Government of India
भारत सरकार — शक्ति जनता की, सेवा जनता के लिए
Power belongs to the people. Public representatives are elected to serve under the Constitution of India. Understand every level — from the President to your village Patwari.
19th Lok Sabha (2024–Present)
Current Government
वर्तमान सरकार — केंद्र में
President of India
Droupadi Murmu
द्रौपदी मुर्मू
Since
2022
Article
Art. 52–62
First tribal woman to serve as President of India. Former Governor of Jharkhand. Belongs to the Santali community of Odisha. Earlier served as a state minister and MLA in Odisha.
Constitutional Role
Head of State. Executive power of the Union vests in the President, exercised on advice of Council of Ministers. Appoints PM, Cabinet, Governors, CJI, SC/HC Judges, CAG, CEC.
15th President of India | First from Odisha | Youngest President at time of election
Vice President of India
C. P. Radhakrishnan
सी.पी. राधाकृष्णन
Since
2025
Article
Art. 63–71
Former Governor of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana (addl.). Former MP from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (1998–2004). BJP Tamil Nadu state president (2003–2006). Sworn in as 15th Vice President on 12 September 2025 after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned.
Constitutional Role
Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Acts as President when office falls vacant or President is unable to discharge duties.
15th Vice President | Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha | Former Governor of Maharashtra
Prime Minister of India
Narendra Modi
नरेन्द्र मोदी
Party
BJP / NDA
Since
2014
Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014). 14th Prime Minister of India. First PM born after Independence to hold office for 3 consecutive terms.
Constituency: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Constitutional Role
Head of Government. Chairs Council of Ministers. Principal advisor to the President. Controls government agenda, policy and portfolio allocation.
June 9, 2024 (3rd term)
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — Lok Sabha Strength
राष्ट्रीय जनतांत्रिक गठबंधन (NDA)
seats (majority: 272)
Union Government
केंद्र सरकार
President, PM, Cabinet, Parliament — governs all of India on Union List subjects.
Art. 52–151State Government
राज्य सरकार
Governor, CM, State Legislature — governs state subjects, makes local laws.
Art. 152–237Local Government
स्थानीय सरकार
Gram Panchayat, Municipality — governs at village and city ward level.
Art. 243–243ZGArticles 74–78 · 18th Lok Sabha
Council of Ministers — Cabinet
केंद्रीय मंत्रिपरिषद — मंत्रिमंडल
The Cabinet collectively runs India. Each minister heads one or more ministries and is collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha. All cabinet decisions are binding on all ministers.
Constitutional Heads
Cabinet Ministers
19 ministers · Click any card for full profile
Structure of Council of Ministers
Cabinet Ministers
कैबिनेट मंत्री
Senior ministers who attend Cabinet meetings and vote on all decisions. Head the most important ministries.
Salary: ₹2,00,000/mo
Ministers of State (Independent Charge)
राज्य मंत्री (स्वतंत्र प्रभार)
Head their own ministry independently but do not attend Cabinet meetings unless invited.
Salary: ₹1,62,500/mo
Ministers of State
राज्य मंत्री
Assist Cabinet Ministers in running a ministry. Report to the Cabinet Minister of their ministry.
Salary: ₹1,50,000/mo
📌 Collective Responsibility (Art. 75)
All ministers must publicly support Cabinet decisions. A minister who disagrees must first resign, then speak out. This is why the whole Cabinet resigns together when a no-confidence motion passes.
Articles 52–78 — Constitutional Roles
Union Executive — Powers & Limits
केंद्रीय कार्यपालिका — संवैधानिक शक्तियां
President of India
भारत के राष्ट्रपति
The President is the constitutional head of India — the first citizen and supreme commander of the defence forces. Real executive power is exercised by the PM and Cabinet on the President's behalf. The President acts on the binding advice of the Council of Ministers in almost all matters (44th Amendment).
Key Powers (Article 52–62)
- Executive head of the Union — all executive actions in the name of the President
- Appoints PM, Cabinet Ministers, Governors, CJI, SC/HC judges, CAG, Election Commissioners
- Can declare National Emergency (Art. 352), President's Rule (Art. 356), Financial Emergency (Art. 360)
- Pardoning power — grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions (Art. 72)
- Summons, prorogues, dissolves Parliament; addresses joint sitting
- No money bill can be introduced without prior Presidential sanction
How removed / tenure ends
Impeachment by Parliament — requires 2/3 majority in both Houses. Only for violation of the Constitution.
Vice President of India
भारत के उपराष्ट्रपति
The Vice President holds the second highest constitutional office. Their most important function is presiding over the Rajya Sabha as its ex-officio Chairman, where they maintain order and conduct proceedings.
Key Powers (Article 63–71)
- Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha — presides over all Rajya Sabha sessions
- Acts as President during vacancy, illness, or absence of the President
- Cannot exercise presidential functions while being VP for more than 6 months
How removed / tenure ends
Resolution by Rajya Sabha (majority) agreed to by Lok Sabha. No formal impeachment process like the President.
Prime Minister of India
भारत के प्रधानमंत्री
India's PM is the most powerful functionary of government. Although the President is the formal head, the PM is the real head — chairing Cabinet, advising the President, and directing the entire government machinery.
Key Powers (Article 74–75)
- Real head of government — all executive decisions made by Cabinet chaired by PM
- Sets government agenda, allocates portfolios, can reshuffle Cabinet
- Principal link between Cabinet and President — advises President on all key appointments
- Leader of the House — manages government business in Parliament
- Can advise President to dissolve Lok Sabha and call fresh elections
How removed / tenure ends
Must resign if they lose Lok Sabha majority (vote of no confidence). Can also resign voluntarily.
Union Cabinet
केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल
The Council of Ministers is the supreme executive body. The principle of collective responsibility means all ministers must publicly support Cabinet decisions — a minister who disagrees must resign before speaking against the Cabinet.
Key Powers (Article 74–78)
- Collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Art. 75)
- Formulates all major government policies
- Three tiers: Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (MoS), Deputy Ministers
- Cabinet decision is binding on all ministers — collective responsibility
How removed / tenure ends
Collective vote of no confidence removes the entire Cabinet.
Articles 79–122
Parliament of India
भारत की संसद — राष्ट्रपति + लोकसभा + राज्यसभा
Parliament has three components: the President (who gives assent to bills), the Lok Sabha (lower house, directly elected), and the Rajya Sabha (upper house, indirectly elected). All three must agree for a law to be made.
Lok Sabha
लोकसभा
House of the People
Key Facts
Eligibility to be elected
Citizen of India, 25+ years, registered voter. Cannot be bankrupt, unsound mind, or hold office of profit.
Rajya Sabha
राज्यसभा
Council of States
Key Facts
Eligibility to be elected
Citizen of India, 30+ years. No office of profit.
How Parliament Holds the Government Accountable
Question Hour
प्रश्नकाल
First hour of each sitting. MPs can ask oral and written questions to any minister.
Zero Hour
शून्यकाल
After Question Hour. MPs raise urgent matters without prior notice.
No-Confidence Motion
अविश्वास प्रस्ताव
Lok Sabha can remove the PM/Cabinet if a majority votes against them.
Calling Attention
ध्यानाकर्षण
MP calls the minister's attention to an urgent public matter.
Adjournment Motion
स्थगन प्रस्ताव
Suspends scheduled business to debate an urgent matter.
Budget Debate
बजट चर्चा
Full debate on the Union Budget — all ministries' allocations scrutinised.
Legislative Process
How a Bill Becomes a Law
विधेयक कैसे कानून बनता है
India's law-making process has 8 stages — from a mere idea to the Official Gazette. Every stage has checks to ensure public scrutiny.
Bill Drafted
विधेयक का मसौदा
A Bill is a proposed law in written form. Government Bills are drafted by the Law Ministry + concerned department. Private Member Bills can be introduced by any MP.
एक विधेयक लिखित रूप में प्रस्तावित कानून है। सरकारी विधेयक विधि मंत्रालय और संबंधित विभाग द्वारा तैयार किए जाते हैं।
Example: Right to Education Act started as the 86th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Cabinet Approval
मंत्रिमंडल की मंजूरी
For Government Bills, the Union Cabinet must approve the draft. The PM chairs the meeting. This ensures the government collectively stands behind the Bill.
सरकारी विधेयकों के लिए, केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल को मसौदे को मंजूरी देनी होगी। PM बैठक की अध्यक्षता करते हैं।
Example: GST Bills required Cabinet approval before introduction in Parliament.
Introduction (1st Reading)
प्रस्तुति (प्रथम वाचन)
Bill introduced in either House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha). For Money Bills, only Lok Sabha. Only the title is read out — no debate yet. The Bill is formally on the floor.
विधेयक किसी भी सदन में पेश किया जाता है। धन विधेयक केवल लोकसभा में। केवल शीर्षक पढ़ा जाता है — अभी कोई बहस नहीं।
Example: Finance Bill (Budget) is always introduced in Lok Sabha first.
Committee Scrutiny
समिति की जांच
Usually referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee or a Select Joint Committee. They hear experts, stakeholders, public. Submit a report with amendments. This is where public input matters most.
आमतौर पर संसदीय स्थायी समिति को भेजा जाता है। विशेषज्ञ, हितधारक सुने जाते हैं। सिफारिशों के साथ रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत की जाती है।
Example: The Data Protection Bill was examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for 3 years.
Debate & Vote in First House (2nd & 3rd Reading)
प्रथम सदन में बहस और मतदान
Bill debated clause by clause. Amendments proposed and voted on. Final vote on the whole Bill. Ordinary Bills need simple majority. Constitutional Amendments need 2/3 majority + over 50% of total House membership.
विधेयक पर खंड दर खंड बहस होती है। संशोधन प्रस्तावित और मतदान किए जाते हैं। संवैधानिक संशोधन के लिए 2/3 बहुमत + कुल सदस्यता का 50% से अधिक।
Example: CAA 2019 was passed with 311 votes in Lok Sabha, 125 in Rajya Sabha.
Sent to Second House
द्वितीय सदन में भेजा जाता है
Bill transmitted to the other House. Same process — introduction, committee, debate, vote. If the second House disagrees or delays 6+ months, President can call a Joint Sitting of both Houses (Article 108).
विधेयक दूसरे सदन में भेजा जाता है। यदि दूसरा सदन 6+ महीने में असहमत या देरी करे, तो राष्ट्रपति संयुक्त बैठक बुला सकते हैं (अनुच्छेद 108)।
Example: A Joint Sitting was called in 2002 for the POTA Bill — only 3 times in India's history.
Presidential Assent
राष्ट्रपति की स्वीकृति
Bill sent to President after both Houses pass it. President can: ① give assent (becomes law), ② return for reconsideration (once only), ③ withhold assent (pocket veto — not possible for Money Bills).
दोनों सदनों से पास होने के बाद विधेयक राष्ट्रपति को भेजा जाता है। राष्ट्रपति: ① स्वीकृति दे सकते हैं, ② पुनर्विचार के लिए लौटा सकते हैं (केवल एक बार), ③ रोक सकते हैं।
Example: President must give assent to Money Bills — no veto power over Finance Bill.
Gazette Notification → Becomes Law
राजपत्र अधिसूचना → कानून बनता है
After assent, the Act is published in the Official Gazette of India. It comes into force on the date specified in the Act, or a date notified later by the Government.
स्वीकृति के बाद अधिनियम भारत के राजपत्र में प्रकाशित होता है। अधिनियम में निर्दिष्ट या सरकार द्वारा बाद में अधिसूचित तारीख से लागू होता है।
Example: Many Acts say "shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may notify" — giving the Govt flexibility.
Types of Bills
Ordinary Bill
Any law not involving taxes or expenditure
Both Houses (equal power)
Money Bill
Only taxation, borrowing, appropriation
Lok Sabha only (RS has 14 days to send back)
Finance Bill
Budget + tax proposals
Lok Sabha introduces, RS suggests changes
Constitutional Amendment
Changing the Constitution (Art. 368)
2/3 majority + 50%+ of total membership in both Houses
Constitutional Design
Separation of Powers & Checks
शक्तियों का पृथक्करण और नियंत्रण संतुलन
No single branch of government has unlimited power. Each branch is given tools to check the others — preventing authoritarianism and protecting citizens' rights.
Legislature
विधायिका
Art. 79–122
Who
Parliament — Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha + President
Main Function
Makes laws. Approves budget. Amends the Constitution. Holds the executive accountable through questions, debates, and votes of no confidence.
How it checks the others
- Can remove the PM/Cabinet via vote of no confidence
- Can impeach the President (2/3 majority in both Houses)
- Can remove SC/HC judges via impeachment
- Committee scrutiny of all Bills and budgets
Key Tools
Executive
कार्यपालिका
Art. 52–78
Who
President + PM + Council of Ministers + Civil Services
Main Function
Implements laws. Runs government departments. Formulates and executes policy. Represents India in foreign affairs. Maintains internal order and defence.
How it checks the others
- Can advise President to dissolve Lok Sabha
- Makes delegated legislation (Rules & Regulations)
- Controls timing of Parliamentary sessions (PM advice to President)
- Ordinance powers when Parliament is not in session (Art. 123)
Key Tools
Judiciary
न्यायपालिका
Art. 124–147
Who
Supreme Court + 25 High Courts + District & Sessions Courts
Main Function
Interprets the Constitution. Protects Fundamental Rights. Reviews laws passed by Parliament (Judicial Review). Acts as final arbiter of constitutional disputes.
How it checks the others
- Can declare any law unconstitutional (Judicial Review)
- Can declare actions of PM/President as unconstitutional
- Issues writs to enforce Fundamental Rights (Art. 32, 226)
- Basic Structure Doctrine — even constitutional amendments can be struck down
Key Tools
⚡ The Basic Structure Doctrine
In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament cannot amend the "basic structure" of the Constitution — even with a 2/3 majority.
केशवानंद भारती मामले (1973) में सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने फैसला सुनाया कि संसद संविधान की "मूल संरचना" में संशोधन नहीं कर सकती।
What is "Basic Structure"?
Independent Institutions
Constitutional Bodies
संवैधानिक निकाय — स्वतंत्र संस्थाएं
Election Commission of India
भारत निर्वाचन आयोग
324
Conducts free and fair elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, VP. Independent of government.
Learn more →Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG)
नियंत्रक एवं महालेखापरीक्षक
148
Audits all receipts and expenditure of Government of India and State Governments. Reports to Parliament.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
संघ लोक सेवा आयोग
315
Recruits All India Services and Central Services officers. Conducts Civil Services, IFS, defence exams.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार आयोग
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
Inquiries into complaints of human rights violations by government agencies. Advisory and recommendatory.
Finance Commission
वित्त आयोग
280
Constituted every 5 years. Recommends distribution of tax revenues between Centre and States.
Attorney General of India
भारत के महान्यायवादी
76
Chief legal adviser to the Government of India. Represents Union in Supreme Court. Highest law officer.
Ground-Level Administration
District Administration
जिला प्रशासन — आपके सबसे करीबी सरकारी अधिकारी
India has 800+ districts. Each district has a tiered administration that delivers government services directly to citizens. These are the officials you'll interact with for most government needs.
District Magistrate (DM) / Collector
IASजिलाधिकारी / कलेक्टर
Reports to: Divisional Commissioner / State Government
Superintendent of Police (SP)
IPSपुलिस अधीक्षक
Reports to: Inspector General of Police / DM for law & order
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
IAS / PCSउपजिला अधिकारी
Reports to: District Magistrate
Tehsildar
State Revenue Serviceतहसीलदार
Reports to: SDM
Block Development Officer (BDO)
State Development Serviceखंड विकास अधिकारी
Reports to: SDM / District Development Officer
Patwari / Lekhpal
State Revenue Service (Entry Level)पटवारी / लेखपाल
Reports to: Tehsildar
Career in Government
All India Services
The backbone of India's civil administration — recruited through UPSC.
Know Your Rights. Hold Power Accountable.
You now know who runs India and how. Use these rights to participate in democracy at every level.