Who amongst the following is known as the formal Head of the administration?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → President
India has a parliamentary system, which separates the formal (nominal) head from the real head of the executive. The executive power of the Union is vested in the President (Article 53), and all executive action is taken in the President’s name, but the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 74). So the President is the formal head of the administration.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) Prime Minister — Incorrect. The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers and is the real executive head, not the formal one.
Option (3) Union of Minister — Incorrect. The Union Council of Ministers exercises the real power through the Prime Minister and advises the President.
Option (4) Minister of State — Incorrect. A junior rank of minister in the Council of Ministers, below a Cabinet Minister.