3.2 Prime Minister and Cabinet: Structure and Functions

 


SIMPLY SMART

Introduction

The Prime Minister (PM) and the Cabinet form the core of the Union Executive in India.
While the President is the nominal head, the Prime Minister is the real executive head, and the Cabinet is the highest decision-making body in the country.

Articles 74 and 75 of the Constitution define the position of the PM and the Council of Ministers.

1. Prime Minister of India

1.1 Position of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the head of government, leader of the Council of Ministers, and the chief advisor to the President.
According to D.D. Basu, the PM is the "keystone of the Cabinet arch."

Keyword: Real Executive Authority in India

1.2 Appointment of the Prime Minister

  1. The President appoints the PM.

  2. Usually, the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha becomes PM.

  3. In a coalition, the President appoints the leader chosen by the coalition partners.

Keyword: Appointment of Prime Minister

1.3 Structure of the Council of Ministers (Based on Article 74)

  1. Prime Minister – Head of the Council

  2. Cabinet Ministers – Senior ministers heading major departments

  3. Ministers of State (Independent Charge) – Handle smaller ministries independently

  4. Ministers of State – Assist Cabinet Ministers

  5. Deputy Ministers (rare today)

The real power lies with the Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister.

2. Functions of the Prime Minister

The PM has broad powers across policy, administration, and governance.

2.1 Executive Functions

  1. Allocates and reshuffles portfolios of ministers.

  2. Supervises all ministries and ensures smooth administration.

  3. Coordinates the work of the Central Government.

  4. Acts as the main communication link between President and Council of Ministers.

  5. Appoints key officials (on behalf of the Cabinet).

Keyword: Executive Powers of Prime Minister

2.2 Legislative Functions

  1. Advises the President to summon or prorogue Parliament.

  2. Guides government policies in Parliament.

  3. Leader of the Lok Sabha (if a member).

  4. Plays a key role in passing government bills and budget.

  5. Represents the nation in policy debates.

2.3 Financial Functions

  1. Supervises preparation of the Union Budget.

  2. Controls economic policies and financial administration.

  3. Plays a major role in planning and development strategies.

2.4 Foreign and Defence Functions

  1. Represents India in global summits.

  2. Guides foreign policy.

  3. Works closely with defence chiefs and Cabinet Committee on Security.

2.5 Leadership Functions

  1. Leader of the ruling party.

  2. Controls government agenda and decision-making.

  3. Can demand resignation from ministers.

3. Cabinet: Structure and Role

The Cabinet is the inner core of the Council of Ministers.
It includes only senior ministers holding key portfolios like Home, Defence, Finance, External Affairs.

It is the highest decision-making authority in India.

3.1 Structure of the Cabinet

  1. Prime Minister – Head of the Cabinet

  2. Senior Cabinet Ministers – Handle major ministries

  3. Cabinet Committees – Groups specialising in:

    • Security

    • Economic affairs

    • Political affairs

    • Parliamentary affairs

Cabinet Committees improve efficiency in decision-making.

Keyword: Structure of Cabinet in India

3.2 Functions of the Cabinet

1. Policy Making

  • Prepares national policies in all fields

  • Approves government bills, schemes, budgets

2. Administration

  • Coordinates all departments

  • Takes final decisions on national issues

3. Legislative Functions

  • Decides government’s legislative agenda

  • Approves the introduction of bills

  • Issues ordinances (through PM’s advice to President)

4. Financial Functions

  • Controls financial administration

  • Approves annual budget and economic policies

5. Crisis Management

  • Handles emergencies, defence, and national security issues

6. Appointments

  • Recommends appointments of Governors, CAG, Chief Election Commissioner, ambassadors, etc.

7. Collective Responsibility (Article 75)

  • Cabinet is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

  • If Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the entire Cabinet resigns.

Keyword: Functions of Cabinet in India

4. Relationship Between Prime Minister and Cabinet

  1. PM is the leader of the Cabinet.

  2. PM selects and removes Cabinet Ministers.

  3. Cabinet supports and implements PM’s decisions.

  4. PM provides direction and coordination among ministries.

This establishes the PM as the most powerful authority in the Union Government.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet together form the real executive authority in India.
The PM is the leader, coordinator, and policy head of the nation, while the Cabinet acts as the central decision-making body.
In India's parliamentary system, the PM’s leadership and the Cabinet’s collective responsibility ensure effective governance, democratic accountability, and national stability.





For Full Chapter  --->  22IMC7Z2 CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Unit-wise



— End of Article | Aivette-COI (Constitution of India by Aivette)

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