Structure of the Indian Council of Ministers

Overview

This lecture focuses on the structure, appointment, powers, duties, and relationships of the Prime Minister of India and the Council of Ministers.

The Prime Minister is the leader of the largest party in the Indian Parliament.
He is the real executive head of the country, while the President is only the nominal head.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, but only if he is the leader of the party/coalition that has a majority in the Lok Sabha.
If no party has a majority, the President invites the person who can prove majority.
The Prime Minister selects his Council of Ministers.

The official appointment of the Council of Ministers is done by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Members of the council must be members of Parliament or must become so within 6 months of appointment.
The Council of Ministers is divided into three parts: Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, and Deputy Ministers.
Cabinet Ministers have major departments (such as Finance, Defense), while State and Deputy Ministers assist them.

Ministers remain in office as long as there is a majority in the Lok Sabha or the Prime Minister desires.
All ministers take the oath of office and secrecy.
Any minister can be removed at the Prime Minister's wish.

Administrative: All domestic and foreign policies, essential appointments, coordination among departments.
Legislative: Making laws, answering questions in Parliament, proposing amendments.
Financial: Preparing the annual budget and presenting it in Parliament, overseeing government expenses/taxes.
Emergency: Cabinet's written advice is necessary to declare an emergency.

The President acts only on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister is the leader of the Council of Ministers; his presence and leadership are essential.
The Prime Minister is accountable to Parliament, and his powers are monitored by the opposition and media.

The entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75/3).
If a no-confidence motion is passed against any one minister, the entire council must resign.
Each minister is also individually responsible to the President.

Prime Minister — Leader of the largest party in Parliament and the real executive head.
President — The formal (nominal) head of the country.
Cabinet Ministers — Senior and main ministers of the Council of Ministers who hold important departments.
Council of Ministers — The executive body of the government led by the Prime Minister.
Collective Responsibility — Joint responsibility of the entire Council of Ministers.
Oath of Office/Secrecy — Oath of position and confidentiality.
No Confidence Motion — Motion of distrust against the government.