The President of India: Role and Responsibilities
The President of India is the ceremonial head of state. They represent unity and authority, but the real power lies with the Prime Minister and their team. The President’s job is mainly ceremonial, yet they have important roles in running the country and representing India globally.
What the Constitution Says
The President’s role is explained in Part V of the Constitution. They are the top leader of the Armed Forces and the head of the executive, judiciary, and legislature. Most of the President’s powers are used on advice from the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Key Powers and Duties
- Executive Powers: The President is the formal leader of the executive branch. All actions are done in their name. The President appoints the Prime Minister, other ministers, governors, and judges. These appointments happen on the advice of the Prime Minister, but the President’s role is still important.
- Legislative Powers: The President plays a big part in making laws. To become law, a bill needs the President’s approval. They can approve, deny, or send it for further review. The President can also call and end sessions of Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha when needed. They can make temporary laws called ordinances when Parliament is not in session, but these must be approved quickly.
- Judicial Powers: The President can grant pardons and reduce sentences. They also appoint judges and can send questions about the Constitution to the courts.
- Diplomatic and Military Powers: The President represents India to other countries. They sign treaties, appoint ambassadors, and receive foreign diplomats. They also are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces but follow the Defense Ministry’s guidance.
- Emergency Powers: The President can declare various emergencies. This includes situations like war or rebellion. When an emergency is declared, the President can take control of the government, bypassing regular rules. They can also impose President’s Rule if a state government isn’t functioning properly.
- Moral Leadership: Even though the President mainly follows the Prime Minister’s lead, they are seen as a moral figure for the country. They symbolize unity and democracy, especially during tough political times.
The President in Action
Even with important powers, the President’s role is mostly within the elected government’s framework. They act on the Prime Minister’s advice, making the position seem more ceremonial.
However, during crises—like a government falling apart—the President’s choices become vital. They can decide to dissolve the Lok Sabha or set up a new government. The President also honors citizens for their service and gives a yearly speech that reviews the government’s goals.
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (डॉ. राजेन्द्र प्रसाद)
- Term: 1950–1962
- First President of India, serving two terms.
2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (डॉ. सर्वपल्ली राधाकृष्णन)
- Term: 1962–1967
- Philosopher, educator, and former Vice President of India.
3. Dr. Zakir Husain (डॉ. जाकिर हुसैन)
- Term: 1967–1969
- The first Muslim President of India.
4. V. V. Giri (व. वि. गिरी)
- Term: 1969–1974
- Became President after Zakir Husain’s death, later elected for a full term.www.presidentofindia.gov.in
5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (फखरुद्दीन अली अहमद)
- Term: 1974–1977
- Second President to die in office (during the Emergency period).
6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (नीलम संजीव रेड्डी)
- Term: 1977–1982
- Elected unopposed.
7. Giani Zail Singh (गियानी ज़ैल सिंह)
- Term: 1982–1987
- First Sikh President of India.
8. R. Venkataraman (आर. वेंकटरमण)
- Term: 1987–1992
- Former Finance Minister of India.
9. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (डॉ. शंकर दयाल शर्मा)
- Term: 1992–1997
- Former Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.
10. K. R. Narayanan (के. आर. नारायणन)
- Term: 1997–2002
- The first Dalit President of India.
11. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (डॉ. ए. पी. जे. अब्दुल कलाम)
- Term: 2002–2007
- Known as the “People’s President,” a renowned scientist.
12. Pratibha Patil (प्रतिभा पाटिल)
- Term: 2007–2012
- First woman to hold the office of President in India.
13. Pranab Mukherjee (प्रणब मुखर्जी)
- Term: 2012–2017
- Veteran politician and former Finance Minister.
14. Ram Nath Kovind (राम नाथ कोविंद)
- Term: 2017–2022
- Former Governor of Bihar and a member of the Dalit community.
15. Droupadi Murmu (द्रौपदी मुर्मू)
- Term: 2022–Present
- The first tribal woman President of India and the 15th President.