Indian Polity and Governance

316 questions

Question 301Question

With reference to the inconsistency between laws made by Parliament and laws made by the State Legislatures under Article 254 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

1. If any provision of a law made by the Legislature of a State is repugnant to any provision of a law made by Parliament on a Concurrent List subject, the central law prevails whether passed before or after the State law.
2. A State law on a Concurrent List subject containing a provision repugnant to an earlier Parliamentary law shall prevail in that State if it was reserved for the President and received Presidential assent.
3. Once a State law receives Presidential assent under Article 254(2), Parliament is permanently barred from enacting any subsequent law that amends or repeals that State law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1 and 2 only

Answer

Statements 1 and 2 only are correct.
The option selecting statements 1 and 2 only is correct. Statement 1 accurately states the general rule of federal supremacy in Concurrent List matters (Article 254(1)). Statement 2 correctly describes the exception where Presidential assent allows a repugnant State law to prevail within that State (Article 254(2)). Statement 3 is false because Parliament retains the power under the proviso to Article 254(2) to subsequently amend, vary, or repeal such State legislation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding Article 254(1).
Statement 1 is correct. Under Article 254(1), if a State law on a Concurrent List topic conflicts with a Union law, the Union law prevails regardless of the sequence of enactment.
Establishes the general doctrine of repugnancy under Indian federal legislative relations.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding Article 254(2).
Statement 2 is correct. Article 254(2) provides an exception: if a State law reserved for Presidential consideration receives Presidential assent, the State law prevails in that specific State.
Demonstrates the exception mechanism balancing federal rigidity with state autonomy.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding the proviso to Article 254(2).
Statement 3 is incorrect. Under the proviso to Article 254(2), Parliament can at any time enact a law adding to, amending, varying, or repealing the State law so made.
Confirms the ultimate legislative supremacy of Parliament on Concurrent List subjects.

Key Concept

Repugnancy and Legislative Overriding Powers under Article 254
Question 302Question

With reference to the Government of India Act of 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), consider the following statements:

1. It introduced dyarchy at the Central executive level by dividing central subjects into reserved and transferred categories.
2. It established for the first time a bicameral legislature at the Centre, consisting of a Council of State and a Legislative Assembly.
3. It provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission, which led to the setting up of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 2 and 3 only

Answer

The correct answer is the option stating that statements 2 and 3 only are correct.
The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced bicameralism at the Centre (Council of State and Legislative Assembly) and provided for a Public Service Commission, which was set up in 1926. Dyarchy was introduced at the provincial level under this Act, not at the Central level.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding dyarchy under the Government of India Act of 1919.
Statement 1 is incorrect.
The Government of India Act of 1919 introduced dyarchy in the provinces (dividing provincial subjects into transferred and reserved categories), whereas dyarchy at the Centre was envisaged under the Government of India Act of 1935.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding Central Legislature structure under the 1919 Act.
Statement 2 is correct.
The 1919 Act replaced the Indian Legislative Council with a bicameral legislature at the Centre comprising the Council of State (Upper House) and the Legislative Assembly (Lower House).
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding the Public Service Commission provision under the 1919 Act.
Statement 3 is correct.
Section 96C of the Government of India Act of 1919 provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission in India, which was subsequently established in 1926 following recommendations of the Lee Commission (1923-24).

Key Concept

Government of India Act 1919 provisions (Bicameralism at Centre, Provincial Dyarchy, Public Service Commission)
Question 303Question

Arrange the following procedural stages involved in the enactment of the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha in their correct chronological order from first to last:

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Answer

The correct chronological sequence for the enactment of the Union Budget is: Presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha, followed by Scrutiny of Demands for Grants by Departmental Standing Committees, Voting on Demands for Grants, Passing of the Appropriation Bill, and finally Passing of the Finance Bill.
The enactment of the Union Budget follows six distinct stages: 1. Presentation of Budget, 2. General Discussion, 3. Scrutiny by Departmental Standing Committees (during recess), 4. Voting on Demands for Grants (in Lok Sabha), 5. Passing of Appropriation Bill (Article 114), and 6. Passing of Finance Bill. Thus, committee scrutiny precedes voting on grants, followed by the Appropriation Bill, and concluding with the Finance Bill.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial presentation stage of the Annual Financial Statement.
Presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha is the first step.
Under Article 112, the President causes the budget to be laid before Parliament, starting with the Finance Minister's speech in Lok Sabha.
2
Determine the committee stage following the general discussion.
Scrutiny of Demands for Grants by Departmental Standing Committees is the second step.
Parliament adjourns for a 3–4 week recess so departmental standing committees can evaluate ministry-specific expenditure proposals.
3
Identify the Lok Sabha voting procedure.
Voting on Demands for Grants is the third step.
Voting on demands for expenditure is an exclusive privilege of the Lok Sabha and takes place after committee reports are submitted.
4
Identify the statutory expenditure authorization step.
Passing of the Appropriation Bill is the fourth step.
Article 114 specifies that no money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the passage of an Appropriation Bill.
5
Determine the legal authorization for government revenue and taxation.
Passing of the Finance Bill is the fifth step.
The Finance Bill legalizes income and taxation measures proposed by the government, concluding the financial business of the budget.

Key Concept

Procedural stages of the Enactment of Union Budget under Articles 112 to 114 of the Indian Constitution
Question 304Question

Match List-I (Commissions, Committees, and Resolutions on Centre-State Relations) with List-II (Major Recommendations and Proposals) to identify the correct pairings.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Sarkaria Commission (1983)
Rajamannar Committee (1969)
Punchhi Commission (2007)
Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973)

Matches

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Answer

Sarkaria Commission (1983) matches with the recommendation on Governor appointment guidelines (eminent person from outside the state); Rajamannar Committee (1969) matches with recommending the abolition of All-India Services and deletion of Article 356; Punchhi Commission (2007) matches with proposing the concept of 'localizing emergency'; and Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973) matches with demanding the restriction of Central power to four subjects (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Currency).
Each commission or resolution represents a landmark moment in Indian federalism: Sarkaria Commission (1983) laid down guidelines for appointing Governors as detached, eminent persons; Rajamannar Committee (1969) sought the abolition of All-India Services and Article 356; Punchhi Commission (2007) advocated for 'localizing emergency' to protect state governance; and Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973) sought to limit central legislation strictly to Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Currency.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommendations
Identified Governor selection criteria (detached figure from outside the state).
Sarkaria Commission emphasized preserving federal harmony by appointing non-partisan Governors.
2
Analyze Rajamannar Committee (1969) report
Identified radical autonomy measures including abolition of All-India Services and repeal of Article 356.
The committee viewed All-India Services and Article 356 as unitary tools that undermine state autonomy.
3
Analyze Punchhi Commission (2007) report
Identified 'localized emergency' concept.
Punchhi Commission sought to minimize misuse of Article 356 by restricting central interventions strictly to specific disturbed locations within a state.
4
Analyze Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973)
Identified central authority restriction to Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Currency.
The resolution sought maximum devolution of political and economic authority to state legislatures.

Key Concept

Committees and Commissions on Centre-State Relations
Question 305Question

Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional position and powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha:

1. The decision of the Speaker as to whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not is final.
2. The Speaker presides over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament summoned to resolve a legislative deadlock.
3. The Speaker does not vote in the first instance, but exercises a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1, 2 and 3

Answer

All three statements are correct (1, 2 and 3).
All three statements correctly reflect constitutional provisions under Articles 110(3), 118(4), and 100(1) governing the Speaker's powers, duties, and voting protocol in the Union Legislature.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding Money Bill certification.
Statement 1 is correct. Under Article 110(3) of the Constitution of India, if any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) is final.
Verify constitutional provisions regarding financial procedure.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding presiding officer at joint sittings.
Statement 2 is correct. Under Article 118(4), the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
Verify parliamentary procedures for resolving deadlocks under Article 108.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding voting rights of the Speaker.
Statement 3 is correct. Under Article 100(1), the Speaker does not vote in the first instance but must exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.
Verify voting rules and impartiality provisions in Parliament.

Key Concept

Powers, functions, and constitutional position of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Question 306Question

With reference to the constitutional provisions empowering the Parliament of India to legislate on matters enumerated in the State List, consider the following statements:

1. A resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha under Article 249 authorizing Parliament to make laws on a State List subject must be supported by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
2. A law passed by Parliament under Article 249 ceases to have effect on the expiration of a period of six months after the resolution has ceased to be in force.
3. During the operation of a Proclamation of National Emergency under Article 352, Parliament acquires the power to make laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India with respect to any of the matters in the State List under Article 250.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct

Answer

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct regarding parliamentary power to legislate on State List subjects under Articles 249 and 250.
All three statements are constitutionally accurate. Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can declare by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of members present and voting that it is necessary in the national interest for Parliament to make laws on a State List subject. Such a law remains valid for up to six months after the resolution ceases to be in force. Furthermore, under Article 250, during a National Emergency under Article 352, Parliament automatically gains concurrent legislative authority over all subjects in the State List.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding Article 249 majority requirement
Statement 1 is correct. Article 249(1) explicitly requires a resolution in the Rajya Sabha to be supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting in the national interest.
Rajya Sabha represents state interests, so a special majority is mandated to temporarily transfer legislative competency on a state topic to Parliament.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding the duration of a law made under Article 249
Statement 2 is correct. According to Article 249(3), a law made by Parliament under this provision ceases to have effect on the expiration of a period of six months after the resolution has ceased to be in force.
Resolutions under Article 249 remain in force for up to one year at a time, but the resulting law has a statutory sunset window of six months post resolution expiry.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Article 250 during a National Emergency
Statement 3 is correct. Article 250 empowers Parliament to make laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India with respect to any matter in the State List while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation under Article 352.
National Emergency converts the federal structure into a unitary one legislatively, enabling parliamentary oversight over state subjects.

Key Concept

Parliamentary Legislation on State List Matters (Articles 249 & 250)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 307Question

Match the Parliamentary Motions and Devices listed in Column I with their corresponding procedural objectives listed in Column II:

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Call Attention Motion
Adjournment Motion
Privilege Motion
Point of Order

Matches

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Answer

Call Attention Motion matches drawing a Minister's attention to an urgent public matter for an official statement. Adjournment Motion matches drawing the House's attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, interrupting regular business. Privilege Motion matches addressing a breach committed by a Minister withholding or misrepresenting facts. Point of Order matches enforcing procedural rules when proceedings violate established regulations.
Each parliamentary motion matches its exact procedural function under Indian Parliamentary practice: Call Attention Motion requests an official ministerial statement on an urgent matter; Adjournment Motion interrupts normal business for a definite urgent issue; Privilege Motion addresses breaches caused by misleading information; and Point of Order maintains compliance with procedural rules.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the purpose of Call Attention Motion
It allows a member to call the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance to get an official statement.
This device is an Indian parliamentary innovation designed to obtain executive clarification without censuring the government.
2
Identify the purpose of Adjournment Motion
It interrupts normal House proceedings to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance and requires the support of 50 members for admission.
It involves an element of censure against the government and leads to immediate suspension of routine business.
3
Identify the purpose of Privilege Motion
It is moved to express disapproval when a Minister misleads the House by withholding or distorting facts.
Its main focus is safeguarding parliamentary privileges and ensuring factual accountability of ministers.
4
Identify the purpose of Point of Order
It relates strictly to the enforcement of the Rules of Procedure and conduct of business in the House.
It can be raised by any member when proceedings break standard rules, immediately pausing ongoing debate for the Presiding Officer's ruling.

Key Concept

Parliamentary Devices and Procedural Motions
Question 308Question

With reference to the constitutional provisions governing inter-state coordination and dispute resolution mechanisms under the Constitution of India, which of the following statements are correct?

Select all that apply

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Answer: Parliament may by law provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any dispute or complaint regarding the use, distribution, or control of waters of an inter-state river or river valley.; Full faith and credit must be given throughout the territory of India to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and of every State.

Answer

The correct statements are that Parliament may by law bar judicial jurisdiction over inter-state river water disputes, and that full faith and credit must be accorded throughout India to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and every State.
Under Article 262(2), Parliament has the power to exclude the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and all other courts regarding inter-state river water disputes. Furthermore, Article 261(1) explicitly guarantees that full faith and credit shall be given throughout the territory of India to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and of every State.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Article 262 regarding inter-state water disputes
Article 262(1) allows Parliament to provide for the adjudication of river water disputes, and Article 262(2) allows Parliament to bar court jurisdiction in such matters.
To verify the validity of the statement on parliamentary powers regarding inter-state river water disputes.
2
Evaluate the nature and establishment of the Inter-State Council under Article 263
The Inter-State Council is a non-permanent body established by a Presidential order when deemed necessary in the public interest, rather than a self-convening permanent body.
To assess whether the Inter-State Council functions automatically or requires presidential initiation.
3
Examine Article 261 regarding public acts and judicial records
Article 261(1) explicitly guarantees full faith and credit to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings across the territory of India.
To confirm constitutional provisions for administrative and judicial recognition between States.
4
Verify tribunal appointment powers for inter-state river water disputes
Tribunal constitution and appointments are handled at the Union level under central legislation enacted by Parliament, not by individual State Governors.
To check executive authority boundaries regarding inter-state dispute resolution bodies.

Key Concept

Inter-State Dispute Resolution and Constitutional Provisions (Articles 261, 262, and 263)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 309Question

With reference to the provisions governing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament under Article 108 of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is correct?

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Answer: A joint sitting cannot be summoned by the President to resolve a deadlock over a Constitution Amendment Bill.

Answer

A joint sitting cannot be summoned by the President to resolve a deadlock over a Constitution Amendment Bill.
Article 108 of the Constitution provides for a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve legislative deadlocks on Ordinary and Financial Bills. However, Constitutional Amendment Bills under Article 368 must be passed by each House separately with the requisite special majority, meaning no joint sitting can be called for them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the constitutional scope of Joint Sitting (Article 108).
Joint sittings apply only to Ordinary Bills and Financial Bills. Money Bills (Article 109) and Constitutional Amendment Bills (Article 368) are explicitly excluded from the joint sitting mechanism.
Constitutional amendments require separate approval by both Houses by a special majority.
2
Evaluate the presiding hierarchy of a Joint Sitting.
The presiding order is Speaker of Lok Sabha -> Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha -> Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha -> Person determined by the joint meeting. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha never presides.
The Chairman of Rajya Sabha is not a member of Parliament.
3
Verify quorum and procedural rules.
Quorum is one-tenth of the combined strength of both Houses, and the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha govern the proceedings.
Article 108(3) and Lok Sabha procedural rules specify these requirements.

Key Concept

Joint Sitting of Parliament (Article 108) Exclusions and Procedural Rules
Question 310Question

Parliamentary committees play a pivotal role in maintaining legislative oversight over executive decisions and public finances in India. Arrange the following Standing and Financial Committees of the Indian Parliament in the correct chronological order of their initial establishment, from the earliest to the most recent:

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Answer

The correct chronological order of establishment is: Public Accounts Committee (1921), Estimates Committee (1950), Committee on Public Undertakings (1964), and Departmentally Related Standing Committees (1993).
The correct sequence follows the historical timelines of parliamentary evolution in India: the Public Accounts Committee came first in 1921 under colonial reforms; the Estimates Committee was created post-independence in 1950; the Committee on Public Undertakings was formed in 1964 to monitor expanding public enterprises; and the system of Departmentally Related Standing Committees was instituted in 1993 for ministry-specific scrutiny.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the origin date of the Public Accounts Committee.
The Public Accounts Committee was established in 1921.
It was created during the British colonial period under the Government of India Act 1919.
2
Determine the establishment year of the Estimates Committee.
The Estimates Committee was set up in 1950.
It was established after independence upon the recommendation of Finance Minister John Matthai.
3
Identify the creation year of the Committee on Public Undertakings.
The Committee on Public Undertakings was established in 1964.
It was formed to oversee public sector enterprises following recommendations by the Krishna Menon Committee.
4
Identify the year when Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) were introduced.
DRSCs were formally set up in 1993.
Seventeen DRSCs were established in 1993 (later expanded to 24 in 2004) to strengthen parliamentary control over executive functioning.
5
Sequence the committees by year of creation.
Sequence: Public Accounts Committee (1921) → Estimates Committee (1950) → Committee on Public Undertakings (1964) → Departmentally Related Standing Committees (1993).
Arranging the years chronologically from 1921 to 1993.

Key Concept

Evolution and Establishment Chronology of Indian Parliamentary Committees
Question 311Question

Consider the following statements regarding a Financial Bill (Category I) under Article 117(1) of the Constitution of India:

1. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha.
2. It can be introduced only on the recommendation of the President of India.
3. The Rajya Sabha has the power to reject or amend it in the same manner as an ordinary bill.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Answer: 1, 2 and 3

Answer

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct.
The correct response identifies that all three statements accurately describe the constitutional provisions governing a Financial Bill (Category I) under Article 117(1). It shares two introducing conditions with Money Bills (Lok Sabha introduction only, and prior recommendation of the President), but in all subsequent legislative stages, it is treated as an ordinary bill, allowing Rajya Sabha to reject or amend it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding introduction house.
Under Article 117(1), a Financial Bill (Category I) contains matters listed in Article 110 as well as general legislative matters. Like a Money Bill, it can be introduced ONLY in the Lok Sabha.
Constitutional mandate restricts its initiation to the Lower House.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding prior executive recommendation.
Article 117(1) explicitly requires the prior recommendation of the President before introduction in the Lok Sabha.
Financial proposals involving public expenditure or revenue require executive authorization.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Rajya Sabha's powers.
Unlike a Money Bill (where Rajya Sabha has restricted 14-day advisory powers), a Financial Bill (Category I) is governed by ordinary legislative procedure after introduction. Hence, Rajya Sabha can accept, amend, or reject it, and a joint sitting under Article 108 can be summoned in case of deadlock.
Non-taxation or general legislative aspects of the bill grant equal legislative status to Rajya Sabha post-introduction.

Key Concept

Financial Bill (Category I) under Article 117(1)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 312Question

Match the Parliamentary Devices in List I with their corresponding procedural objectives in List II:

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Calling Attention Motion
Short Duration Discussion
Point of Order
Privilege Motion

Matches

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Answer

Calling Attention Motion matches drawing the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance; Short Duration Discussion matches deliberating on urgent matters without voting for up to two hours; Point of Order matches raising procedural or constitutional non-compliance during House proceedings; Privilege Motion matches censuring a Minister for breaching parliamentary privilege by withholding facts.
Each parliamentary device corresponds precisely to its constitutional and procedural function: Calling Attention Motion requests Ministerial statements on urgent matters; Short Duration Discussion provides up to two hours of debate without voting; Point of Order addresses violations of House rules; and Privilege Motion censures Ministers for misleading Parliament.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the procedural nature of Calling Attention Motion.
Calling Attention Motion is an official request for a Ministerial statement on urgent public issues.
It is an Indian innovation created to allow members to get authoritative responses from the executive.
2
Identify the purpose of Short Duration Discussion.
It allows a brief discussion (not exceeding two hours) on urgent matters without any voting or formal motion.
It ensures urgent matters can be debated promptly without demanding a vote on government performance.
3
Examine the function of Point of Order.
It is raised whenever rules of conduct or constitutional provisions are violated in the House.
It immediately pauses proceedings for the Presiding Officer to rule on procedural compliance.
4
Determine the objective of a Privilege Motion.
It addresses instances where a Minister misleads the House or breaches parliamentary privilege.
Parliamentary privileges guarantee that members receive accurate facts from the executive branch.

Key Concept

Parliamentary Motions and Devices for Executive Accountability and Procedural Enforcement
Question 313Question

Arrange the following procedural stages involved in the passage of an Ordinary Bill in the House of origin in the Indian Parliament in their correct chronological order from first to last:

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Answer

The correct chronological order for the passage of an Ordinary Bill in the House of origin is: (1) Introduction of the Bill and publication in the Gazette of India, followed by (2) General discussion on the principles of the Bill, then (3) Clause-by-clause examination and voting on amendments, and finally (4) Voting on the motion that the Bill be passed as a whole.
The correct procedural sequence begins with the First Reading (introduction and gazette publication), followed by the first stage of the Second Reading (general discussion on principles), then the second stage of the Second Reading (clause-by-clause consideration and voting on amendments), and ends with the Third Reading (voting on passing the Bill as a whole).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the First Reading stage
The legislative process commences when the member-in-charge seeks leave to introduce the Bill, followed by its publication in the Gazette of India.
Under parliamentary procedure, the motion for leave to introduce and publication constitute the First Reading.
2
Identify the initial phase of the Second Reading
The House engages in a general discussion on the principles and provisions of the Bill.
Detailed clause-by-clause scrutiny does not begin until the House accepts the underlying principles of the Bill.
3
Identify the detailed consideration phase of the Second Reading
Each clause is considered individually, amendments are moved, debated, and voted upon.
This stage represents the core drafting scrutiny where the text of the Bill is finalized clause by clause.
4
Identify the Third Reading stage
The member-in-charge moves that the Bill be passed, and the House votes on accepting or rejecting the Bill as a whole.
No substantial amendments are permissible at this final stage; only formal or verbal alterations are allowed.

Key Concept

Legislative Procedure for Ordinary Bills in the Indian Parliament
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 314Question

Consider the following statements regarding the legislative procedure for passing a Constitutional Amendment Bill under Article 368 of the Constitution of India:

1. Prior recommendation of the President is required for introducing the bill in either House of Parliament.
2. In case of a disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the President can summon a joint sitting of both Houses.
3. The President is constitutionally bound to give assent to the bill once it is passed by both Houses in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 3 only

Answer

Only statement 3 is correct.
The statement specifying '3 only' is correct. Under Article 368 of the Constitution of India, a Constitutional Amendment Bill does not require the prior recommendation of the President for introduction. Furthermore, if a disagreement occurs between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no constitutional mechanism for a joint sitting. The 24th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1971 made it obligatory for the President to give assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill once it is passed by both Houses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding prior recommendation of the President.
Under Article 368, a Constitutional Amendment Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament by any minister or private member without requiring the prior recommendation of the President.
Prior presidential sanction is required for Money Bills and certain Financial Bills under Article 117(1), but not for Constitutional Amendment Bills.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding joint sitting in case of a deadlock.
Article 108 provides for a joint sitting only for Ordinary Bills and Financial Bills. There is no provision for a joint sitting of Parliament to resolve a disagreement over a Constitutional Amendment Bill under Article 368.
Each House must pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill independently by the required special majority; failure by either House leads to the defeat of the bill.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Presidential assent.
The 24th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971 amended Article 368(2) to state that the President 'shall give his assent', making it obligatory for the President to assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill once passed by Parliament.
The President cannot withhold assent or return a Constitutional Amendment Bill for reconsideration.

Key Concept

Procedure for Constitutional Amendment Bills under Article 368
Question 315Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) of the Parliament of India:

1. Out of the 24 DRSCs, 16 committees function under the Lok Sabha while 8 function under the Rajya Sabha.
2. Each Departmentally Related Standing Committee consists of 31 members, comprising 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha.
3. A Union Minister is not eligible to be nominated as a member of any of these standing committees.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct option is the one stating that statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.
The correct response reflects that all three statements are true. There are 24 DRSCs (16 Lok Sabha, 8 Rajya Sabha), each with 31 members (21 Lok Sabha, 10 Rajya Sabha), and Ministers are barred from serving as members.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding the distribution of DRSCs between the two Houses of Parliament.
Statement 1 is correct. In 2004, the number of DRSCs was expanded from 17 to 24. Out of these 24 committees, 16 work under the administrative jurisdiction of the Speaker of Lok Sabha, and 8 work under the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Verify parliamentary structure rules.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding member composition of each DRSC.
Statement 2 is correct. Each DRSC consists of 31 members—21 nominated by the Speaker from Lok Sabha and 10 nominated by the Chairman from Rajya Sabha.
Verify membership numbers across houses.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding ministerial eligibility for committee membership.
Statement 3 is correct. A Minister is explicitly excluded from being nominated as a member of any DRSC. If a member is appointed as a Minister after joining a committee, they automatically cease to be a member of that committee.
Ensure legislative oversight over the executive is maintained without conflict of interest.

Key Concept

Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) structure, numerical strength, and membership rules under Indian Parliamentary rules.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 316Question

Match the Parliamentary Committees in List I with their corresponding primary functions in List II:

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Committee on Subordinate Legislation
Committee on Government Assurances
Estimates Committee
Business Advisory Committee

Matches

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Answer

Committee on Subordinate Legislation pairs with scrutinizing executive delegated rulemaking under parent statutes; Committee on Government Assurances pairs with tracking ministerial promises and assurances made on the floor of the House; Estimates Committee pairs with examining budget estimates and suggesting administrative economies; Business Advisory Committee pairs with allocating time for government legislative business.
Each parliamentary committee corresponds directly to its established functional mandate: Subordinate Legislation monitors executive rulemaking under statutory delegation; Government Assurances tracks ministerial commitments made during House debates; Estimates Committee evaluates financial estimates for administrative economies; Business Advisory Committee allocates time for legislative proceedings.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mandate of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation
Connects to delegated legislation scrutiny
Parliament delegates rulemaking authority to the executive branch, and this committee ensures delegated rules remain within the bounds of parent statutory Acts.
2
Identify the mandate of the Committee on Government Assurances
Connects to monitoring ministerial assurances
Ministers frequently make promises or commit to actions during parliamentary proceedings, which this committee monitors for fulfillment.
3
Identify the mandate of the Estimates Committee
Connects to budget estimate evaluation and economy recommendations
Consisting exclusively of 30 Lok Sabha members, this standing committee evaluates budgetary demands to suggest structural and financial efficiencies.
4
Identify the mandate of the Business Advisory Committee
Connects to parliamentary time allocation and legislative agenda management
Chaired by the Presiding Officer of the respective House, it prepares the time schedule for discussions on government bills and motions.

Key Concept

Functional Classification of Parliamentary Standing Committees
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