Functions of President

Functions of President:

-The President summons both the Houses of the Parliament and prorogues them.

-He or She can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

-The President inaugurates the Parliament by addressing it after the general elections and also at the beginning of the first session each year.

-Presidential address on these occasions is generally meant to outline the new policies of the government.

-All bills passed by the Parliament can become laws only after the assent of the President.

-The President can return a bill to the Parliament, if it is not a money bill or a constitutional amendment bill, for reconsideration.

-When after reconsideration, the bill is passed and presented to the President, with or without amendments, President is obliged to assent it.

-The President can also withhold his assent to the bill when it is initially presented to him (rather than return it to the Parliament) thereby exercising a pocket veto.

-When either of the two Houses of the Parliament of India is not in session and if government feels the need for immediate procedure, President can promulgate ordinances which have the same force and effect as laws passed by Parliament. It is valid for six weeks from the date the Parliament is convened unless approved by it earlier.

-The President appoints the Prime Minister on the advice of council of minister.

-The President then appoints the other members of the Council of Ministers, distributing portfolios to them on the advice of the Prime Minister.

-The President also receives the credentials of Ambassadors and High Commissioners from other countries.