Constitutional duties of the Prime Minister of India

 The constitutional duties of the Prime Minister of India are primarily defined under Article 78, which acts as the bridge between the Union Cabinet and the President.

The Prime Minister serves as the principal advisor to the President and the leader of the Council of Ministers. Their duties ensure the smooth functioning of the executive branch and maintain the collective responsibility of the government.

1. Communication with the President (Article 78)

The Prime Minister is the sole channel of communication between the Council of Ministers and the President. Under this article, it is the duty of the PM:

• To inform: To communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.

• To provide data: To furnish such information relating to the administration and legislation as the President may call for.

• To submit matters: If the President so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council.

2. Head of the Council of Ministers

While the President is the formal head of the executive, the Prime Minister is the real executive authority. Their constitutional role includes:

• Appointment of Ministers: Recommending names to the President for appointment as Ministers.

• Portfolio Allocation: Assigning and reshuffling various portfolios among the ministers.

• Leadership: Presiding over the meetings of the Cabinet and influencing its decisions to ensure the principle of Collective Responsibility.

3. Advisory Role

As the chief advisor, the Prime Minister advises the President regarding the appointment of important officials, such as:

• The Attorney General of India.

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

• The Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

• Election Commissioners.

4. Role in Parliament

The Prime Minister acts as the leader of the House (usually the Lok Sabha). In this capacity, they:

• Advise the President on summoning and proroguing the sessions of Parliament.

• Recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President at any time.

• Announce major government policies on the floor of the House.

Summary: The Prime Minister occupies a "pivotal" position in the Indian Constitution. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar noted, if any functionary under the Constitution is to be compared with the US President, it is the Prime Minister and not the President of India.