Constitutional Bodies — Set 10
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 91–100 of 160
The concept of 'Financial Emergency' under Article 360 can be proclaimed by?
Correct Answer: B. President
Article 360 empowers the President to proclaim a Financial Emergency if he is satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened. During a Financial Emergency, directions can be given to states regarding financial matters, salaries of all government employees (including judges) can be reduced, and the President can direct that money bills passed by state legislatures be reserved for his consideration. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Which constitutional body has the power to recognize/derecognize national and state level political parties?
Correct Answer: C. Election Commission
The Election Commission of India has the power to recognize and derecognize political parties at national and state levels under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. A party gets national recognition if it wins at least 6% of votes in at least 4 states and wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha, or wins at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats from at least 3 states. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Which article mandates the CAG to audit public sector companies?
Correct Answer: B. Article 149
Article 149 empowers Parliament to prescribe the duties and powers of the CAG in relation to the accounts of the Union and states. Under the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act 1971, the CAG has the power to audit accounts of government-owned companies, public sector undertakings, and bodies substantially financed by government grants. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is established under?
Correct Answer: B. Disaster Management Act 2005
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is a statutory body established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (not a constitutional body). It is chaired by the Prime Minister. The NDMA lays down policies and guidelines for disaster management and ensures timely and effective responses to disasters.
Which constitutional body was set up specifically for tribal welfare and development?
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
The correct answer is All of the above. Multiple constitutional provisions protect tribal welfare: (1) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A (89th Amendment 2003); (2) Presidential powers to appoint commissions under Article 340; (3) Fifth Schedule (Article 244) — Tribal Advisory Councils in states with Schedule Tribes; and (4) Sixth Schedule for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. This is an important constitutional provision that governs the structure and functioning of Indian democracy Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness. Understanding this provision thoroughly is essential for civil services, judicial services, and other competitive examinations.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) was established under?
Correct Answer: B. RTI Act 2005
The Central Information Commission (CIC) was established under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is a statutory body, not a constitutional body. The CIC hears appeals from citizens when information requested under RTI is denied or not provided. The Chief Information Commissioner is the head of the CIC.
Which provision prevents the UPSC Chairman from holding any government employment after retirement?
Correct Answer: B. Article 319
Article 319 prohibits the Chairman of the UPSC from holding any further office under the Government of India or a state government after retirement. The other members of UPSC are eligible for appointment as Chairman of UPSC or SPSC but cannot hold other government employment. This prohibition ensures that UPSC members act independently.
The Finance Commission recommendations are?
Correct Answer: B. Advisory in nature — the government can accept or reject them
The Finance Commission makes recommendations that are advisory in nature — the central government can accept or reject them. In practice, however, the recommendations are almost always accepted. Article 280 requires the Finance Commission to make recommendations on distribution of taxes, grants-in-aid to states, and measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of states.
Which body has been specifically empowered under the Constitution to settle inter-state river water disputes?
Correct Answer: C. Parliament by law (Article 262)
Article 262 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws for adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution or control of waters of inter-state rivers or river valleys. Based on this, the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 was enacted. Disputes like Cauvery, Krishna, Godavari are adjudicated under this provision.
The concept of independent statutory authorities like SEBI, TRAI, IRDAI are derived from which principle?
Correct Answer: B. Independent regulatory body concept under Article 12 (as State)
Independent statutory authorities like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board), TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority), IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory Authority) are 'authorities' within the definition of 'State' under Article 12. They can be subject to writ jurisdiction under Articles 32 and 226. They derive their powers from specific statutes enacted by Parliament or state legislatures.