Who among the following is considered the head of the Union Cabinet?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Prime Minister

• As per Article 74(1) of the Indian Constitution, there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.

• The Prime Minister is the real executive authority and acts as the link between the President and the Council of Ministers.

• Under Article 75, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and other ministers are appointed on the PM’s advice.

• The Prime Minister chairs Cabinet meetings, decides the agenda, and ensures implementation of government decisions.

• According to Article 78, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate Cabinet decisions to the President.

• The President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister.

Information Booster:

• Article 74(1): Council of Ministers headed by PM to aid and advise the President.

• Article 75(1): PM is appointed by the President; others on PM’s advice.

• Article 75(3): Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

• Article 78: PM’s duties include informing the President of Cabinet decisions.

• PMO (Prime Minister’s Office): Assists the PM in coordinating governance.

• Cabinet Secretariat: Operates under PM to manage Cabinet decision-making.

Additional Information:

• Vice President

• Article 63: Office of the Vice President.

• Article 64: Acts as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

• Has no role in Cabinet or executive decisions.

• Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Article 93: Office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.

• Presides over Lok Sabha sessions.

• Does not participate in Cabinet decisions.

• President

• Article 52: President is the executive head of the Union.

• Article 53: Executive powers vested in the President but exercised through the Council of Ministers.

• Article 74: Acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

• Prime Minister

• Article 74: Head of the Council of Ministers.

• Article 75: Allocates portfolios and leads policy formulation.

• Article 78: Has constitutional duties towards the President.