UPSC Prelims 2013 Analysis

Explanation

The National Development Council (NDC) in India is comprised of the following members

The Prime Minister (who chairs the council) Ministers of the Union Cabinet Chief Ministers of the States

The Chairman, Finance Commission - while the Finance Commission plays a crucial role in recommending the devolution of financial resources from the central government to the states, the Chairman is not a member of the NDC.

Note The National Development Council has been proposed to be abolished, but as of yet, no resolution has been passed. It currently has no assigned work and doesn't hold meetings.

Explanation

The Planning Commission and the National Development Council are bodies that were established by an Executive Resolution of the Union Government. On the other hand, Zonal Councils are statutory bodies that were created by an act of the Parliament.

It's important to note that none of these bodies are mentioned in the Constitution.

Explanation

Article 37 The provisions contained in this Part shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

As article 37 is part of DPSP, thus correct answer is 'C'.

Explanation

The Lok Sabha (Lower House) has the final say in the matter of Money Bill. Here's the process

The Money Bill originates in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha passes the Money Bill. The Bill is sent to the Rajya Sabha for recommendations. The Rajya Sabha can discuss the Bill and recommend amendments within 14 days. Two scenarios can occur Rajya Sabha returns the Bill without recommendations or with recommendations accepted by the Lok Sabha The Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses of Parliament in its original or amended form. Rajya Sabha recommends amendments that the Lok Sabha disagrees with (substantial amendments) The Lok Sabha can either accept the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha or reject them.

If the Lok Sabha rejects the amendments, the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Lok Sabha (original form). Essentially, the Rajya Sabha's power to amend a Money Bill is limited. While they can propose recommendations, the Lok Sabha has the final authority to decide whether to accept or reject those changes.

Explanation

Statement 1 Incorrect An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by the introduction of a bill in either house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.

Statement 2 Incorrect If an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment requires ratification by the legislatures of at least half of the States of India. This is a special provision to ensure a wider consensus for changes affecting the balance of power between the center and the states.

Explanation

The 7th Amendment permitted the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more states. This was implemented to streamline administration, particularly during the period of state reorganisation. Hence, option 'A' is incorrect.

The judges of the High Court is also appointed by the President like the Judges of the Supreme Court. Hence, option 'B' is incorrect.

Option 'C' is correct as no procedure for the removal of the Governor is mentioned in the Constitution as the Governor works under the pleasure of the President.

The Chief Minister of a Union Territory is appointed by the President and not by the Lt. Governor. Hence Option 'D' is incorrect.

Explanation

The Preamble secures to all citizens of India equality of status and opportunities for all individuals without any discrimination.

Preamble embraces three dimensions of justice -

• social
• political
• economic

DPSP Art. 38 To promote the welfare of people by securing a social order permeated by justice-Social, economic and political- and to minimize the inequalities of income, status, facilities and opportunities.

Explanation

The Indian Parliament has the authority to enact laws applicable throughout the country (or any specific region) to fulfil its obligations under international treaties. This power is enshrined in Article 253 of the Indian Constitution.

Unlike some situations where the Parliament might require state consent for legislative actions, Article 253 grants the authority to enact these laws without needing approval from individual states.

Also, the Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws on any matter in the state list under five extraordinary circumstances

• Rajya Sabha passes the resolution(Article 249)
• National emergency(Article 250)
• States make a request(Article 252)
• To implement international agreements(Article 253)
• During the President's rule (Article 356).

Explanation

Deputy chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha itself, among its members.

The electoral college for VP consists of both elected and nominated members of parliament (in case of the president only elected members).

Explanation

In the context of India's parliamentary government, the following principles are implied institutionally

Members of the Cabinet are Members of Parliament Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament. Correct Here's why these principles are essential

Close Link Between Legislature and Executive By requiring Cabinet members to be MPs, a close connection is established between the legislative and executive branches. This ensures the government is accountable to the legislature, which represents the people.

Collective Responsibility The principle of collective responsibility implies that the Cabinet functions as a unified body. If the Parliament loses faith in the government through a no-confidence motion, the entire Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, is expected to resign. Incorrect Principle

Cabinet is not headed by the Head of State. In India, the President is the Head of State, but the Prime Minister leads the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is the head of government and wields significant executive power.

Explanation

The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to Lok Sabha, not parliament. Hence statement 1 is not correct. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. Hence statement 2 is correct. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Explanation

The National Development Council (NDC) is not an organ of the Planning Commission. It's an independent advisory body headed by the Prime Minister and includes Chief Ministers of all states, Union Cabinet Ministers, and members of the NITI Aayog (successor to the Planning Commission).

• It was set up on 6 August 1952.

Economic and Social Planning is listed in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution (Article 243G) empowers Panchayats (local village governments) to prepare plans for economic development and social justice at the village level. This promotes decentralized planning and community participation.

Hence statement one is incorrect and statements two and three are correct.

Explanation

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) consists of not more than 22 members, not 25, elected by the Lok Sabha (the lower house) and Rajya Sabha (the upper house) of the Indian Parliament according to the principle of proportional representation. Hence, statement one is wrong.

The PAC's primary function is to scrutinize the appropriation (budget) accounts of the Government of India. This involves examining how the government has spent the funds allocated to it by Parliament. Hence, statement two is correct,

The PAC examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The CAG is an independent statutory authority that audits the accounts of the Union Government and the State governments. The PAC uses the CAG's reports as a basis for its scrutiny of government spending. Hence, statement three is also correct.

Explanation

According to Article 88 of the Constitution every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of either House, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this article be entitled to vote.

Explanation

PESA doesnt deal with the creation of autonomous regions in tribal areas.

The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of certain tribal areas as autonomous entities. The provisions of the sixth schedule are provided under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the Indian Constitution.