prime Minister.
  • The powers of the Prime Minister of India can be broadly categorized into the following:
    • Executive powers: The Prime Minister is the head of the Union Council of Ministers and is responsible for the administration of the government. He presides over cabinet meetings and coordinates the activities of the various ministries and departments.
    • Legislative powers: The Prime Minister is a member of the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha and can participate in the proceedings of either house. He advises the President on the summoning and prorogation of the parliament sessions and dissolution of Lok Sabha.
    • Diplomatic powers: The Prime Minister represents India in the international arena and conducts negotiations with foreign countries. He also receives foreign diplomats and dignitaries on behalf of the President.
    • Emergency powers: In times of national emergency, the Prime Minister advises the President on the measures to be taken to protect the security of India.
    • Appointment powers: The Prime Minister (and the Council of Ministers) advises the President with respect to the appointments to the higher judiciary and key administrative posts such as the Governors, the Chief Election Commissioner, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and the Attorney General of India.
    • Financial powers: The Prime Minister is responsible for the overall economic and financial management of the country. His/her government presents the annual budget to the parliament and ensures it is passed.