Union-State Relations — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. Give directions to States for proper exercise of Union's executive power, including railway protection and protection against hazards

Article 257 provides that the executive power of the Union shall also extend to the giving of directions to a state as to the construction and maintenance of means of communication declared to be of national or military importance; and as to the measures to be taken for the protection of the railways within the state. This constitutional provision under Article 257 is an essential part of the Indian constitutional framework 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.

Correct Answer: B. Adjudicate disputes regarding inter-state rivers and river valleys, and exclude courts including Supreme Court from such jurisdiction

Article 262 empowers Parliament to make laws for adjudication of disputes with respect to use, distribution, or control of waters of inter-state rivers or river valleys, and to provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction in respect of such disputes. This led to the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.

Correct Answer: B. Rights of linguistic and religious minorities

Articles 29-30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 gives every section of citizens the right to conserve its distinct language, script, or culture. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The State shall not discriminate against minority institutions in granting aid. These rights protect the diverse cultural fabric of India.

Correct Answer: C. Article 17

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable under law. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (earlier Untouchability Offences Act 1955) was enacted to give effect to Article 17. Article 17 applies not only against the State but also against private individuals, making it one of the unique Fundamental Rights.

Correct Answer: B. Public employment

Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Article 16(3) allows Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for certain state employment. Article 16(4) allows reservation for backward classes inadequately represented in state services.

Correct Answer: A. Articles 264-293

Articles 264-293 in Part XII of the Constitution deal with Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits, covering financial relations between the Centre and States. These include: consolidated funds (266), contingency funds (267), taxes (268-279), Finance Commission (280), grants-in-aid (275), borrowing (293), etc. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: C. Article 18

Article 18 abolishes titles and provides that no title (except military or academic distinctions) shall be conferred by the State. No citizen shall accept any title from a foreign State without the President's consent. No person holding an office of profit under the State shall accept any present, emolument, or office from any foreign State without the President's consent. This article promotes republicanism and equality by eliminating hereditary distinctions.

Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment 2002

The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A which provides for free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was enacted in 2009. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to reflect this change. India became the 135th country to make education a fundamental right.

Correct Answer: B. No tax shall be levied except by authority of law

Article 265 provides that no tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law. This is a fundamental constitutional principle — taxation must be backed by valid law. This protects citizens from arbitrary taxation. Any tax without legal backing can be challenged as unconstitutional.

Correct Answer: A. Right to Property

The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 deleted the Right to Property (Article 31) from the list of Fundamental Rights. Now property rights are only a legal right under Article 300-A which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. The 44th Amendment was passed by the Janata government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The right to property as a Fundamental Right was always controversial due to land reform legislation.