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Administrative System at Union Level – BPAC-103

Introduction

The Union-level administrative system refers to the administrative machinery of the Government of India that functions at the national level. It is responsible for making and implementing national policies, maintaining internal and external security, managing the economy, providing public services, and coordinating administration throughout the country.

India follows a parliamentary system of government. The Union administration consists of constitutional authorities, political executives, ministries and departments, civil services, and various administrative agencies.

1. President of India

The President is the constitutional head of the Union Executive. The executive power of the Union is formally vested in the President.

The President:

• Appoints the Prime Minister.
• Appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• Appoints important constitutional authorities according to the Constitution.
• Gives assent to Bills passed by Parliament.
• Exercises executive powers according to constitutional provisions.

In the parliamentary system, the President normally acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

2. Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the head of the Union Government and the most important political authority in the Union administration.

Major functions of the Prime Minister include:

• Providing leadership to the Council of Ministers.
• Coordinating the work of different ministries.
• Advising the President on important matters.
• Determining major government policies.
• Providing direction to the Union administration.

The Prime Minister also plays an important role in maintaining coordination between different organs and levels of government.

3. Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers assists and advises the President. It is headed by the Prime Minister.

It includes different categories of ministers, such as:

• Cabinet Ministers
• Ministers of State
• Other ministers as provided by the government

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

4. Cabinet

The Cabinet is the core decision-making body within the Council of Ministers. It consists mainly of senior Cabinet Ministers holding important portfolios.

The Cabinet:

• Makes major government policies.
• Takes important administrative decisions.
• Coordinates the activities of different ministries.
• Deals with important economic, security and national issues.

5. Parliament

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body at the Union level. It consists of:

1. The President
2. Lok Sabha
3. Rajya Sabha

Parliament makes laws, approves government expenditure and exercises control over the executive through questions, debates, committees and other parliamentary procedures.