Constitutional Bodies — Set 9
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 81–90 of 160
The 15th Finance Commission of India was chaired by?
Correct Answer: C. N.K. Singh
The 15th Finance Commission of India (2020-21 to 2025-26) was chaired by N.K. Singh, a former IAS officer and former Rajya Sabha member. The 15th Finance Commission recommended a vertical devolution of 41% of the central taxes to states. The 16th Finance Commission is being constituted for the period 2026-2031.
The role of the Inter-State Council under Article 263 is primarily?
Correct Answer: B. To facilitate cooperation and coordination between Centre and states
The Inter-State Council under Article 263 serves as a forum for discussion and coordination between the Centre and states, and among states themselves. It can discuss matters of common interest between states, make recommendations on legislative, executive, and administrative matters, and deliberate on disputes. It is not a judicial body — it cannot adjudicate disputes (that is done by the Supreme Court).
Which constitutional body was set up to protect rights of OBCs and recommend reservation policies?
Correct Answer: A. Article 340 — National Commission for OBCs
Article 340 empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and recommend measures for their welfare. Based on this, the Mandal Commission (1979-1980) was appointed, which recommended 27% reservation for OBCs. The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was later given constitutional status by the 102nd Amendment.
The Contingency Fund of India is established under?
Correct Answer: B. Article 267
Article 267 of the Constitution establishes the Contingency Fund of India. The Contingency Fund is in the nature of an imprest (advance) placed at the disposal of the President to enable advances to be made for unforeseen expenditure, pending authorization by Parliament. It is currently valued at ₹500 crore.
Which constitutional provision allows Parliament to establish Tribunals?
Correct Answer: A. Articles 323A and 323B
Articles 323A and 323B of the Constitution (added by 42nd Amendment 1976) empower Parliament to establish Administrative Tribunals (Article 323A) and Tribunals for other matters (Article 323B) like taxation, foreign exchange, industry, labor, elections to state legislatures, etc. These tribunals provide faster justice for specific types of disputes. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
The Conduct of Election Rules 1961 are made under which act?
Correct Answer: B. Representation of the People Act 1951
The Conduct of Election Rules 1961 are made under Section 169 of the Representation of the People Act 1951. These rules provide the detailed procedures for conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures, including notification, nomination, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling, counting, and declaration of results. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
The Delimitation Commission is constituted under?
Correct Answer: A. Article 82 and Delimitation Act
The Delimitation Commission is a constitutional body set up under Article 82 and the Delimitation Act (currently the Delimitation Act 2002). It redraws the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies after each census. The Delimitation Commission's orders cannot be called in question in any court.
The Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005 strengthens which constitutional value?
Correct Answer: B. Right to Freedom of Speech (Article 19(1)(a)) and accountability of constitutional bodies
The Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005 strengthens the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include the right to information. RTI enables citizens to hold constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission, CAG, UPSC, and Finance Commission, accountable by accessing their records and decisions. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Which constitutional provision allows for direct elections of the President?
Correct Answer: D. No — the President is indirectly elected
The President of India is NOT directly elected by the people. Under Article 54 and 55, the President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. The election follows a system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
The current composition of UPSC members is?
Correct Answer: C. Chairman and not more than 10 other members, as determined by Parliament
Under Article 316, the UPSC shall consist of a Chairman and such other members as the President may from time to time determine. Currently, the UPSC has a Chairman and 10 other members. Parliament can legislate on the qualifications of members. The President appoints the Chairman and all members.