At the Helm of the Nation :

Prime Ministers of India

Name : Ushasi Giri, Pritam Bhattacharya,
Class Roll : 25,7,
Subject Name : Constitution of India
Subject Code : MC-CS501
Department : Computer Science & Engineering
College : St. Thomas’ College of Engineering &
Technology
 Introduction
The Prime Minister of India is the head of the government and the chief
executive authority of the nation. As the leader of the Council of Ministers,
the Prime Minister is responsible for shaping national policies,
representing the country globally, and steering its growth. Since 1947,
each leader has brought unique visions, shaping India’s journey from
independence to the present day. From Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of
modern India to Narendra Modi’s focus on reforms and global outreach,
the office has played a pivotal role in steering the nation’s progress.
 Constitutional Position
 The constitutional position of Prime Ministers is mentioned in Articles
74 & 75 of the Indian Constitution.

 Article 74(1): There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime

Minister at its head to aid and advise the President.

 Article 75: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and other
ministers are appointed on the PM’s advice.

 Acts as the link between the President and the Council of Ministers.

 Holds office as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
 Election Process
• The PM is not directly elected by the people ; they are chosen through
parliamentary majority.

The election process of Prime Ministers of India are :

1. General Election : Conducted every 5 years to elect Members of

the Lok Sabha.

2. Political Party Majority : The party securing a majority seats in

Lok Sabha selects its leader.
3. Invitation by the President : The President invites the majority
party’s leader to form the government.

4. Oath of Offi ce : Administered by the President as per Article 75 i.e.

administered by the President before assuming duties (as per Third
Schedule).

5. Tenure : Continues in office as long as they enjoy the confidence of

the Lok Sabha.
 Removal Process
• The PM cannot be removed directly by the President.

The removal processes of Prime Ministers of India are :

1. Loss of Majority in Lok Sabha : The PM must enjoy the confidence

of the Lok Sabha at all times. If the PM’s party loses majority, the PM must
resign.

2. No-Confidence Motion : Any Lok Sabha member can move a No-

Confidence Motion. If it is passed by a majority of members present and
voting, the PM and the Council of Ministers must resign.
3. Resignation : The PM may voluntarily resign by submitting a letter
to the President.

4. Death in Offi ce : If the PM dies in office, the ruling party elects a

new leader, who is then appointed by the President.
Roles of Prime Ministers of India
The roles of Prime Ministers of India are :

1. Head of the Government : Leads the Union Government and directs

its overall working and sets the tone for national policy priorities and
governance.

2. Leader of the Council of Ministers : Chairs cabinet meetings and

ensures decisions are implemented and resolves disputes between
ministries.

3. Link between the President and the Council of Ministers :

Communicates all cabinet decisions to the President (Article 78) and
advises the President on dissolving the Lok Sabha or calling sessions.
4. Leader of the Lok Sabha (if a member) : Guides the legislative
agenda and ensures passage of key bills and responds to questions
and represents the government’s stance.

5. National Representative : Acts as the face of the Indian government

domestically and internationally.
 Functions of Prime Ministers of India
The functions of the Prime Ministers of India are :

1. Formation of the Council of Ministers : Advises the President on

appointment and removal of ministers and allocates portfolios to ministers.

2. Policy Formulation and Implementation : Plays a central role in

drafting, approving, and implementing policies and monitors progress of
government programs.

3. Crisis Management : Addresses the nation during emergencies (wars,

natural disasters, pandemics).Makes critical decisions on national security.
4. Foreign Aff airs : Represents India at the UN, G20, BRICS, and
bilateral meetings and negotiates treaties and agreements.

5. Coordination Between Centre and State : Resolves inter-state

disputes and works to ensure cooperative federalism.

6. Head of Important Committees : Cabinet Committee on Security,

Economic Affairs, and Political Affairs.
 Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India,
serving from 15 August 1947 to 27 May 1964. A prominent leader of the
Indian freedom struggle and close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, he
played a central role in shaping modern India’s political and economic
framework. Known as the “Architect of Modern India”, Nehru promoted
democratic values, secularism, and scientific progress. His vision
emphasized industrialization, education, and social reforms to build a self-
reliant nation. Nehru’s leadership during the formative years laid the
foundation for India’s growth as a democratic republic.
Milestone of Jawaharlal Nehru :

• Introduced Five-Year Plans to boost economic development (1st Plan in

1951, focused on agriculture).

• Established key institutions: IITs, AIIMS, DRDO, and major dams like
Bhakra Nangal.

• Championed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to keep India

independent in Cold War politics.

• Advocated scientific temper and promoted higher education.

• Played a key role in drafting and strengthening India’s democratic and

secular framework.

• Strengthened India’s foreign policy based on Panchsheel principles of

peaceful coexistence.
 Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi (1917–1984), India’s first and only woman Prime Minister,
served from 1966–1977 and 1980–1984. Daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru,
she was known for her bold leadership and decisive policies. Her tenure
saw the Green Revolution, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and
significant centralization of power. While admired for her strength and
vision, she faced criticism for the Emergency (1975–1977). Her legacy
remains a blend of transformative achievements and political
controversies.
Milestones of Indira Gandhi :

• 1969 – Nationalised 14 major banks to expand financial access.

• 1971 – Led India to victory in the Indo-Pak War, resulting in Bangladesh’s

creation.

• 1971 – Abolished privy purses, ending royal entitlements.

• 1974 – Conducted Pokhran-I, India’s first successful nuclear test.

• 1970s – Promoted Green Revolution, making India self-sufficient in food

grains.

• 1975–1977 – Declared Emergency, centralising power and suspending civil

liberties.

• 1980 – Returned to power after electoral defeat, reasserting political

authority.
 Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018) was the 10th Prime Minister of India, serving
three terms – briefly in 1996, and then from 1998 to 2004. A founding member
of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he was admired across political lines for his
oratory, statesmanship, and moderate approach. Vajpayee played a crucial role
in shaping India’s foreign policy, economic reforms, and infrastructure growth.
His leadership combined national pride with inclusive governance, seen in
initiatives like the Golden Quadrilateral highway project and bold steps such as
the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. A poet and a visionary, he remains one of India’s
most respected leaders, remembered for balancing progress with diplomacy.
Milestones of Atal Bihari Vajpayee :

• 1996 – Became the first BJP Prime Minister of India, though his term
lasted only 13 days.

• 1998 – Returned as PM and conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests, making

India a declared nuclear power.

• 1999 – Launched the Lahore Bus Service to improve Indo-Pak relations,

a major diplomatic initiative.

• 1999 – Successfully led India during the Kargil War, ensuring territorial
integrity.

• 2001–2004 – Initiated the Golden Quadrilateral project to connect major

cities with world-class highways.
 2000–2004 – Strengthened India’s IT and telecom sectors, paving the
way for the digital revolution.

 2003 – Began peace talks with Pakistan after years of conflict, focusing
on stability in the region.

 2004 – Introduced policies that boosted GDP growth, improved rural

connectivity, and expanded infrastructure.
 Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh (born 1932) served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from
2004 to 2014, making him the first Sikh to hold the position. An acclaimed
economist and scholar, he is widely credited with initiating India’s economic
liberalisation as Finance Minister in 1991, transforming the country into one
of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As Prime Minister, Singh focused
on inclusive growth, social welfare schemes, and strengthening international
relations. Soft-spoken yet firm, he was respected globally for his integrity,
intellect, and diplomatic skills. His tenure saw major legislative initiatives
like the Right to Information Act, MGNREGA, and the Indo-US Civil Nuclear
Deal, shaping India’s economic and political landscape in the 21st century.
Milestones of Manmohan Singh :

• 1991 – As Finance Minister, introduced economic liberalisation reforms,

opening India’s economy to global markets.

• 2004 – Became 13th Prime Minister of India, leading the UPA

government.

• 2005 – Enacted the Right to Information (RTI) Act, empowering citizens

with government transparency.

• 2005 – Launched National Rural Health Mission to improve healthcare

access in rural areas.

• 2006 – Signed the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, strengthening strategic

ties and energy security.
 2006 – Implemented Right to Education (RTE) policy framework
groundwork for free and compulsory education.

 2008 – Oversaw high GDP growth despite the global financial crisis.

 2009 – Expanded MGNREGA for rural employment and poverty

reduction.

 2013 – Introduced the National Food Security Act, aiming to ensure

subsidised food for millions.
 Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi (born 1950) is the 14th and current Prime Minister of India,
serving since 2014. A leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former
Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014), Modi is known for his focus on
development, infrastructure, and digital governance. His leadership style
combines decisive policymaking with mass connect, often leveraging
technology and social media to engage with citizens. Under his tenure, India
has launched major initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital India, Make in
India, and implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He has also taken
bold geopolitical steps, including the abrogation of Article 370 and expanding
India’s global diplomatic presence. Modi is recognised for his efforts to position
India as a rising economic and strategic power on the world stage.
Milestones of Narendra Modi :
• 2014 – Became the 14th Prime Minister of India, securing the BJP’s first full majority in
30 years.
• 2014 – Launched Swachh Bharat Mission to improve sanitation and end open
defecation.
• 2015 – Initiated Digital India to boost e-governance, internet connectivity, and digital
payments .
• 2016 – Announced demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes to curb black money and
counterfeit currency.
• 2017 – Implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST), unifying India’s indirect tax
system .
• 2023 – Oversaw India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission, making India the first
to land near the lunar south pole.
• Ongoing – Expanding infrastructure, renewable energy, and India’s global diplomatic
influence.
 Conclusion
The Prime Minister of India occupies the most significant position in the
parliamentary system of government, serving as the real executive
authority and the leader of the Council of Ministers. Chosen through
majority support in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister embodies the
democratic spirit of accountability and collective responsibility. By guiding
national policies, coordinating ministries, addressing crises, and
representing India on the global stage, the Prime Minister ensures the
effective functioning of governance. Over the years, different Prime
Ministers have contributed uniquely to India’s growth—shaping its
economy, strengthening its democracy, and enhancing its international
stature. Thus, the office of the Prime Minister remains central to India’s
progress, acting as the driving force that steers the nation toward
 Bibliography
The above information have been collected from the following sources :

1. www.wikipedia.com

2. www.britannica.com

3. Introduction to the Constitution of India(26 th edition) by Durga Das

Basu
THANK YOU