Salary of Indian President: Roles and Responsibilities, Benefits, Retirement Perks, Powers, Previous Presidents’ Salaries, and Detailed Benefits Explained

 

 

The President of India is the head of the state and supreme commander of all 3 forces of the Indian republic. President serves as the nominal head of the executive and the first citizen of the country. Smt. Droupadi Murmu is the current and 15th president of the nation. She swore the oath on 25th July 2022. Before Becoming the president she was the Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. According to the Union budget 2024 the President’s average salary is ₹7,14,02,024 per annum in India which is equal to around ₹5,950000 per month in 2024. In this article we have provided all the important information regarding the salary of the president, compensation and all perks. 

Salary of the President of India

The Indian Government decided to raise the salary of the president of India to ₹1.5 Lakh in 2008. It was decided to increase it by the government of India to ₹3.9 Lakh by 2022. After it, in the 2018 Union Budget the salary was raised to ₹5 lakh which is now in 2024 equivalent to ₹5.9 lakh. the president of India is the most responsible and the most powerful position in India. The President is the head of the all India states. President presides in some important committees as head and holds the power to make and change the decisions made by special committees.

Salary of President of India per Month in Rupees

As per Second Schedule of the Indian constitution, the Indian president was paid 1.5 Lakh rupees as salary. With this various perks, allowances and compensation are also given to the president. In 1998 the salary was raised to 50,000 per month which was equal to 1,90,000 rupees in 2020. In 2018 Union Budget 225 million annual budget was assigned to look after the president of India which was equivalent to 530 million rupees in 2020. Allowances that are provided to the president:

 

1.Residence: The official house of the Indian President is Rashtrapati Bhavan which is situated in capital New Delhi. This legendary residence is stationed on elevated ground or small hills. It has around 340 rooms and covers a broad floor whose area is around 2,00,000 square feet. 

 

2.Medical Benefits: The president is the most important citizen of the country that’s why provided with free medical aid with lifetime access. 

 

3.Security: Presidents have a vital role to play in politics and security of the nation and need to be protected that’s why a custom-built heavily armored Mercedes Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard is given to the accommodation of the president. For official visits the president uses this heavily armed and highly protected vehicle with a stretch limousine to increase security. The Caravan also involves a former presidential car, a black Mercedes Benz W140. 

Who is the President of India?

The current President of India, as of July 25, 2022, is Droupadi Murmu. She is the 15th President of India. The President is chosen through an indirect electoral process involving members of both houses of Parliament and representatives from the legislative assemblies of states and union territories. The President has significant powers, including appointing the Prime Minister, governors, and judges, and representing India internationally. While the day-to-day executive powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the President’s final approval is necessary for nationwide implementation. Additionally, the President can address the nation on important occasions and has the authority to grant pardons and reprieves.

 

Role and Responsibilities of the President of India

The President of India is like the leader of the country. They are in charge of making sure that the rules and laws of India are followed properly. Here are some key points about their role:

1. Head of State and Supreme Commander: The President is the highest authority in the country and leads the Indian Armed Forces.

2. Safeguarding the Constitution: The President’s top priority is to protect and uphold the Indian Constitution and laws.

3. Qualifications: To become President, one must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and not hold any other government position.

4. Residence: The President lives in Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in New Delhi.

5. Vacancy in Office: If the President can no longer serve due to various reasons like death, resignation, or removal, the position becomes vacant.

6. Authority in Various Areas: The President has power in many areas including official matters, legal issues, foreign relations, and military matters.

7. Decision Making: The President makes important decisions based on advice from the Prime Minister and a group called the Council of Ministers.

8. Checking the Lower House: The President has special powers to keep the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of Parliament, in line.

9. Salary and Benefits: The President receives a monthly salary of Rs. 5 lakh along with other allowances and benefits.

In simple terms, the President of India is like the captain of a ship, responsible for guiding the country and ensuring everything runs smoothly according to the rules.

Powers of the President of India

Executive Powers:

The President doesn’t have independent powers but acts on advice from ministers. However, they can still suggest reconsideration of actions, offer private advice, and make public speeches that can influence opinion. After elections, the President has more freedom to act without ministerial advice.

 

Legislative Powers:

The President can call or end Parliament sessions, dissolve the Lok Sabha, and convene joint sittings. They can introduce money bills, present reports before Parliament, and manage financial matters like controlling India’s Budget and forming the Finance Commission.

 

Judicial Powers:

The President’s main duty is to uphold the law and constitution. They appoint Chief Justices and other judges, grant pardons, and can seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Court on legal or public concerns.

 

Diplomatic Powers:

Representing India in international forums, negotiating treaties, and welcoming foreign diplomats are the President’s tasks. Treaties are signed with ministerial advice and ratified by Parliament.

 

Military Powers:

The President is the top commander of the Armed Forces, with authority in times of war or emergencies to declare national or regional emergencies, including imposing curfews or shutdowns.

Eligibility for the President of India

To become President of India, one must meet certain criteria:

1. Citizenship: The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

2. Age: They must be at least 35 years old.

3. Qualifications: They should have the qualifications required for membership in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament).

The President is not directly elected by the people but is chosen by an Electoral College, which includes members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and state legislative assemblies.

The process involves:

1. Nominations: Qualified candidates are nominated by members of the Electoral College. A minimum number of signatures is required for a nomination.

2. Scrutiny: The Election Commission of India checks the nomination papers to ensure they meet all requirements.

3. Voting: Elected officials cast their votes using secret ballots. Each vote carries a specific weight based on the population of the state or territory.

4. Counting: The candidate who receives the majority of votes is declared President-elect.

Post Retirement Perks:

1. A former president gets around Rs. 1.5 lac as pension.

2. President spouse gets secretarial assistance of Rs. 30,000 per month. 

3. A fully furnished rent free bungalow.

4. A private secretary and 5 personal staff.

5. A mobile phone and two free landlines.

6. Rs.60,000 for staff expenses. 

7. Free travel for two people by air or train.

 

How much salary was taken by the previous presidents of India is given below:

1. In 1951 Rs. 10,000 and 15000 rupee as allowance 
2. In 1985 Rs. 15,000 and 30000 rupee as allowance 
3. In 1989 Rs. 20,000 and 10000 rupee as allowance 
4. In 1998 Rs. 50,000 
5. In 2008 Rs. 1,50,000 
6. In 2016 Rs. 5,00,000

 

Government pays around Rs. 2 crores per month and Rs.22.5 lakh per year to the president of India. This expenditure involves their security, travel around the world and remuneration etc.

 

FAQs:-

1. What is the salary of the Indian President?
– The salary of the Indian President is currently Rs. 5 lakh per month, as of 2024.

2. What are the retirement perks for former Presidents of India?
– Former Presidents receive a pension of approximately Rs. 1.5 lakh per month, along with a fully furnished rent-free bungalow, staff assistance, and travel allowances.

3. What are the main responsibilities of the President of India?
– The President of India serves as the head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces, with duties including appointing key officials, representing India internationally, and upholding the constitution.

4. How are Indian Presidents elected?
– Indian Presidents are elected through an indirect electoral process by an Electoral College comprising members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies.

5. What are the executive powers of the President of India?
– While the President doesn’t possess independent executive powers, they can influence decisions, grant approvals, and address the nation. However, day-to-day executive functions are carried out by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

 

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