The Prime Minister - GetintoIAS.com

In the government hierarchy, the president is the nominal executive, whereas the prime minister is the real executive. In other words, the president is the head of the state (country), the prime minister is the head of Government of India.

Prime Minister appointment

The constitution does not have any specific rules and regulations in appointing the prime minister of India.
But, the leading party’s leader can be appointed as the prime minister of India.
If there is no party clear majority, then the president can use his discretion to chose the prime minister.
In such case, the president appoints the leader of the majority party and prove his vote of confidence in the house within a month.
If the prime minister in office dies, then president has some powers to choose the next chief minister example case: – Indira Gandhi assassination when she was in office.

Oath, term, and salary of prime minister

The term Prime minister is not fixed
He can be prime minister, as long as he has support in Lok Sabha.
He draws the salary of Member of Parliament. Additionally, he gets some special allowances, free accommodation, traveling allowance, medical facilities etc.

Power and function of Prime minister

Relation to the Council of ministers

He recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers to the president.
He allocates and reshuffles the portfolio of ministers
He can advise minister to resign from his position or recommend president to remove.
He presides over the meeting of the council of ministers and also he directs and controls the activities of all ministers.

Relation to president

He is the principal channel of communication between the president and the council of ministers.
He advice the president with regard to the appointment of attorney general of India, comptroller and auditor general of India, chairman and members of UPSC and also election commissioners.

Relation to parliament