The Prime Minister of India is the chief executive of the government, appointed by the President after a general election. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role and a list of Prime Ministers of India since 1947, including the current PM, Narendra Modi. It’s an essential topic for general awareness in competitive exams like SSC, BPSC, UPSC, RPSC, and other government exams.
The list of Prime Ministers of India is a valuable resource for candidates, providing information on each PM’s tenure, party affiliation, and notable achievements. The article also answers the question “Who is the Prime Minister of India?” and provides information on the next general elections scheduled for 2024.
In addition to the list of Prime Ministers, the article offers insights into the role and responsibilities of the PM, including policy-making, leadership, and representation. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Indian politics, governance, and current affairs.
List of Prime Ministers of India Since 1947
| S.No | Prime Minister | Period |
| 1 | Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru | 15th Aug 1947- 27th May 1964 |
| 2 | Gulzarilal Nanda (interim) | 27th May 1964- 9th Jun 1964 |
| 3 | Lal Bahadur Shastri | 9th June 1964 -11th January 1966 |
| 4 | Gulzarilal Nanda | 11th January 1966- 24th January 1966 |
| 5 | Indira Gandhi | 24th January 1966- 24th March 1977 |
| 6 | Morarji Desai | 24th March 1977- 28th July 1979 |
| 7 | Charan Singh | 28th July 1979- 14th January 1980 |
| 8 | Indira Gandhi | 14th January 1980- 31st October 1984 |
| 9 | Rajiv Gandhi | 31st October 1984- 2nd December 1989 |
| 10 | Vishwa Pratap Singh | 2nd December 1989- 10th November 1990 |
| 11 | Chandra Shekhar | 10th November 1990-21st June 1991 |
| 12 | P. V Narasimha Rao | 21st June 1991- 16th May 1996 |
| 13 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 16th May 1996-1st June 1996 |
| 14 | H. D Deve Gowda | 1st June 1996- 21st April 1997 |
| 15 | Inder Kumar Gujral | 21st April 1997- 18th March 1998 |
| 16 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 18th March 1998- 22nd May 2004 |
| 17 | Dr Manmohan Singh | 22nd May 2004 -17th May 2014 |
| 18 | Narendra Modi | 26th May 2014 – incumbent |
Prime Ministers of India: Important points
- Appointment and Role of the Prime Minister of India: The Prime Minister of India is appointed by the President of India, as per Article 75 of the Indian Constitution. This article states that the President shall appoint the leader of the party or coalition that has the majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in the governance of India, serving as the head of the Council of Ministers and the chief advisor to the President. The PM is responsible for overseeing the administration of the country, setting policy agendas, and representing India on the global stage.
- Duties and responsibilities: The Prime Minister of India has a wide range of duties and responsibilities. These include leading the Council of Ministers and overseeing the administration of the country, advising the President on important matters of state, and setting policy agendas and priorities for the government. Additionally, the Prime Minister represents India at international forums and meetings, maintains national security and integrity, promotes economic growth and development, and ensures the welfare and well-being of citizens.
- Parliamentary Functions: The Prime Minister of India plays a crucial role in the country’s parliamentary functions. As the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister is responsible for guiding the legislative agenda and ensuring the passage of key bills. This includes introducing important legislation, participating in debates, and responding to questions from opposition members. The Prime Minister also has a critical role in maintaining order and decorum in the House, and is responsible for appointing ministers and allocating portfolios. Furthermore, the Prime Minister is accountable to Parliament and must answer questions and face criticism from opposition parties.
- Executive Authority: The Prime Minister of India exercises significant executive authority, serving as the head of the Council of Ministers and the chief advisor to the President. With the power to appoint and dismiss ministers, allocate portfolios, and oversee the administration of various departments, the Prime Minister plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s policies and programs. Additionally, the Prime Minister has the authority to make key decisions on national security, foreign policy, and economic matters, and is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of government initiatives. Through the Prime Minister’s Office, they also exercise control over various administrative and regulatory bodies, further solidifying their executive authority.
- Dismissal Authority: The Prime Minister of India possesses the authority to dismiss ministers and officials, exercising significant control over the government’s composition and functioning. This power enables the Prime Minister to remove ministers from their positions due to poor performance, misconduct, or loss of confidence, and to dissolve the Council of Ministers and recommend new appointments to the President. Additionally, the Prime Minister can dismiss senior officials and bureaucrats who fail to meet expectations or are deemed unfit for their roles. By wielding this authority, the Prime Minister can maintain discipline, ensure accountability, and drive policy implementation within the government, but must do so judiciously to avoid silencing dissenting voices or consolidating personal power.