The appointment of the Prime Minister of India is a crucial process that follows the democratic principles outlined in the Indian Constitution. Here, we delve into the intricacies of how the Prime Minister is appointed, exploring the roles of various entities and the constitutional provisions governing this significant decision. In this article, we will know about the appointment of Prime Minister of India and powers and functions of Prime Minister.

Who Appoints the Prime Minister of India?

The President of India appoints the Prime Minister, as outlined in Article 75 of the Indian Constitution. Typically, the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha becomes the Prime Ministerial candidate, reflecting parliamentary consensus. Upon nomination by the ruling coalition, the President formally appoints the Prime Minister, emphasizing the intersection of constitutional mandate and democratic principles in India’s governance.

Constitutional Article Related to Appointment of Prime Minister of India

Article 75 of the Indian Constitution delineates the process for appointing the Prime Minister of India. It stipulates that the President of India holds the authority to appoint the Prime Minister. The article establishes the formal framework through which the head of government is selected, underscoring the constitutional basis for this pivotal appointment in India’s parliamentary democracy.

Appointment of the Prime Minister

The process of appointing the Prime Minister of India is governed by special constitutional provisions aimed at ensuring effective governance. Key features related to the appointment process include:

• Appointment by the President: The Prime Minister is permanently appointed by the President of India, as mandated by the Indian Constitution.
• Selection Criteria: The President invites the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha to assume the position of Prime Minister, leveraging their majority status within the legislative assembly.
• Discretionary Powers: In scenarios where no single political party commands a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the President exercises discretionary powers to appoint the Prime Minister, often relying on coalition leaders or the largest political party to garner support.

Tenure of Prime Minister of India

The tenure of the Prime Minister of India is not fixed, as they serve at the pleasure of the President. However, this doesn’t grant the President unilateral power to dismiss the Prime Minister arbitrarily. As long as the Prime Minister retains majority support in the Lok Sabha, they cannot be removed by the President. Normally, a Prime Minister’s term spans five years, aligning with the duration of the Lok Sabha. Yet, if they lose the confidence of the Lok Sabha, resignation is mandatory, or the President may dismiss them.

Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister’s powers and functions span diverse spheres of governance, including relations with the President, Council of Ministers, and parliamentary affairs. Key aspects of these powers include:

• Interaction with the President: As the conduit between the President and the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister facilitates communication on legislative proposals and administrative matters. Additionally, the Prime Minister holds the authority to appoint key administrative officials and heads of commissions, ensuring effective functioning of the government machinery.
• Council of Ministers: Leveraging their pivotal role as the leader of the majority party, the Prime Minister advises the President on the nomination and selection of council ministers. They also possess the authority to allocate and reshuffle ministerial portfolios, demand resignations, and exercise control over ministerial actions and decisions.
• Parliamentary Functions: Endowed with parliamentary powers, the Prime Minister serves as the leader of the lower house and can propose the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President. They also play a crucial role in formulating and introducing government policies, as well as managing parliamentary sessions.
• Miscellaneous Functions: In certain circumstances, the Prime Minister seeks the support of multiple parties, granting them additional powers within the political system. They also assume leadership roles in various councils and committees, further consolidating their influence in national governance.

Rice, a staple food for billions of people worldwide, holds immense cultural and nutritional significance. In 2024, the global consumption of rice continues to play a pivotal role in shaping dietary habits and food security. Let’s explore the top 10 rice-consuming countries, shedding light on their consumption patterns and the importance of rice in their cuisines.

Rice Consumption in the World 2024

Over the past decade, global rice consumption has shown a steady upward trend. In the crop year 2022/23, the world consumed approximately 520.4 million metric tons of rice, marking a notable increase from 437.18 million metric tons consumed in the 2008/2009 crop year. This gradual rise reflects the enduring popularity and importance of rice as a staple food worldwide. Despite fluctuations in agricultural production and market dynamics, rice remains a fundamental dietary component for billions of people, underscoring its role in global food security and cultural heritage.

Largest Rice Consumer in the World 2024

China stands as the world’s largest consumer and producer of rice, bolstered by its robust agricultural sector and rapid economic growth. With an annual consumption of 142,700 metric tons, accounting for nearly 30% of global rice production, rice plays a vital role in Chinese diets. About 65% of the population relies on rice as a staple food, facilitated by the widespread adoption of hybrid varieties and favorable cultivation conditions. While historically engaging in both imports and exports, China now predominantly serves as a net exporter of rice, reflecting its evolving role in the global rice market.

Top-10 Rice Consumers in the World 2024

China with the rice consumption of 142,700,000 metric tons, stands as the largest rice consumer in the world, followed by India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Here is the list of top-10 rice consumers in the world 2024:

Largest Rice Consumer in the World – China

Rice Consumption: 142,700,000 metric tons

China, the world’s largest rice consumer and producer, plays a pivotal role in global rice dynamics. With an annual consumption of 142,700 metric tons, roughly 30% of the world’s production, rice is a cornerstone of Chinese diets. Approximately 65% of the population relies on rice as a staple, facilitated by hybrid cultivation and favorable conditions. While historically engaged in both imports and exports, China now predominantly exports rice, showcasing its influence in the global rice market.

Second Largest Country in terms of Rice Consumption – India

Rice Consumption: 97,350, 000 metric tons

India, the world’s second-largest rice consumer, has witnessed remarkable growth akin to China. With a total consumption of 97,350 metric tons annually, rice holds significant importance in Indian diets. Over half of the population depends on rice as a staple food, supported by government initiatives in production and distribution. Farmers receive substantial assistance through subsidies, covering essentials like fertilizers, seeds, and machinery, ensuring sustained rice production to meet domestic demand.

World’s Third Largest Rice Consumer – Indonesia

Rice Consumption: 37,400,000 metric tons

Indonesia, the world’s third-largest rice consumer, consumes approximately 37,400 metric tons annually. With 77% of farmers cultivating rice, it’s a vital crop in the country’s agriculture. Java and Sumatra are key production regions, with Java alone contributing 60% of total output. Despite recent import declines, rising population forecasts suggest increased reliance on imports. To mitigate this, Indonesia aims to boost domestic production, prioritizing self-sufficiency to meet growing demand for rice in the coming years.