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
• **PAC Chairman** = a member from the Opposition by convention since 1967. • **Speaker appoints** — to ensure impartial scrutiny of government finances. • 💡 Finance Minister cannot chair (is executive); Speaker only appoints, doesn't chair; Leader of the House is treasury-benches — defeats purpose of scrutiny.
The Departmental Standing Committees were initiated in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1993
• **Departmental Standing Committees** = introduced in 1993. • **17 to 24** — expanded to 24 committees in 2004 for deeper ministry oversight. • 💡 1983 was the Sarkaria Commission year; 1977 saw Janata government; 2004 is the expansion year — not the initiation.
Which Article of the Constitution deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members?
Correct Answer: C. Article 105
• **Article 105** = powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament/MPs. • **Freedom of speech + immunity** — MPs not liable for words spoken/votes cast in House. • 💡 Art 102 lists disqualifications; Art 108 covers Joint Sitting; Art 110 defines Money Bill — none deal with privileges.
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
• **40-day civil immunity** = 40 days before and after session for MPs. • **Civil cases only** — no protection in criminal or preventive-detention cases. • 💡 60/30/14 days are other parliamentary time-frames but not the immunity limit.
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
• **Attorney General** = speaks in either House but cannot vote. • **Article 88** — right to participate in both Houses and joint sittings/committees. • 💡 CEC, CAG and Solicitor General have no such parliamentary speaking right under Art 88.
The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is generally reserved for?
Correct Answer: B. Question Hour
• **Question Hour** = first hour (11:00 to 12:00) of each sitting. • **Oversight tool** — MPs quiz ministers; ensures accountability. • 💡 Legislative business and Agenda Discussion happen later; Zero Hour comes AFTER Question Hour, at noon.
Which motion is used to censure a minister for specific policies or actions?
Correct Answer: C. Censure Motion
• **Censure Motion** = expresses specific disapproval of a minister/policy. • **Grounds required** — must state reasons; passing does not compel resignation. • 💡 Privilege Motion concerns breach of privilege; No-Confidence targets whole Cabinet; Call Attention Motion seeks minister response, not censure.
What is the maximum number of members in the Public Accounts Committee?
Correct Answer: B. 22
• **PAC strength** = 22 members. • **15 LS + 7 RS** — ministers cannot be members; term is 1 year. • 💡 30 = Estimates Committee; 15 is only the LS portion; 25 has no basis.
The concept of 'Private Member's Bill' refers to a bill introduced by?
Correct Answer: A. Any member who is not a minister
• **Private Member's Bill** = bill introduced by any non-minister MP. • **Friday business** — generally debated on Fridays in Lok Sabha. • 💡 Nominated members and opposition members may introduce one but term is not limited to them; private citizens cannot introduce bills.
Which Article provides for the joint sitting of both Houses in certain cases?
Correct Answer: D. Article 108
• **Article 108** = provides for Joint Sitting of both Houses. • **Deadlock resolution** — for ordinary bills only; not for Money or Constitutional Amendment Bills. • 💡 Art 100 = voting/quorum; Art 112 = Budget; Art 110 = Money Bill — none deal with joint sitting.