Constitutional Bodies — Set 8
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 71–80 of 160
The concept of 'Consolidated Fund of India' is established by?
Correct Answer: B. Article 266
Article 266 of the Constitution establishes the Consolidated Fund of India. All revenues received by the Government of India, all loans raised, and all repayments of loans received by the government are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. No amount can be withdrawn from this Fund except under an Appropriation Act passed by Parliament.
The UPSC advises the President on which matters?
Correct Answer: B. Methods of recruitment and service conditions for civil services
Under Article 320, the functions of a Public Service Commission include: (a) conducting examinations for appointments to civil services, (b) assisting in framing and operating schemes for joint recruitment, (c) advising on disciplinary matters, methods of recruitment, and suitability of candidates for appointment. The UPSC is a 'watchdog' of the merit-based civil service system. The President of India is the constitutional head of the executive and acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, deals with?
Correct Answer: C. Disqualification for failure to lodge an account of election expenses
Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with disqualification for failure to lodge account of election expenses. If a candidate or their election agent fails to lodge election expense accounts within the specified time, the Election Commission may disqualify them for a period of three years. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Which article gives the Election Commission power to register political parties?
Correct Answer: C. Section 29A of Representation of the People Act 1951
The power to register political parties is derived from Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (not directly from the Constitution). Parties must submit their constitution, register with the Election Commission, and comply with the party's stated objectives for registration. Article 19(1)(c) guarantees the fundamental right to form associations.
The Special Railway Committee recommendations led to the creation of which body?
Correct Answer: B. CAG
In the colonial era, the Atchison Commission (1887) and the Lee Commission (1924) led to major reforms in India's public services. These reforms eventually contributed to the creation of the modern audit and accounting system, and the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as an independent institution. The CAG's role was formalized in the 1935 Act and later in the Constitution.
Which constitutional body directly assists Parliament in financial oversight?
Correct Answer: C. CAG through the Public Accounts Committee
The CAG directly assists Parliament in financial oversight by: (1) auditing government accounts, (2) submitting audit reports to the President who lays them before Parliament, and (3) working closely with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. The PAC examines the audit reports and questions the government on irregularities identified by the CAG. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
The first Chief Election Commissioner of India was?
Correct Answer: B. Sukumar Sen
Sukumar Sen was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India, serving from 1950 to 1958. He conducted the first two general elections of India (1951-52 and 1957). His conduct of free and fair elections laid the foundation for India's democratic process. T.N. Seshan (CEC 1990-96) is famous for strictly implementing the Model Code of Conduct.
The Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is appointed under which constitutional provision?
Correct Answer: B. Article 350B
Article 350B provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities, to be appointed by the President. The Special Officer's duty is to investigate all matters relating to safeguards provided for linguistic minorities and to report to the President upon such matters. These reports are placed before Parliament.
The Lokpal Act came into force in which year?
Correct Answer: D. 2019
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was enacted by Parliament, but the Lokpal became fully operational in 2019 when the first Lokpal of India, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose (former Supreme Court judge), was appointed in March 2019. The Act was passed after the Anna Hazare movement and provides for a Lokpal at the Centre. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is?
Correct Answer: B. A statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act 1990
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body established by the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It is not a constitutional body. The NCW reviews the constitutional and legal safeguards for women, recommends remedial measures, and facilitates redressal of grievances of women.