Constitutional Bodies — Set 14

Correct Answer: A. Consolidated Fund of India

The Chief Election Commissioner's salary, allowances, and pension are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India and are not subject to a vote of Parliament. This financial independence is essential to protect the Chief Election Commissioner from political pressure. The Supreme Court in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) struck down the law allowing the PM and LoP to be part of the selection committee for Election Commissioners, directing a new appointment process.

Correct Answer: B. President, who causes it to be laid before Parliament

The UPSC submits an annual report on its work to the President of India under Article 323. The President causes this report to be laid before each House of Parliament. The report describes the work done by the UPSC during that year, including examinations conducted, recommendations made, and the extent to which advice of the UPSC was accepted by the government. Similarly, State PSCs submit annual reports to their respective Governors.

Correct Answer: B. 1982

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were first used on an experimental basis in a small section of the Parur Assembly Constituency in Kerala in 1982. They were subsequently introduced in larger elections — first in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi in 1998, and then in all Parliamentary elections from 1999 onwards. The Election Commission introduced VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails) alongside EVMs from 2013. EVMs and VVPATs have been subjects of much public debate.

Correct Answer: B. Statutory body

The Central Information Commission (CIC) was established under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is a statutory body (not a constitutional body). The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President. They hear appeals and complaints related to the RTI Act. The Supreme Court in Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India (2019) directed that constitutional status be given to CIC, but this has not yet been done by Parliament.

Correct Answer: C. Finance Commission

The Finance Commission is the constitutional body (Article 280) responsible for recommending the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Centre and States (vertical devolution), the shares of individual states in the central taxes (horizontal distribution), and the principles governing grants-in-aid to states. Each Finance Commission is constituted for 5 years. The 15th Finance Commission (2017-22) recommended giving 41% of central tax revenues to states. Finance Commission recommendations are not legally binding but are generally accepted.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above

The correct answer is All of the above. The UPSC conducts multiple examinations including: Civil Services Examination (for IAS, IFS, IPS, and Central Group A and B Services); Indian Forest Service Examination; CDS (Combined Defence Services) Examination; NDA (National Defence Academy) Examination; IES (Indian Economic Service)/ISS (Indian Statistical Service); CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Examination; and various other examinations for Central Government posts. UPSC is one of the largest recruitment bodies in India. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: C. 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier

The Chief Election Commissioner holds office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The CEC is not eligible for reappointment. Election Commissioners also have the same term conditions. The security of tenure (cannot be removed arbitrarily) and fixed terms ensure the independence of the Election Commission. The Election Commission Act, 2023 changed the appointment process for Election Commissioners.

Correct Answer: D. Article 293

Article 293 allows states to borrow within India either from the Public Account of the State or by making loans and giving guarantees. The Centre can also lend to states. However, a state cannot raise loans if it is still liable to repay any loan or interest on a previous loan from the Centre, without the Centre's consent. This gives the Centre financial leverage over states. States must also get the Centre's consent for borrowings if their debt has exceeded certain limits.

Correct Answer: C. 2015

The Planning Commission was replaced by the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) on January 1, 2015 by an executive order of the Modi government. NITI Aayog is a policy think tank and advisory body, unlike the Planning Commission which had power to allocate resources to states through Five Year Plans. NITI Aayog has no financial powers over states. It is headed by the Prime Minister as Chairperson. India's Five Year Plans ended with the 12th Plan (2012-17).

Correct Answer: B. CAG of India

The Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) is a Central Group A Service that works under the supervision of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. IAAS officers assist the CAG in conducting audits of government accounts. They are recruited through the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC. The IAAS officers are deployed in audit offices across the country and abroad (for Indian missions). This service ensures comprehensive government accounts audit.