Prime Minister of India: Appointment, Oath, Term & Salary Decoded

Introduction

Indian Prime Minister is a constitutional post in India who is head of the central government and elected by people of India. Prime minister is most powerful entity in the government who runs the country with his/her vision and policies. It’s a powerful job, but it's a job indeed, that is why PM gets Appointed, takes oath, he or she have a maximum term of service and a fixed salary with many perks.

It's important for us to get all the information about this prestigious job, this is why we have mentioned everything all the details related to the job of the prime minister.

So, let's start-

Appointment of Prime Minister of India

In India, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, who is the head of state. The President appoints the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) as the Prime Minister.

After a general election, the party or coalition with the majority of seats in the Lok Sabha selects its leader, who is then appointed as the Prime Minister by the President. In case no party or coalition has a clear majority, the President may invite the leader of the largest party or coalition to form the government and prove its majority in a confidence vote in the Lok Sabha.

Once appointed, the Prime Minister selects other members of the Cabinet, including ministers and deputy ministers, to assist in governing the country. The Prime Minister holds the most powerful position in the Indian government and is responsible for setting the country's policies, managing its economy, and leading its foreign relations.

Oath of Prime Minister of India

The oath of office of the Prime Minister of India is specified in the Third Schedule of the Constitution of India. The oath is administered by the President of India, or a person appointed by the President.

The oath of the Prime Minister of India is as follows:

"I, [Name], do swear (or affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as Prime Minister for the Union, and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

After taking the oath of office, the Prime Minister assumes the responsibilities of the office and begins to discharge his or her duties as the head of the government of India.

Term of Prime Minister of India

The term of the Prime Minister of India is not fixed by the Constitution of India, but it is determined by the political dynamics and circumstances prevailing at the time.

The Prime Minister serves at the pleasure of the President, and can continue in office as long as he or she enjoys the confidence of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.

If a Prime Minister loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha, he or she may be asked to resign or may be removed from office through a vote of no confidence. Additionally, a Prime Minister can resign at any time by submitting his or her resignation to the President.

Generally, the term of the Prime Minister in India lasts for five years, which is the term of the Lok Sabha, unless it is dissolved earlier. In case of a hung parliament or in the absence of a clear majority, the term of the Prime Minister can be shorter or longer depending on the ability to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Salary of Prime Minister of India

The salary of the Prime Minister of India is determined by the Parliament of India and is subject to periodic revisions.

As of 2023, the monthly salary of the Prime Minister of India is Rs. 6,00,000 (approximately US $7200). With addition to the salary, the Prime Minister is entitled to certain allowances and benefits, including free accommodation, transportation, medical facilities, and security.

The Prime Minister is also eligible for a pension after he or she completes their tenure in office. The amount of the pension is determined by the government and is based on the length of service as Prime Minister.

FAQ's

Q1. Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?

Ans: The Prime Minister of India is appointed by the President of India.

Q2. What is the term of the Prime Minister of India?

Ans: The Prime Minister of India can be removed from office if he or she loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha, or if he or she resigns or is removed by the President.

Q3. How can the Prime Minister of India be removed from office?

Ans: The term of the Prime Minister of India is not fixed, and he or she serves at the pleasure of the President and the majority in the Lok Sabha.

Q4. Can the Prime Minister of India resign from office?

Ans: Yes, the Prime Minister of India can resign from office by submitting his or her resignation to the President.

Q5. What are the qualifications to become the Prime Minister of India?

Ans: The qualifications to become the Prime Minister of India are: (i) the person must be a citizen of India; (ii) must be at least 25 years old; (iii) must be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha; and (iv) must not hold any office of profit under the government of India or the government of any state.