| Subject: | Public Administration / Political Science |
| Title: | Institutional Transformation of the PMO in the Modi Era |
| Author(s): | Dr. Karuna Singh |
| Published on: | 30th April 2026 |
| Published by: | Lyceum India |
| Name of the Journal: | Lyceum India Journal of Social Sciences |
| ISSN/E-ISSN: | 3048-6513 |
| Volume & Issue: | Volume: 3, Issue: 6 |
| Pages: | 141-151 |
| Original DOI (if any): | 10.5281/zenodo.19955913 |
| Repository DOI: | |
| Abstract: | The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in India has evolved since the first Prime Minister, J.L. Nehru, assumed office. Over the past 77 years since independence, the PMO has experienced substantial growth in its functioning. It initially provided secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister, with primary focus on the Cabinet Secretariat. Its name changed over time, and its role gradually expanded. According to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the PMO continues to provide secretarial support to the Prime Minister. It is the body that remains beyond anyone’s scrutiny and plays a significant role. By virtue of managing the work at the Prime Minister’s office, there are many facets to it. It assumes the role based on the executive in the office. The office has expanded from a small number of staff to a permanent staff selected through the coveted exams of the Union Public Service Commission. It has evolved as a vital organ of the government, though it functions in the background. It has not been part of a serious academic discussion, but its functioning has expanded. The paper will assess the functioning of the PMO, past and present. It will examine the initiatives taken by the present government led by Narendra Modi and the scope of the PMO in the administration and politics of India. It will also look at the centralisation of functioning and the delegation of work |
| Keywords: | Prime Minister, Principal Secretary, Office, Administration and Politics. |
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