The prime Minister and the union Council Of Ministers

In a parliamentary system of Government the Prime Minister occupies a unique position as the most powerful functionary who controls both the Parliament and the Executive

Prime Minister is appointed by the President. Other ministers are appointed and/ or dismissed by the president on the advice of the prime Minister.

Prime Minister must be the leader of the Party in majority in the Lok Sabha or a person who can win the confidence of the majority in that House.

As the head of the Council of ministers, the Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the Government. Also he/she is leader of his /her party or/ and of a coalition of parties in Parliament and usually the Leader of the popular House.

The PM enjoys large powers of patronage. All the ministers are appointed at his / her recommendation and stand dismissed at his /her demand.

The PM allots work among the ministers. Also, he/she can change their portfolios at will.

The PM is the channel of communication between the Council of Ministers and the President.

Ministers get the salaries and allowances etc. as payable to members of parliament. In addition they get a sumptuary allowance at a varying scale and a residence, free of rent. Cabinet Ministers attend meeting of the Cabinet.

Ministers of State are not members of the cabinet and they can attend a Cabinet Meeting only if invited to attend any particular meeting.

A Deputy Minister assists the Minister in discharge of his duties and takes no part in Cabinet meetings.

There is no bar to the appointment of a non-MP as Minister, but he cannot continue as Minister for more than 6 months unless he secures a seat in either Houses of Parliament.

Though the ministers are collectively responsible to the legislature, they are individually responsible to the President.

A minister can take part in the proceedings of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but he /she can Vote only if he/ she is a member of that House.