Centre-State Relations — Set 4
Indian Polity · केंद्र-राज्य संबंध · Questions 31–40 of 50
In which year was the Sarkaria Commission appointed by the Central Government?
Correct Answer: B. 1983
The Sarkaria Commission was appointed in 1983. It was tasked with reviewing the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and States. It is considered one of the most important commissions on Indian federalism.
Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides legislative powers between the Union and the States?
Correct Answer: D. Seventh Schedule
The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers between the Union and the States. It contains three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. This division is the cornerstone of India's federal structure.
'Defense' and 'Foreign Affairs' are subjects in which list of the Seventh Schedule?
Correct Answer: B. Union List
'Defense' and 'Foreign Affairs' are key subjects in the Union List. The Union Parliament has exclusive power to make laws on these matters. This ensures a unified national policy on security and international relations.
'Forests' and 'Protection of Wild Animals' fall under which legislative list?
Correct Answer: A. Concurrent List
These subjects fall under the Concurrent List. They were moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. This allows both Centre and States to frame laws for environmental protection.
The Sarkaria Commission is primarily known for its recommendations on which subject?
Correct Answer: C. Centre-State Relations
The Sarkaria Commission is primarily known for its extensive report on Centre-State Relations. Its recommendations cover legislative, administrative, and financial spheres. The establishment of the Inter-State Council was a key outcome of its report.
Which Article of the Constitution empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council?
Correct Answer: A. Article 263
Article 263 empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council. The Council is meant to effect coordination between states. It was formally set up in 1990 following the Sarkaria Commission's recommendation.
Which Article vests the residuary powers of legislation in the Parliament?
Correct Answer: D. Article 248
Article 248 vests the residuary powers of legislation in the Parliament. This includes the power to impose taxes not mentioned in either the State or Concurrent Lists. In the US and Australia, residuary powers lie with the States.
Who was the Chairman of the second commission on Centre-State relations constituted in 2007?
Correct Answer: B. M.M. Punchhi
M.M. Punchhi, a former Chief Justice of India, was the Chairman of the second commission. This commission is commonly known as the Punchhi Commission. It revisited issues raised by the Sarkaria Commission in the context of changed political scenarios.
How many Zonal Councils were originally established by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956?
Correct Answer: C. Five
Five Zonal Councils were originally established in 1956. These are the Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern Zonal Councils. The North-Eastern Council was created later by a separate act in 1971.
Who acts as the common Chairperson of all Zonal Councils?
Correct Answer: C. Union Home Minister
The Union Home Minister acts as the common Chairperson of all Zonal Councils. This ensures high-level coordination between the Centre and the zones. The Chief Ministers of the states in the zone act as Vice-Chairmen by rotation.