Centre-State Relations — Set 2
Indian Polity · केंद्र-राज्य संबंध · Questions 11–20 of 50
Who serves as the Chairperson of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council?
Correct Answer: D. Union Finance Minister
The Union Finance Minister serves as the Chairperson of the GST Council. The Council includes the Union Minister of State for Finance and Finance Ministers from all States. It is a constitutional body established under Article 279A.
Which Article provides for the adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers?
Correct Answer: A. Article 262
Article 262 provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes. Parliament may by law provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction over such disputes. This led to the enactment of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Zonal Councils in India are established under which type of framework?
Correct Answer: D. Statutory Act
Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. Unlike the Inter-State Council, they are not constitutional bodies. They aim to promote cooperation and coordination between states in a specific zone.
The North-Eastern Council was created by a separate parliamentary act in which year?
Correct Answer: D. 1971
The North-Eastern Council was created by the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971. It serves a similar function to Zonal Councils but focuses specifically on the seven (now eight) northeastern states. Sikkim was added to this council in 2002.
Article 261 of the Constitution provides for 'Full Faith and Credit' to which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Public acts, records and judicial proceedings
Article 261 mandates that full faith and credit shall be given throughout India to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and of every State. This clause ensures judicial and administrative unity. It prevents states from ignoring the legal documents of other states.
Under Article 257, the Centre can give directions to States regarding the construction and maintenance of what?
Correct Answer: A. Means of communication of national importance
Under Article 257, the Centre can direct States to maintain means of communication declared to be of national or military importance. It can also direct states regarding the protection of railways. The Centre compensates the State for extra costs incurred in this regard.
Which Article holds that failure to comply with Centre's directions is a ground for imposing President's Rule?
Correct Answer: B. Article 365
Article 365 states that if a State fails to comply with valid directions from the Centre, it is lawful for the President to hold that the State government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution. This triggers the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356. It enforces the administrative supremacy of the Centre.
During a Financial Emergency, the President can issue directions for the reduction of salaries of whom?
Correct Answer: A. All government employees including Judges
During a Financial Emergency (Article 360), the President can direct the reduction of salaries and allowances of all persons serving the Union or State. This includes the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. This is a severe measure to restore financial stability.
Which Article governs the borrowing of money by State Governments within India?
Correct Answer: B. Article 293
Article 293 regulates the borrowing power of State Governments. A State can borrow only within the territory of India and not from abroad. It also requires the Centre's consent for borrowing if the State owes a debt to the Centre.
Taxes on income other than agricultural income are levied and collected by whom?
Correct Answer: D. Central Government
Taxes on income other than agricultural income are levied and collected by the Central Government. The net proceeds are then distributed between the Union and the States. Agricultural income tax, if applied, falls under the State List.