Parliament — Set 5
Indian Polity · संसद · Questions 41–50 of 120
Who is traditionally appointed as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee?
Correct Answer: B. A member from the Opposition
Since 1967, a convention has developed to appoint a member from the Opposition as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. The Speaker makes this appointment. This ensures objective scrutiny of government accounts.
The Departmental Standing Committees were initiated in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1993
The Departmental Standing Committees were initiated in 1993. Initially, there were 17 such committees, which were later increased to 24 in 2004. Their main objective is to secure more accountability of the Executive to the Parliament.
Which Article of the Constitution deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members?
Correct Answer: C. Article 105
Article 105 deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. It grants freedom of speech in Parliament and immunity from court proceedings for anything said or voted. It aims to ensure independent functioning.
Members of Parliament enjoy immunity from arrest in civil cases during the session and for how many days before and after?
Correct Answer: D. 40 days
Members enjoy immunity from arrest in civil cases 40 days before and 40 days after the session. This privilege does not extend to criminal cases or preventive detention. It ensures they can perform their parliamentary duties without hindrance.
Who has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of either House but cannot vote?
Correct Answer: C. Attorney General of India
The Attorney General of India has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of either House. However, he does not have the right to vote. This is provided under Article 88 of the Constitution.
The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is generally reserved for?
Correct Answer: B. Question Hour
The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is termed the Question Hour. During this time, members ask questions and ministers give answers. It is a vital mechanism for parliamentary oversight.
Which motion is used to censure a minister for specific policies or actions?
Correct Answer: C. Censure Motion
A Censure Motion is used to censure a specific minister or group of ministers for specific policies. Unlike a No-Confidence Motion, it requires specific reasons to be stated. If passed, the Council of Ministers need not necessarily resign, but it is a strong rebuke.
What is the maximum number of members in the Public Accounts Committee?
Correct Answer: B. 22
The Public Accounts Committee consists of 22 members. 15 members are elected from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. Ministers cannot be members of this committee.
The concept of 'Private Member's Bill' refers to a bill introduced by?
Correct Answer: A. Any member who is not a minister
A Private Member's Bill is a bill introduced by any member of Parliament who is not a minister. It reflects the stand of the opposition or individual members on public issues. Such bills are usually discussed on Fridays.
Which Article provides for the joint sitting of both Houses in certain cases?
Correct Answer: D. Article 108
Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve a deadlock over a bill. It is summoned by the President and presided over by the Speaker. It applies to ordinary bills and finance bills, not money bills.