Duties of the Prime Minister
Also called: Article 78 · Topic: Union Executive: President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 4 "Executive"
Meaning
Art. 78 sets out the duties of the Prime Minister towards the President. It is the link that keeps the President informed, even though the President acts on advice. The PM must:
- tell the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers on Union administration and all proposals for new laws;
- give any information about these that the President asks for;
- if the President asks, place before the whole Council any matter that one minister decided alone.
Example
There has been friction over these duties. Zail Singh and Rajiv Gandhi clashed over the Indian Post Office (Amendment) Bill (1986). On disputed advice, the President may discuss it and try to change the PM's mind. If the advice is insisted upon, the President must sign.
Don't confuse with
- Art. 74: it creates the Council of Ministers to "aid and advise" the President. Art. 78 is about the PM keeping the President informed.