Overview of the President of India
- Foundation of the presidents Office: The position or the office of President of India was created by the Indian Constitution, which became effective on January 26, 1950.
- Qualifications: To be eligible for the presidency, candidates must be Indian citizens, aged at least 35, and eligible to be a member of the Lok Sabha. Members should not hold any office of profit under the government.
- Prezident Election Process: The President is elected by an Electoral College composed of the elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislative assemblies of states and union territories, through a secret ballot system.
- Term Length: The President serves a five-year term and can be re-elected without any limit on the number of terms.
- Current Officeholder: As of September 2024, the President of India is Droupadi Murmu, who took office on July 25, 2022. She is the 15th person to hold this position and the second tribal person to become President.
- Duties and Powers: The President’s role is largely ceremonial. Responsibilities include appointing the Prime Minister, summoning and dissolving Parliament, giving assent to legislation, and granting pardons. In times of emergency, the President can exercise additional powers.
- Executive Functions: The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on their recommendation, other ministers and key officials such as governors, judges, and the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Legislative Role of president The President can summon and prorogue Parliament sessions, dissolve the Lok Sabha, and address both Houses of Parliament.The President also has the authority to veto bills or return them to Parliament for reconsideration.
- Judicial Authority: The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences under Article 72 of the Constitution.
- Emergency Powers: In cases of national, state, or financial emergencies, the President can assume special powers, including issuing ordinances.
- Oath of Office: The President must swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and faithfully perform the duties of the office.
- Official Residence of president : The President resides at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, which also functions as the President’s official workplace and he is not charged any money it is absolutely free.
Facts about president of india
Here’s a comprehensive list of 100 facts about the President of India, tailored for government exams:
- Office Creation: The office of the President of India was established by the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
- First President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India.
- Current President: As of September 2024, Droupadi Murmu is the current President of India.
- Term Duration: The President serves a term of five years.
- Re-election: The President can be re-elected for multiple terms.
- Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be at least 35 years old, a citizen of India, and eligible to be a Lok Sabha member.
- Electoral College: The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of the elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislative assemblies of states and union territories.
- Election Process: The election is conducted through a secret ballot.
- Oath of Office: The President swears an oath to uphold the Constitution and discharge duties faithfully.
- Official Residence: Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is the official residence of the President.
- Ceremonial Role: The President acts as the ceremonial head of state.
- Executive Powers: The President appoints the Prime Minister and other key officials.
- Legislative Powers: The President summons and prorogues Parliament sessions and can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
- Judicial Powers: The President can grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences.
- Emergency Powers: The President can declare national, state, and financial emergencies.
- National Emergency: Can be declared in case of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
- State Emergency: Can be imposed if a state government fails to function according to the Constitution.
- Financial Emergency: Can be declared if there is a threat to the financial stability of India.
- Ordinance Power: The President can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
- Judicial Review: Presidential actions are subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.
- Advisory Role: The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Ministerial Appointments: Appoints ministers based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
- Governors Appointment: Appoints the governors of states.
- Judicial Appointments: Appoints judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- Chief Election Commissioner: Appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
- Pardon Power: Can pardon sentences under Article 72 of the Constitution.
- Diplomatic Role: Represents India in international forums and affairs.
- Address to Parliament: Delivers the Presidential Address at the beginning of the Parliament’s first session each year.
- State Visits: Undertakes state visits to other countries as a representative of India.
- Emergency Powers: Can assume legislative and executive powers during emergencies.
- Constitutional Protection: The President is protected from any legal action in respect of the exercise of powers and duties.
- Presidential Elections: Conducted every five years, using a system of proportional representation.
- Impeachment: The President can be impeached for violation of the Constitution.
- Impeachment Process: Initiated by either house of Parliament and requires a two-thirds majority for removal.
- First Woman President: Pratibha Patil was the first woman to hold the office.
- First Tribal President: Droupadi Murmu is the first tribal person to become President.
- Emergency Proclamation: The President’s proclamation must be approved by both houses of Parliament.
- National Symbols: The President is the custodian of the national symbols of India.
- War Powers: Can declare war and make peace treaties on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Chief Commander: Acts as the supreme commander of the armed forces.
- Legislative Veto: The President can return a bill with a request for reconsideration.
- Presidential Assent: Bills become law only after receiving the President’s assent.
- State of Emergency: Can appoint an administrator in a state under emergency provisions.
- Official Appointments: Appoints members to various constitutional bodies and commissions.
- Appointments on Recommendations: Appointments of the Vice President, Chief Justice of India, and Comptroller and Auditor General require the President’s approval.
- Presidential Commissions: Can set up commissions of inquiry.
- Emergency Ordinances: Ordinances issued during emergencies are valid for six months.
- Presidential Awards: The President awards various national honors and awards.
- Pardon for Convicts: Can grant clemency to convicted persons.
- Power to Dissolve Lok Sabha: The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Legal Immunity: The President is immune from legal action in respect of actions performed in their official capacity.
- Diplomatic Immunity: The President enjoys diplomatic immunity while performing official duties.
- First President from East India: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President from Bihar.
- Longest-serving President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served two terms, totaling ten years.
- Supreme Commander: The President is the ceremonial supreme commander of India’s armed forces.
- Bills and Ordinances: Ordinances must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of its re meeting or reassembly.
- Addressing Parliament: The President’s address outlines the government’s agenda and policies.
- Role in Appointments: Appoints the Prime Minister, who must command a majority in the Lok Sabha.
- First President from South India: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first President from South India.
- Powers during Emergency: The President can assume greater powers during national or state emergencies.
- Constitutional Functions: Functions as the guardian of the Constitution of India.
- State Visits: The President undertakes visits to strengthen diplomatic ties with other nations.
- Power to Pardon: Can pardon sentences of convicted persons, including those sentenced to death.
- Election Voting: The President is elected through a system of proportional representation by the single transferable vote method.
- Role in Cabinet Meetings: The President chairs meetings of the Union Cabinet.
- First President from North East India: Droupadi Murmu is the first President from the tribal community of North East India.
- Legislative Address: The President’s address at the beginning of the parliamentary session outlines the government’s legislative agenda.
- Role in Appointing Governors: The President appoints governors for states, based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Presidential Pardons: The President’s pardoning power can be used to commute death sentences to life imprisonment.
- Annual Address: The President delivers an annual address to the nation on Republic Day.
- Emergency Provisions: The President’s power to declare emergency provisions is outlined in Articles 352 to 360 of the Constitution.
- Role in Parliament: Can summon, prorogue, and dissolve Parliament sessions.
- Protection of Rights: Ensures the protection of fundamental rights and the Constitution.
- Presidential Approval: No bill can become law without the President’s approval.
- First President from Punjab: Dr. Zakir Husain was the first President from Punjab.
- Judicial Review: Presidential actions can be challenged in courts, though the President enjoys immunity while performing official duties.
- International Representation: Represents India at international summits and meetings.
- Role in National Integration: Acts as a symbol of national unity and integrity.
- Legislative Sessions: Can convene Parliament sessions and ensure legislative functions.
- State of Emergency Validity: State emergency proclamations require parliamentary approval every six months.
- Presidential Advisory Council: Can consult advisory councils for advice on various matters.
- Judicial Commissions: Can set up judicial commissions to investigate specific issues.
- Role in Lawmaking: The President’s assent is required for all bills to become law.
- Presidential Veto: The President can withhold assent to bills and return them for reconsideration.
- Appointment of Vice President: The Vice President is appointed by the President.
- State and Union Territories: The President appoints administrators for Union Territories.
- First President with a Medical Background: Dr. Zakir Husain was the first President with a medical background.
- Special Responsibilities: May be assigned special responsibilities by the Prime Minister.
- Emergency Ordinances Validity: Ordinances must be laid before Parliament within six weeks.
- Pardons for Convicts: The President can grant pardons to those convicted of crimes, including death row inmates.
- Appointment of Chief Ministers: The President appoints the Chief Minister of states based on majority support.
- Foreign Policy: Plays a role in shaping and endorsing foreign policy decisions.
- Impeachment Procedure: The impeachment process involves a detailed procedure, requiring approval by both houses of Parliament.