Consider the following statements: 1. President can make rules for the more convenient transaction of business of the Union government, and for allocation of the said business among the ministers. 2. President decides on questions as to disqualifications of members of the Parliament, in consultation with the Election Commission. 3. President can require the Prime Minister to submit, for consideration of the council of ministers, any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but, which has not been considered by the council. Which of the above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. President can make rules for the more convenient transaction of business of the Union government, and for allocation of the said business among the ministers. 2. President decides on questions as to disqualifications of members of the Parliament, in consultation with the Election Commission. 3. President can require the Prime Minister to submit, for consideration of the council of ministers, any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but, which has not been considered by the council. Which of the above is/are correct? Correct Answer 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Important Points

• The powers enjoyed and the functions performed by the President can be studied under the following heads.
  • Executive powers
  • Legislative powers
  • Financial powers
  • Judicial powers
  • Diplomatic powers
  • Military powers
  • Emergency powers
• Here, we will discuss only executive and legislative powers of President.
• Executive powers
  • ​All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his name.
  • He can make rules specifying the manner in which the orders and other instruments made and executed in his name shall be authenticated. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • He can make rules for the more convenient transaction of business of the Union government, and for allocation of the said business among the ministers.
  • He appoints the prime minister and the other ministers. They hold office during his pleasure.
  • He can seek any information relating to the administration of affairs of the Union, and proposals for legislation from the prime minister.
  • He can require the Prime Minister to submit, for consideration of the council of ministers, any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but, which has not been considered by the council. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • He directly administers the union territories through administrators appointed by him.
  • He can declare any area as scheduled area and has powers with respect to the administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas.
• Legislative powers
  • ​He can summon or prorogue the Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
  • He can also summon a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, which is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
  • He can address the Parliament at the commencement of the first session after each general election and the first session of each year.
  • He nominates 12 members of the Rajya Sabha from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art and social service.
  • He decides on questions as to disqualifications of members of the Parliament, in consultation with the Election Commission. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • His prior recommendation or permission is needed to introduce certain types of bills in the Parliament.
  • He can promulgate ordinances when the Parliament is not in session.
    • These ordinances must be approved by the Parliament within six weeks from its reassembly. He can also withdraw an ordinance at any time.
  • He lays the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, Union Public Service Commission, Finance Commission, and others, before the Parliament.