The Article 74 of the Constitution of India provides that there would be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head to aid and advise the President of the Indian Union in discharging his duties. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President who also appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. It is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation and information relating to them.
The Council of Ministers comprises of ministers who are in Three categories- Members of the Cabinet. Each member of the cabinet handles an independent charge of a department.
Ministers of State-
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They are also the ministers of the cabinet rank and help in discharging the duties of cabinet ministers.
Deputy Ministers–
They are the ministers of the lower rank and work under the state ministers.
The prime minister
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The Constitution of India provides that there shall be a council of ministers to assist the President in discharging his duties. The Prime Minister of India leads the Council of Ministers. He is the leader of the party that enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha. While the President of India is the head of the state, the Prime Minister is the head of the Government.
Appointment–
The leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister by the President. The President is the constitutional head of the union executive and the Prime Minister is the real head.
Functions–
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He selects other ministers, who are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. He presides over cabinet meetings. He is the link between the President and the Cabinet It is the Prime Minister who keeps the President informed of the decisions of the Council of Ministers. He guides the ministers and coordinates the policies of various departments and ministries. He is the leader of the Lok Sabha in Parliament. He is the Chairman of the Planning Commission. He is the Chief confidential advisor to the President.
Term of the office–
The term does not exceed five years. He may also be removed from his office when his party loses majority in Lok Sabha.
Resignation-
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If the government is defeated in the Lok Sabha, the Cabinet and the Prime Minister both have to resign as they are responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The parliament
The legislature of the Indian Union is called Parliament. The parliament consists of the President and two houses known as the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the people).