The President of India: Civics notes

The President of India, also known as Rashtrapati, is the head of the government, parliament and judiciary or courts of India.

Who is eligible to be the President of India?

According to the Indian Constitution, a person eligible to be the President of India should be:

• A citizen of INDIA.
• Must have completed 35 years of age.
• Ne qualified for elections as a member of the Lok Sabha
• Should not hold any office of profit under the union or any state government.

How many years does the President hold the office ?

The President holds the office for a term of five years from the date he takes up his post.

How is the President of India elected ?

The President of India is elected by the members of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and members from State legislative assembly.

What are the powers of the President ?

• The President appoints the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
• A law is passed in the country only after the President’s approval.
• A President can declare national emergency on the grounds of war or riots in the country. He/she can also declare state emergency if a state fails to function properly
• President can also declare financial emergency if the country’s economy is affected.
• Being the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the President appoints the Chief of Army, Navy and Airforce.

Interesting Facts

• The post of the President came into existence when India was declared a Republic on 26th January 1950.
• The President is also known as the First Citizen of India as he/she represents the entire country.
• The Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is the official residence of the President of India. If is also known as Presidential palace.

ICSE projects on President of India

Q. Highlight a life sketch and contributions of any one of the following Presidents of India – Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam