1. Prime Minister of India

1.1 Definition and Role

• Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the Union Government and the head of the Council of Ministers.
• Appointed by the President of India.
• Serves as the chief advisor to the President on all matters of state.
• Holds the responsibility of forming and leading the Council of Ministers.

1.2 Appointment and Tenure

• Appointment: The President appoints the PM, usually from the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
• Tenure: No fixed term; can hold office until the Lok Sabha is dissolved or the PM resigns.
• Vacancy: If the PM resigns or dies, the President appoints a new PM from the Lok Sabha.

1.3 Important Dates and Facts

• First PM: Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–1964)
• Longest-serving PM: Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–1964) - served for 16 years and 286 days.
• Current PM: Narendra Modi (2014–present)
• Key Roles:
  • Chairperson of the Cabinet
  • Leader of the Lok Sabha
  • Head of the ruling party

1.4 Key Facts for Competitive Exams

• PM is the most powerful executive authority in India.
• PM is responsible for the overall administration of the country.
• PM is the head of the ruling party and the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
• PM is the only person who could only suggest the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

2. Council of Ministers

2.1 Definition and Composition

• Council of Ministers consists of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
• The Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• The PM is the head of the Council.

2.2 Categories of Ministers

2.3 Appointment and Tenure

• Appointment: All ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the PM.
• Tenure: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, subject to the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
• Resignation: A minister can resign by writing to the PM.

2.4 Key Facts for Competitive Exams

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• The PM is the only person who can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha.
• The number of ministers is limited to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
• The Council of Ministers is formed after the Lok Sabha elections.

2.5 Important Dates and Facts

• First Council of Ministers: Formed in 1947 under Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Cabinet Ministers: Hold major portfolios like Defence, Home, Finance, etc.
• Ministers of State: Assist Cabinet Ministers and may have independent charge.
• Deputy Ministers: Assist in the functioning of the department.

2.6 Differences Between Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State

2.7 Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Cabinet Ministers: Form the core of the executive and handle major policy decisions.
• Ministers of State: Assist in the implementation of policies and may have independent charge in some cases.
• Deputy Ministers: Support the functioning of the department and assist in administrative tasks.

2.8 Examples

• Cabinet Ministers: Narendra Modi (Prime Minister), Rajnath Singh (Defence), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance)
• Ministers of State: Rajiv Kumar (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation)
• Deputy Ministers: May have independent charge in some departments, e.g., in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

2.9 Key Facts Often Asked in SSC, RRB

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• The PM is the head of the Council of Ministers.
• The number of ministers is limited to 15% of the Lok Sabha members.
• The PM is the only person who can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha.