Consider the following statements regarding ARC perspectives on citizen-centric administration:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission proposed the creation of a National Ombudsman in its 2007 report, which led to the immediate enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, established the office of the Lokpal in 1966 to address citizen grievances against high-level public officials.
3. The 15th Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission focuses on state-level governance and suggests that the State Information Commission functions under the direct supervision of the Governor.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was enacted in 2013, long after the 2007 report, and not as an immediate consequence. Statement 2 is incorrect as the First ARC (1966) only recommended the creation of the Lokpal, but the office was not established until the 2013 Act. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 12th Report of the Second ARC focused on 'Citizen Centric Administration,' and State Information Commissions are independent statutory bodies under the RTI Act, not under the direct supervision of the Governor.
Consider the following statements regarding Reforms in the structure of the Union Cabinet Secretariat:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 15th report, 'State and District Administration', suggested that the Cabinet Secretary should function as the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
2. The Cabinet Secretariat operates under the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961, which were issued under Article 77(3) of the Constitution.
3. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, recommended the creation of a Department of Personnel to handle administrative management under the Cabinet Secretariat.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 15th ARC report recommended the Cabinet Secretary head the Civil Services Board to ensure merit-based appointments and insulate the bureaucracy from political interference. Statement 2 is correct because the Cabinet Secretariat derives its legal authority from the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961, framed under Article 77(3) to facilitate the smooth functioning of government business. Statement 3 is correct as the First ARC (1966-70) recommended establishing a dedicated Department of Personnel (now DoPT) to streamline administrative management, which was subsequently implemented under the Cabinet Secretariat before moving to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC views on social capital and non-profit sector engagement:
1. The 15th report of the Second ARC suggested that the government should provide tax incentives to individual donors to encourage the growth of social capital and strengthen the financial independence of non-profit entities.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 12th Report titled 'Citizen Centric Administration', recommended the creation of a National Council for Voluntary Organizations to facilitate structured dialogue between the state and the non-profit sector.
3. The 2007 ARC report on Social Capital emphasized that the government should adopt a 'partnership model' rather than a 'contractor model' when engaging with Civil Society Organizations for the delivery of public services.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the 15th report ('Social Capital') advocated for tax incentives to boost financial autonomy of NGOs, while the 12th report ('Citizen Centric Administration') explicitly recommended establishing a National Council for Voluntary Organizations to institutionalize the state-NGO interface. Furthermore, the 2007 report emphasized shifting from a transactional 'contractor' approach to a collaborative 'partnership' model to ensure CSOs are treated as equal stakeholders in public service delivery.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC views on local self-government empowerment:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act includes provisions for the Ward Committee in urban areas with a population of over three lakhs, a threshold that was originally recommended by the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relations.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission suggested that the State Finance Commission should be chaired by a retired High Court judge to ensure the objective distribution of tax proceeds between the state and local governments.
3. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, enacted in 1992, provides for the creation of District Planning Committees to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities, which were first proposed by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 74th Amendment mandates Ward Committees for municipalities with a population of 3 lakhs or more, but this was not a recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended that the State Finance Commission be chaired by a person with experience in public finance or administration, not specifically a retired High Court judge. Statement 3 is incorrect because District Planning Committees were introduced by the 74th Amendment Act, not the 73rd, and they were not proposed by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, which focused on the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC suggestions for e-governance and digital service delivery:
1. The Second ARC suggested that the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances should function as the primary nodal agency for the procurement of hardware for all State Wide Area Networks.
2. The 12th Report of the Second ARC, released in 2009, proposed the establishment of a centralized national database for all land records to replace the existing state-level digital land management systems.
3. The NeGP (National e-Governance Plan) was launched in 2006 following the recommendations of the First Administrative Reforms Commission, which emphasized the role of District Information Officers in rural connectivity.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended the Department of Information Technology (now MeitY) as the nodal agency for technical standards, not DARPG for hardware procurement. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 12th Report ('Citizen Centric Administration') focused on service delivery reforms rather than mandating a centralized national land database to replace state systems. Statement 3 is incorrect because the NeGP was launched in 2006 based on the 2004 e-Governance roadmap, and the First ARC (1966-70) predated the digital era, making it impossible for it to have recommended modern rural digital connectivity.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative reforms in police and internal security:
1. The Ribeiro Committee (1998) suggested the establishment of a National Security Commission to oversee the selection and tenure of the Director General of Police.
2. The Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000) recommended that the recruitment of constabulary should be handled by a professional board rather than at the district level.
3. The Gore Committee on Police Training (1971) advocated for the integration of paramilitary forces into the state police hierarchy to streamline command structures during civil disturbances.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Ribeiro Committee (1998) was indeed constituted by the Supreme Court to suggest police reforms, including the creation of a National Security Commission to insulate police leadership from political pressure. The Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000) recommended professionalizing recruitment by moving away from district-level hiring to state-level boards to ensure meritocracy and transparency. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Gore Committee (1971) focused exclusively on revamping police training curricula and infrastructure, rather than proposing the integration of paramilitary forces into state police hierarchies.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC perspectives on citizen-centric administration:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission report on ethics in governance advocates for the separation of the Civil Services Board from the Cabinet Secretariat to ensure the autonomy of state-level appointments.
2. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances launched the CPGRAMS portal in 2005, following a specific directive from the First Administrative Reforms Commission to digitize all citizen feedback.
3. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the adoption of the 'Sevottam' model, which was initially developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in 2006.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 12th Report of the Second ARC endorsed the 'Sevottam' model, a quality management framework introduced by the DARPG in 2006 to improve public service delivery. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended the establishment of a Civil Services Board to insulate civil servants from political pressure, but it did not mandate its separation from the Cabinet Secretariat. Statement 2 is incorrect because the First ARC (1966-1970) preceded the digital era, and CPGRAMS was an initiative launched by the DARPG in 2007 to centralize grievance redressal, not a directive from the First ARC.
Consider the following statements regarding Recommendations on the office of the Governor and Centre-State relations:
1. The Punchhi Commission, constituted in 2007, recommended that the doctrine of pleasure should be deleted from the Constitution and replaced with a procedure for the impeachment of the Governor by the State Legislature.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 2007 report on Centre-State relations, suggested that the Governor should be appointed from a panel prepared by the State Legislature or a similar body to ensure impartiality.
3. The Sarkaria Commission report of 1988 proposed that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the state and should not have participated in active politics at the central or state level for at least two years prior to the appointment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Punchhi Commission (2007) proposed replacing the 'doctrine of pleasure' with a specific procedure for removal by the State Legislature to ensure security of tenure. Statement 2 is correct because the 2nd ARC recommended that the Governor be appointed from a panel prepared by the State Legislature or a committee, rather than being a purely central appointee, to foster federal cooperation. Statement 3 is correct as the Sarkaria Commission (1988) explicitly advised that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the state who has not been active in politics for at least two years prior to their appointment to maintain neutrality.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional mechanisms for grievance redressal:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission report of 1966 recommended the establishment of the Lokpal and Lokayukta, which was subsequently implemented through the 1967 Constitutional Amendment Act.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, submitted its interim report on the Problems of Redress of Citizens' Grievances in 1966.
3. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 12th report titled Citizen Centric Administration, recommended the enactment of a Public Services Bill to define standards of service delivery.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was enacted in 2013, not through a 1967 Constitutional Amendment Act. Statement 2 is correct as the First ARC, chaired by Morarji Desai, submitted its interim report on the 'Problems of Redress of Citizens' Grievances' in 1966, which laid the foundation for the Ombudsman concept in India. Statement 3 is correct because the Second ARC's 12th report, 'Citizen Centric Administration,' explicitly recommended the enactment of a Public Services Bill to mandate service delivery standards and ensure accountability.
Consider the following statements regarding Second ARC report on Ethics in Governance:
1. The Second ARC recommends that the Central Vigilance Commission should function as a department under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to streamline anti-corruption investigations.
2. The report suggests that the Right to Information Act, 2005, provides for the immediate disqualification of any civil servant who fails to respond to a query within 48 hours.
3. The report recommends that the Code of Ethics for Ministers should be placed before Parliament and the State Legislatures to ensure public accountability.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Second ARC emphasized that a Code of Ethics for Ministers should be placed before Parliament and State Legislatures to uphold transparency and public accountability. Statement 1 is incorrect because the ARC recommended that the CVC should be a multi-member body and remain independent, rather than being placed under the Ministry of Personnel. Statement 2 is incorrect because the RTI Act, 2005, does not mandate immediate disqualification of civil servants for failing to respond within 48 hours; instead, it prescribes specific penalties for delays or refusal to provide information.
Consider the following statements regarding Reforms in the structure of the Union Cabinet Secretariat:
1. The Senior Selection Board, which considers officers for the rank of Joint Secretary, is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary as per the established administrative conventions.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission suggested that the Cabinet Secretary should be appointed for a fixed tenure of five years to ensure continuity in policy implementation across different political regimes.
3. The Cabinet Secretariat was formally established as a permanent body in 1950, following the recommendations of the Gopalaswami Ayyangar report on the reorganization of the machinery of government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Cabinet Secretary chairs the Senior Selection Board for Joint Secretary-level appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended a fixed tenure of three years, not five, to balance stability with accountability. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Gopalaswami Ayyangar report (1949) recommended its reorganization, the Cabinet Secretariat originated from the Secretariat of the Executive Council of the Viceroy and was not 'formally established' as a new body in 1950.
Consider the following statements regarding Rationalization of government agencies and autonomous bodies:
1. The 2005 report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended that the government should adopt a 'sunset clause' for all autonomous bodies to ensure periodic review of their continued relevance.
2. The Expenditure Management Commission, established in 2014 under the chairmanship of Bimal Jalan, proposed the closure or merger of several autonomous bodies to reduce the fiscal burden on the exchequer.
3. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its 15th report titled 'State and District Administration' in April 2009.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2nd ARC in its 15th report emphasized the 'sunset clause' to mandate periodic review and prevent the perpetual existence of redundant bodies. Statement 2 is correct because the Expenditure Management Commission (2014) recommended rationalizing autonomous bodies to optimize public spending and improve fiscal efficiency. Statement 3 is correct as the 2nd ARC, chaired by Veerappa Moily, indeed submitted its 15th report titled 'State and District Administration' in April 2009, which focused on structural reforms in governance.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC recommendations on financial management and accountability:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 14th report titled 'Strengthening Financial Management Systems' suggested the creation of a dedicated Debt Management Office within the Ministry of Finance.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, submitted its report on Financial Administration in 1968, advocating for the introduction of a performance budgeting system.
3. The Second ARC recommended that the Chief Accounting Authority in each ministry should be the Secretary of the Department, and this role was formally adopted by the Ministry of Finance in the 2007 fiscal circular.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 14th Report of the 2nd ARC recommended a separate Debt Management Office to manage public debt effectively. Statement 2 is correct because the 1st ARC (1966-70) advocated for performance budgeting to shift focus from mere expenditure to output-based results. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 2nd ARC recommended strengthening the role of the Chief Accounting Authority, the formal designation of the Secretary as the Chief Accounting Authority was already established under the departmentalization of accounts in 1976, not by a 2007 fiscal circular.
Consider the following statements regarding Reforms in the structure of the Union Cabinet Secretariat:
1. The Cabinet Secretary chairs the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, which oversees the selection of heads of Public Sector Undertakings and statutory regulatory bodies.
2. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances was transferred from the Ministry of Personnel to the Cabinet Secretariat in 1985 to enhance the oversight of civil service reforms.
3. The First Administrative Reforms Commission proposed the creation of a 'Cabinet Office' modeled after the British system, which would incorporate the Prime Minister's Office into the Cabinet Secretariat.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is chaired by the Prime Minister, not the Cabinet Secretary. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) was transferred from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions in 1985, not the Cabinet Secretariat. Statement 3 is incorrect because the First ARC did not propose merging the Prime Minister's Office into the Cabinet Secretariat; instead, it focused on strengthening the Cabinet Secretariat's role in policy coordination and administrative efficiency.
Consider the following statements regarding Rationalization of government agencies and autonomous bodies:
1. The 2009 report on State and District Administration proposed that the District Collector should function as the ex-officio chairperson of every autonomous body operating within their territorial jurisdiction.
2. The 1966 First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the creation of a centralized 'Autonomous Bodies Board' to oversee the annual budgetary allocations for all public sector undertakings.
3. The 2014 Expenditure Management Commission report suggested that the Ministry of Finance should directly manage the human resource policies of all autonomous bodies to improve administrative efficiency.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
None of the statements are correct as they misrepresent the recommendations of these bodies. The 2009 ARC report on 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration' did not propose making the District Collector an ex-officio chairperson of all autonomous bodies; the 1966 First ARC focused on the functional autonomy of public sector undertakings rather than creating a centralized 'Autonomous Bodies Board'; and the 2014 Expenditure Management Commission, led by Bimal Jalan, focused on fiscal consolidation and expenditure rationalization rather than suggesting the Ministry of Finance take over the HR policies of autonomous bodies.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC framework for performance management in public service:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its 10th report titled 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration' in 2008.
2. The 2005 Second ARC report on 'Human Capital Management' provides for the creation of a National Civil Services Authority to oversee the implementation of performance-based pay scales across all state governments.
3. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966 under the chairmanship of Morarji Desai, introduced the Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) to replace the traditional Annual Confidential Report.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 10th report of the Second ARC, chaired by Veerappa Moily, was indeed titled 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration' and submitted in 2008. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended a Central Civil Services Authority for the Union government, not a National Authority to mandate pay scales for all state governments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) was introduced much later following the recommendations of the Surinder Nath Committee (2003), whereas the First ARC primarily focused on structural and procedural reforms rather than replacing the Annual Confidential Report system.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC suggestions for e-governance and digital service delivery:
1. The 11th ARC report proposed that the National Informatics Centre should be restructured as an autonomous regulatory body with the power to audit the cybersecurity protocols of private sector banks.
2. The Second ARC recommended that the Right to Information Act, 2005, be amended to include a clause that permits the public disclosure of all encrypted government communication logs through an online portal.
3. The 2008 report of the Second ARC suggested that the Unique Identification Authority of India should be placed under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to oversee biometric data storage.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Second ARC's 11th report, 'Promoting e-Governance', focused on process simplification and capacity building rather than restructuring the NIC into a private-sector auditor. Statement 2 is false as the Second ARC did not recommend public disclosure of encrypted government communication logs, which would violate national security protocols. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UIDAI was established via executive order in 2009 and later backed by the Aadhaar Act 2016, whereas the Second ARC's reports did not propose placing the authority under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC views on social capital and non-profit sector engagement:
1. The 2008 report on 'Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution' proposed that the Ministry of Home Affairs should establish a centralized digital portal for the mandatory pre-approval of all international funding received by non-profit entities.
2. The Second ARC report on 'Crisis Management' identified the National Disaster Management Authority as the primary agency responsible for the registration and accreditation of voluntary organizations involved in emergency relief operations.
3. The 2005 report on 'Ethics in Governance' recommended that the Comptroller and Auditor General should conduct annual financial audits of every non-profit organization receiving more than ten lakh rupees in government assistance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect as they misattribute specific regulatory mandates to the Second ARC reports. The 2008 report on 'Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution' focused on institutionalizing dialogue rather than creating a centralized pre-approval portal for international funding; the 'Crisis Management' report emphasized the role of District Authorities and local administration in coordinating voluntary organizations rather than designating the NDMA as the sole registrar; and the 'Ethics in Governance' report advocated for transparency and self-regulation through a National Council for Non-Profit Organizations rather than mandating CAG audits for all NGOs receiving over ten lakh rupees.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC proposals for Civil Service reforms:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966, recommended the creation of a Department of Personnel under the Cabinet Secretariat to handle civil service matters.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its 10th report titled 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration' in 2008.
3. The Hota Committee report of 2004 recommended the introduction of a mid-career training program for civil servants at the 13th, 20th, and 26th years of service.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the First ARC (1966) recommended a central personnel agency, leading to the creation of the Department of Personnel in 1970. Statement 2 is correct because the Second ARC, chaired by Veerappa Moily, indeed published its 10th report, 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration,' in 2008 to suggest systemic governance improvements. Statement 3 is correct as the P.C. Hota Committee (2004) specifically proposed mandatory mid-career training at the 13th, 20th, and 26th years of service to ensure continuous professional development.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC views on local self-government empowerment:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission advocated for the direct election of the Mayor in all metropolitan cities, citing the administrative model adopted by the 1992 municipal reforms in the state of Maharashtra.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 6th report, 'Local Governance', recommended that the state government should devolve funds, functions, and functionaries to the local bodies through a clear activity mapping.
3. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966 under the chairmanship of Morarji Desai, emphasized the need for a unified municipal legislation to ensure consistency in the functioning of urban local bodies across states.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2nd ARC recommended the direct election of Mayors but did not cite the Maharashtra model, which historically relied on indirect elections. Statement 2 is correct as the 2nd ARC's 6th report ('Local Governance') emphasized the '3Fs' (funds, functions, and functionaries) and activity mapping to ensure effective decentralization. Statement 3 is correct because the 1st ARC (1966) advocated for a comprehensive, unified municipal legislation to streamline urban governance and reduce administrative fragmentation across states.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of ARC in strengthening the Lokpal and Lokayukta framework:
1. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, incorporates the recommendation of the Second ARC to include the Prime Minister under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal, subject to specific exclusions regarding international relations and national security.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its fourth report, 'Ethics in Governance' (2007), suggested that the Lokpal should have its own independent investigative machinery rather than relying on the Central Bureau of Investigation.
3. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, recommended the creation of the Lokpal and Lokayukta institutions in its 1966 interim report titled 'Problems of Redress of Citizens' Grievances'.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2013 Act includes the PM under Lokpal's jurisdiction with specific exclusions for national security and international relations, as recommended by the 2nd ARC. Statement 2 is correct because the 2nd ARC's 4th report, 'Ethics in Governance', explicitly advocated for an independent investigative wing for the Lokpal to ensure autonomy from executive-controlled agencies like the CBI. Statement 3 is correct as the 1st ARC, established in 1966 under Morarji Desai, first proposed these institutions in its interim report to address citizen grievances against administrative corruption.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC proposals for Civil Service reforms:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission suggested the introduction of a domain-based assignment system to ensure that officers are posted to departments matching their specialized training.
2. The 15th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, released in 2009, advocated for the direct election of District Collectors by local bodies to enhance democratic accountability in district administration.
3. The Surinder Nath Committee report of 2003 suggested the establishment of a Civil Services Board to regulate the transfers and postings of officers at the state and central levels.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 10th ARC report recommended domain-based assignments to ensure officers develop deep expertise in specific functional areas. Statement 3 is correct because the Surinder Nath Committee (2003) proposed the Civil Services Board to insulate civil servants from political interference in transfers, a recommendation later upheld by the Supreme Court in the T.S.R. Subramanian case. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 15th ARC report, titled 'State and District Administration,' did not advocate for the direct election of District Collectors, as this would contradict the constitutional framework of a permanent civil service and the existing structure of district governance.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC recommendations on financial management and accountability:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission proposed the establishment of the Expenditure Reforms Commission in 1966 to monitor the implementation of the Zero-Based Budgeting framework.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission report on financial management suggests that the Finance Commission should be converted into a permanent body with a fixed tenure of six years to oversee state-level fiscal discipline.
3. The 1968 report on Financial Administration recommended that the Public Accounts Committee should be expanded to include members from the Rajya Sabha to increase the legislative oversight of the Consolidated Fund of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Expenditure Reforms Commission was established in 2000, not by the 1966 ARC, and Zero-Based Budgeting was introduced in India only in 1986. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Second ARC recommended that the Finance Commission should be a permanent body with a permanent secretariat, but it did not propose a fixed six-year tenure for the body itself. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Public Accounts Committee has included members from the Rajya Sabha since its inception in 1921, and the 1968 report did not propose this expansion.
Consider the following statements regarding Recommendations on the office of the Governor and Centre-State relations:
1. The Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973 advocated for the complete transfer of all subjects, including defense and foreign affairs, to the states, while proposing that the Governor be elected by a direct vote of the state's electorate.
2. The Administrative Reforms Commission of 1966 suggested that the Governor should be a career civil servant with at least thirty years of experience in the Indian Administrative Service to ensure administrative continuity during President's Rule.
3. The Rajamannar Committee, established in 1969 by the Tamil Nadu government, recommended the abolition of the office of the Governor and proposed that the Chief Justice of the High Court assume executive powers during a constitutional breakdown.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Anandpur Sahib Resolution sought greater autonomy for states but did not demand the transfer of defense and foreign affairs, nor did it propose an elected Governor. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 1966 ARC recommended that the Governor should be an eminent person from any walk of life, specifically excluding active politicians, and did not mandate a career civil servant background. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Rajamannar Committee recommended the abolition of Articles 356 and 357, it did not propose that the Chief Justice assume executive powers during a constitutional breakdown.
Consider the following statements regarding Reforms in regulatory authorities and oversight bodies:
1. The 2013 report on public accountability by the Second ARC encompasses a proposal to grant the Comptroller and Auditor General of India the power to audit the internal accounts of all private sector regulatory bodies.
2. The 2011 report of the Committee on Financial Sector Reforms suggested that the Securities and Exchange Board of India be merged with the Reserve Bank of India to streamline monetary policy oversight.
3. The 2008 recommendations by the Second ARC regarding the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India included provisions for the direct appointment of the Chairperson by the President of India without committee oversight.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Second ARC's 2013 report focused on public accountability and transparency in government, not on granting the CAG power to audit private sector regulatory bodies. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 2008 Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms actually recommended the creation of a separate Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to improve coordination, rather than merging SEBI with the RBI. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Second ARC's recommendations regarding regulatory bodies emphasize the need for a transparent, merit-based selection process involving a search committee, explicitly opposing direct appointments without oversight to ensure institutional independence.
Consider the following statements regarding Second ARC report on Ethics in Governance:
1. The Commission proposes that the Prime Minister should be brought under the direct jurisdiction of the Lokpal as per the provisions of the 1968 Lokpal Bill draft.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its fourth report titled 'Ethics in Governance' in 2007.
3. The Second ARC report on Ethics in Governance was established under the chairmanship of Satish Chandra in 2005 and focuses on the restructuring of the Union Public Service Commission.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Second ARC, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its fourth report, 'Ethics in Governance', in 2007. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended that the Prime Minister should be brought under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal with certain safeguards, not specifically citing the 1968 draft as the basis. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Second ARC was chaired by Veerappa Moily, not Satish Chandra, and its mandate was to suggest measures for achieving a proactive, responsive, and accountable administration, not specifically the restructuring of the UPSC.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC recommendations on financial management and accountability:
1. The Second ARC recommended that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India should be empowered to audit the accounts of public-private partnership projects where the government holds at least 26 percent equity.
2. The 1968 report of the First ARC recommended that the responsibility for the preparation of the budget should be transferred from the Department of Economic Affairs to the Department of Expenditure.
3. The First ARC suggested that the audit of government corporations should be conducted by private chartered accountants appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor General, a practice that began with the 1972 amendment to the Companies Act.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2nd ARC in its report 'Ethics in Governance' recommended CAG audit for PPP projects with significant government equity. Statement 2 is correct because the 1st ARC recommended shifting budget preparation to the Department of Expenditure to ensure better integration of expenditure control and financial planning. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 1st ARC suggested improvements in audit, the audit of government companies by private chartered accountants under the supervision of the CAG was already established by the Companies Act of 1956, not a 1972 amendment.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC recommendations on public sector enterprise management:
1. The Second ARC recommended the establishment of a Central Public Sector Enterprises Board to oversee the performance and governance standards of state-owned entities.
2. The Second ARC proposed that the selection of board members for public sector enterprises should involve a search committee to ensure the inclusion of independent professionals.
3. The First ARC advised that the government should not interfere in the day-to-day operations of public sector enterprises and should limit its role to broad policy formulation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Second ARC, in its 15th report 'State and Citizen', advocated for a Central Public Sector Enterprises Board (CPSEB) to enhance governance and recommended professionalizing boards through search committees to ensure independent expertise. The First ARC, in its report on 'Public Sector Undertakings' (1967), emphasized the principle of functional autonomy, asserting that the government should restrict its involvement to broad policy directives rather than day-to-day administrative interference. All three statements accurately reflect these landmark recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency and accountability of public sector enterprises.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative reforms in police and internal security:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966, proposed the creation of an All-India Judicial Service to improve the efficiency of internal security trials.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its fifth report titled 'Public Order' in June 2007.
3. The National Police Commission (1977-1981) recommended the separation of the investigation wing from the law and order wing in police stations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the First ARC (1966) focused on administrative machinery and personnel management but did not propose an All-India Judicial Service, which is a constitutional provision under Article 312. Statement 2 is correct as the Second ARC, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its fifth report titled 'Public Order' in June 2007, which extensively addressed police reforms. Statement 3 is correct because the National Police Commission (1977-1981), headed by Dharam Vira, explicitly recommended the functional separation of investigation from law and order to improve professional competence and reduce political interference.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC suggestions for e-governance and digital service delivery:
1. The e-District Mission Mode Project, as outlined in the 11th ARC report, focuses on the digitization of municipal records to facilitate the direct transfer of property taxes to the Union Ministry of Finance.
2. The Second ARC report on e-governance advocated for the creation of a dedicated Indian Information Technology Service (IITS) to manage the technical infrastructure of the Common Service Centres.
3. The 11th Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, titled 'Promoting e-Governance: The Smart Way Forward', recommended the adoption of a National e-Governance Service Delivery Gateway to provide a common interface for government services.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 11th Report of the Second ARC emphasized the National e-Governance Service Delivery Gateway (NSDG) to ensure interoperability and a unified interface for service delivery. Statement 1 is incorrect because the e-District project aims to provide integrated service delivery at the district level through automation of workflow, not the transfer of property taxes to the Union Ministry of Finance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended the creation of a specialized 'Central Civil Services (Information Technology)' cadre within the existing civil services, rather than a standalone Indian Information Technology Service (IITS) specifically for Common Service Centres.
Consider the following statements regarding Recommendations on Disaster Management institutional architecture:
1. The Second ARC report on crisis management proposed the creation of a dedicated Disaster Management Cadre within the Indian Administrative Service to replace the existing deputation model.
2. The National Disaster Response Fund is governed by the provisions of the 15th Finance Commission and is audited by the Reserve Bank of India to ensure fiscal transparency.
3. The Disaster Management Act of 2005 establishes the National Institute of Disaster Management under the administrative control of the Ministry of Earth Sciences to conduct research on seismic activity.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended strengthening the existing disaster management setup through training and capacity building, not by creating a separate IAS cadre. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is governed by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), not the RBI. Statement 3 is incorrect because the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and focuses on comprehensive disaster management training rather than exclusively on seismic research.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC framework for performance management in public service:
1. The Second ARC suggested that the performance appraisal system should shift from a confidential report format to an open, transparent performance management system.
2. The ARC report on 'Ethics in Governance' proposed that performance management systems incorporate integrity and public service values as key evaluation metrics.
3. The ARC framework suggests that the performance appraisal of civil servants should be linked to the delivery of specific outcomes defined in the departmental annual action plans.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Second ARC, in its 10th report 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration', recommended replacing the archaic Confidential Report (CR) system with a transparent Performance Management System (PMS) linked to departmental outcomes. Furthermore, the 4th report 'Ethics in Governance' explicitly advocated for integrating integrity and public service values as essential components of performance evaluation to ensure accountability. All three statements are correct as they align with the Commission's core recommendations for shifting from a process-oriented to an outcome-based civil service framework.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC framework for performance management in public service:
1. The ARC framework for performance management advocates for the transition from a post-based system to a position-based system in the civil services.
2. The 15th report of the Second ARC, titled 'State and District Administration', emphasizes the need for objective performance indicators at the local governance level.
3. The ARC recommended the introduction of a 360-degree feedback mechanism to evaluate the behavioral competencies of senior government officials.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Second ARC, in its 10th report 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration', advocated shifting from a post-based to a position-based system to ensure role-specific competency, and its 15th report on 'State and District Administration' underscored the necessity of objective performance indicators to enhance accountability at local levels. Furthermore, the Commission recommended the 360-degree feedback mechanism to assess behavioral competencies, such as leadership and integrity, beyond mere technical output, ensuring a holistic evaluation of senior officials.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC proposals for judicial administration and legal reforms:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, submitted its report on Judicial Administration in 1969.
2. The Second ARC proposed the decentralization of the Supreme Court into four regional benches, a suggestion that was formally adopted by the Parliament in the 2009 Judicial Reform Act.
3. The First ARC recommended the creation of a permanent Judicial Commission for the appointment of judges, which was subsequently enacted into law through the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the First ARC, chaired by Morarji Desai, submitted its comprehensive report on Judicial Administration in 1969. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Law Commission has suggested regional benches, the Second ARC did not propose this, and no such 2009 Act exists. Statement 3 is incorrect because the First ARC did not recommend a Judicial Commission for appointments, and the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act (NJAC) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015, meaning it is not currently enacted law.
Consider the following statements regarding Recommendations on Disaster Management institutional architecture:
1. The Second ARC suggested that the District Disaster Management Authority be chaired by the District Magistrate, who serves as the ex-officio Chairperson.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its third report recommended that the National Disaster Management Authority should be headed by the Prime Minister.
3. The 2005 Disaster Management Act provides for the constitution of a National Disaster Response Force for the purpose of specialized response to natural and man-made disasters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2nd ARC emphasized the District Magistrate's pivotal role in disaster management, which is reflected in the DM Act 2005. Statement 2 is correct because the 2nd ARC, in its 3rd report titled 'Crisis Management', recommended that the NDMA be headed by the Prime Minister to ensure high-level political oversight. Statement 3 is correct as Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, mandates the constitution of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialized response to disasters.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of ARC in strengthening the Lokpal and Lokayukta framework:
1. The Second ARC proposed that the Lokayukta should be appointed by a collegium consisting of the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.
2. The Second ARC proposed that the Lokayukta office should be established in every state by 2009, and the 2013 Act formalizes this timeline by providing a mandatory one-year window for state-level implementation.
3. In the 2013 Act, the composition of the selection committee for the Lokpal aligns with the Second ARC's suggestion to include an eminent jurist nominated by the President of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Second ARC recommended a collegium comprising the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of the High Court to ensure impartiality. Statement 3 is correct because the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, incorporates the ARC's recommendation by including an eminent jurist, nominated by the President, in the selection committee. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the Second ARC emphasized the need for Lokayuktas, the 2013 Act mandates states to establish the office within one year of the Act's commencement, not by a 2009 deadline.
Consider the following statements regarding Reforms in regulatory authorities and oversight bodies:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 13th report, recommended that regulatory agencies should be headed by a board rather than a single individual to ensure collective decision-making.
2. The 2007 report of the Second ARC suggested that the appointment of heads of regulatory bodies should be conducted by a search committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
3. The 2005 Administrative Reforms Commission report on regulatory frameworks proposed that the appellate jurisdiction of the Competition Commission of India be transferred to the High Courts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2nd ARC in its 13th report, 'Organisational Structure of Government', advocated for a multi-member board structure to ensure checks and balances. Statement 2 is correct because the 2nd ARC recommended a search committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to ensure transparency and merit-based appointments for regulatory heads. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2nd ARC did not propose transferring the Competition Commission of India's appellate jurisdiction to High Courts; instead, the Competition Act, 2002 established the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT), which was later replaced by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to handle such appeals.
Consider the following statements regarding Recommendations on the office of the Governor and Centre-State relations:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission proposed that the Governor should be granted the power to dismiss a Chief Minister if the state government fails to implement central schemes within the stipulated financial year.
2. The Sarkaria Commission recommended that the Inter-State Council should function as a permanent constitutional body with the power to veto central legislation that affects the fiscal autonomy of the states.
3. The Punchhi Commission report suggested that the President should consult the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha before appointing a Governor to ensure a bipartisan consensus on the selection process.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2nd ARC emphasized the Governor's role as a constitutional head and did not advocate for the power to dismiss a Chief Minister over the implementation of central schemes. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Sarkaria Commission recommended the Inter-State Council as a consultative body under Article 263, but it never proposed giving it a veto power over central legislation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Punchhi Commission recommended that the Governor should be appointed after consultation with the Chief Minister of the concerned state, not the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC views on social capital and non-profit sector engagement:
1. The 2009 report on 'Promoting E-Governance' by the Second ARC suggested that the National Informatics Centre should manage the database of all registered NGOs to streamline the distribution of government grants.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966, proposed the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Civil Society to oversee the funding patterns of non-profit organizations operating in rural development sectors.
3. In its analysis of public-private partnerships, the Second ARC highlighted that the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) framework should be periodically reviewed to ensure that genuine non-profit activities are not hindered by excessive administrative scrutiny.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Second ARC, in its 12th report 'Citizen Centric Administration', emphasized balancing regulatory rigor with the operational autonomy of NGOs to prevent stifling genuine social work. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Second ARC recommended the creation of a 'National Social Service Council' and a central database under a dedicated regulatory authority, not specifically the NIC, to monitor NGO grants. Statement 2 is false because the First ARC (1966) focused on administrative machinery and personnel reforms and never proposed a 'Ministry of Civil Society', which remains a non-existent entity in the Indian administrative structure.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative decentralization and devolution of powers:
1. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its sixth report titled 'Local Governance' in October 2007.
2. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee report of 1957 suggested the creation of a three-tier structure and proposed that the Zila Parishad function as the primary executive body for development.
3. The Ashok Mehta Committee report of 1978 recommended a two-tier system of Panchayati Raj and suggested that the Gram Sabha be granted constitutional status under Article 243A.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2nd ARC, chaired by Veerappa Moily, submitted its 6th report, 'Local Governance', in October 2007. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the Panchayat Samiti as the executive body, while the Zila Parishad was intended to be an advisory and coordinating body. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although the Ashok Mehta Committee (1978) recommended a two-tier system, the constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions was eventually provided by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, not by the committee itself.
Consider the following statements regarding Reforms in regulatory authorities and oversight bodies:
1. The 2009 report on 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration' by the Second ARC advocated for the introduction of a cooling-off period for retired regulators before they accept private sector assignments.
2. The Second ARC recommended that the tenure of members in regulatory authorities should be fixed for a period of five years to ensure functional independence from the executive branch.
3. The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, chaired by Justice B.N. Srikrishna, proposed the creation of a unified Financial Redressal Agency to handle consumer grievances across different financial sectors.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The 2nd ARC's 10th report (2009) explicitly recommended a cooling-off period to prevent 'revolving door' conflicts of interest, and it advocated for a fixed 5-year tenure to insulate regulators from executive pressure. The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC), chaired by Justice B.N. Srikrishna, proposed the Financial Redressal Agency (FRA) as a sector-agnostic body to streamline consumer grievance redressal across the financial landscape. As all three statements accurately reflect the recommendations of these respective bodies, they are factually correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative reforms in police and internal security:
1. The Malimath Committee report of 2003 suggested the introduction of a federal agency for investigating inter-state crimes, which was subsequently enacted as the Central Bureau of Investigation Act.
2. The 2006 Supreme Court directives in the Prakash Singh case included the provision for a fixed two-year tenure for the Union Home Secretary to ensure administrative continuity in internal security.
3. The Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) judgment directed the constitution of a State Security Commission to prevent undue influence on the police.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) mandated the establishment of a State Security Commission to insulate the police from extraneous political pressures. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Malimath Committee (2003) focused on reforms to the Criminal Justice System, not the creation of the CBI, which was established much earlier in 1963. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Prakash Singh directives mandated a fixed two-year tenure for the Director General of Police (DGP) and other key police officers, not the Union Home Secretary.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative decentralization and devolution of powers:
1. The Administrative Reforms Commission of 1966 recommended the establishment of the Lokpal and Lokayukta institutions to address grievances against administrative actions.
2. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the constitution of District Planning Committees to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities.
3. The 1992 Amendment Act incorporates the provisions of the PESA Act of 1996, which extends the application of Panchayati Raj to scheduled areas and tribal regions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the First ARC (1966) recommended the creation of Lokpal and Lokayukta to ensure administrative accountability. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZD, inserted by the 74th Amendment Act (1992), mandates the constitution of District Planning Committees to consolidate plans from both rural and urban local bodies. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PESA Act (1996) is a separate legislation enacted by Parliament under Article 243M to extend Part IX to scheduled areas, and it was not incorporated within the 1992 Amendment Act itself.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC recommendations on public sector enterprise management:
1. The Second ARC emphasized that the memorandum of understanding system between the government and public sector enterprises should focus on clear performance indicators and measurable outcomes.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Morarji Desai, proposed the creation of a National Investment Fund in 1967 to manage the surplus profits generated by public sector enterprises.
3. The First ARC suggested that the chairman and managing director roles in public sector enterprises should be separated to enhance corporate governance and accountability.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Second ARC (2007) advocated for a robust MOU system based on quantifiable performance indicators to ensure autonomy and accountability. Statement 3 is correct because the First ARC (1966-70) recommended separating the roles of Chairman and Managing Director to professionalize management and avoid concentration of power. Statement 2 is incorrect because the First ARC did not propose a National Investment Fund; the NIF was actually established by the Government of India in 2005 to channel proceeds from the disinvestment of Central Public Sector Enterprises.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of ARC in strengthening the Lokpal and Lokayukta framework:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended that the Lokpal should be a multi-member body consisting of five members, and the 2013 Act adopted this specific numerical strength for the institution.
2. The 1966 report of the First ARC recommended that the Lokpal be granted the status of a Supreme Court Judge, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013 reflects this parity in terms of salary and service conditions.
3. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission suggested that the Lokayukta should have the power to initiate suo motu investigations, and the 2013 Act provides this power to the Lokpal for cases involving the Union Cabinet Ministers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the First ARC recommended a single-member Lokpal, not a multi-member body. Statement 2 is incorrect because the First ARC recommended that the Lokpal should have the status of the Chief Justice of India, not a Supreme Court Judge. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Second ARC emphasized the need for Lokayuktas to have suo motu powers, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 does not grant the Lokpal suo motu powers to initiate investigations.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional mechanisms for grievance redressal:
1. The Sevottam model, introduced by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, serves as a quality management framework for public service delivery assessment.
2. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, provides for the establishment of an institution of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta at the state level to inquire into allegations of corruption.
3. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission suggested the creation of a National Ombudsman Office in its 4th report, which currently oversees the functioning of state-level vigilance commissions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Sevottam model is a quality management framework developed by the DARPG to benchmark public service delivery standards. Statement 2 is correct because the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, mandates the creation of these anti-corruption bodies at the Central and State levels respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Second ARC, in its 4th report titled 'Ethics in Governance', recommended the creation of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states, but it did not propose a 'National Ombudsman Office' that oversees state-level vigilance commissions.
Consider the following statements regarding First ARC recommendations on personnel administration:
1. The Commission recommended that the principle of 'generalist' administration should be supplemented by 'functional' specialization in areas like finance, economic administration, and industrial management.
2. The First ARC proposed that the recruitment to the Indian Administrative Service should be restricted to candidates within the age group of 21 to 26 years.
3. The report on Personnel Administration advocated for the introduction of a mid-career training program for IAS officers to enhance their administrative specialization.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The First ARC (1966-70) recommended moving away from the pure 'generalist' model by advocating for functional specialization in areas like finance and industrial management to handle complex modern governance. It specifically proposed lowering the IAS recruitment age limit to 21-26 years to ensure younger entrants and emphasized the necessity of mandatory mid-career training programs to update officers' skills and foster domain expertise. All three statements accurately reflect the Commission's landmark report on Personnel Administration, which sought to modernize the civil services through structural and pedagogical reforms.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC recommendations on public sector enterprise management:
1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966, recommended that public sector enterprises should be organized as statutory corporations rather than government companies.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 15th report on state governance, suggested that the government should divest its equity in non-strategic public sector enterprises to below 50 percent.
3. The First ARC recommended the creation of sector-wise corporations to manage public sector enterprises to ensure better coordination and professional management.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The First ARC (1966) advocated for statutory corporations over government companies to ensure greater autonomy and accountability, while also proposing sector-wise corporations to consolidate management and improve operational efficiency. The Second ARC, in its 15th report titled 'State and District Administration', recommended that the government divest its equity in non-strategic public sector enterprises to below 50 percent to promote professional management and reduce state interference. All three statements accurately reflect the core reformative spirit of these commissions regarding the structural and functional management of public sector enterprises.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative decentralization and devolution of powers:
1. Article 243G of the Constitution empowers State Legislatures to devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats for the preparation of plans for economic development.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission report on State Administration, published in 1969, proposed the transfer of all state-level subjects to the Zila Parishads to enhance local autonomy.
3. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduced the Eleventh Schedule, which contains 29 functional items for the consideration of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243G empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government, including the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice. Statement 3 is correct because the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act added the Eleventh Schedule, which lists 29 functional items to be devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions. Statement 2 is incorrect because the First ARC did not propose the transfer of all state-level subjects to Zila Parishads; instead, it recommended that Zila Parishads should primarily act as coordinating and supervisory bodies, rather than executive ones, to maintain administrative efficiency.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC perspectives on citizen-centric administration:
1. The 12th Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, titled 'Citizen Centric Administration: The Heart of Governance', was submitted to the Government of India in 2009.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission suggested that the District Collector should act as the final appellate authority for all public service delivery complaints filed under the Citizen's Charter.
3. The Right to Information Act of 2005 incorporates the specific recommendation of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission to provide for the automatic declassification of all government files after 20 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 12th Report of the 2nd ARC, 'Citizen Centric Administration: The Heart of Governance', was indeed submitted in 2009. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2nd ARC recommended establishing an independent 'Public Grievance Redressal Commission' rather than designating the District Collector as the final appellate authority. Statement 3 is incorrect because the RTI Act, 2005, does not contain a provision for the automatic declassification of all government files after 20 years, nor was such a specific mandate enacted based on 2nd ARC recommendations.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC proposals for judicial administration and legal reforms:
1. In its 4th report, the First ARC suggested that the retirement age for High Court judges be raised to 65 years to ensure uniformity with the Supreme Court.
2. The Second ARC report on 'Ethics in Governance' proposed that the appointment of judges should be handled by a broad-based collegium including the Leader of the Opposition.
3. The Second ARC recommended the establishment of a National Judicial Council to handle complaints against judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The First ARC in its 1969 report on 'Judiciary' recommended raising the High Court retirement age to 65 to ensure parity with the Supreme Court. The Second ARC's 4th report, 'Ethics in Governance', advocated for a broad-based collegium including the Leader of the Opposition to enhance transparency in judicial appointments. Additionally, the Second ARC recommended a National Judicial Council to investigate complaints of judicial misconduct, a proposal that aligns with the spirit of the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC proposals for judicial administration and legal reforms:
1. The First ARC recommended the creation of an All-India Judicial Service to improve the quality of recruitment for the subordinate judiciary.
2. The First ARC emphasized the need for a separation of the judiciary from the executive at the district level, building upon the directive principles of the Constitution.
3. The Second ARC suggested that the government should establish a separate administrative cadre for the management of court infrastructure and non-judicial functions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The First ARC (1966-70) advocated for an All-India Judicial Service to ensure merit-based recruitment and supported the full separation of the judiciary from the executive as mandated by Article 50 of the Constitution. The Second ARC (2005-09), in its 11th report 'Promoting e-Governance', recommended creating a specialized administrative cadre to manage court infrastructure and registry functions, thereby allowing judges to focus exclusively on judicial work. All three statements accurately reflect the historical and reform-oriented recommendations made by these commissions regarding the Indian judicial system.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC proposals for Civil Service reforms:
1. The Santhanam Committee of 1962 recommended the merger of the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service into a single Indian Civil Service to improve administrative coordination.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission proposed the abolition of the All India Services in its 1967 interim report, citing the need for greater state-level autonomy in recruitment.
3. The Baswan Committee, constituted in 2016, proposed a reduction in the number of optional subjects for the Civil Services Examination to two, while increasing the age limit for general category candidates to 35.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Santhanam Committee (1962-64) focused on preventing corruption, not merging the IAS and IPS. Statement 2 is incorrect as the First ARC (1966-70) actually recommended the strengthening of All India Services to ensure national integration, rather than their abolition. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Baswan Committee (2016) recommended retaining the existing pattern of optional subjects and did not propose raising the general category age limit to 35.
Consider the following statements regarding Institutional mechanisms for grievance redressal:
1. The 15th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission focuses on the State-level administrative restructuring and proposes the merger of the State Information Commission with the Lokayukta office.
2. The Right to Information Act, 2005, includes provisions for the appointment of a Grievance Redressal Officer in every public authority, whose decisions are subject to review by the Supreme Court.
3. The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) functions as a web-enabled platform to facilitate the lodging of grievances by citizens against various central ministries.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as CPGRAMS is the government's official web-based portal for citizens to lodge grievances against central and state ministries. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 15th report of the 2nd ARC, titled 'State and District Administration', does not propose merging the State Information Commission with the Lokayukta. Statement 2 is incorrect because the RTI Act, 2005, does not mandate the appointment of a Grievance Redressal Officer; such provisions are typically found in specific service delivery legislations, and grievance decisions are generally subject to judicial review by High Courts under Article 226, not exclusively the Supreme Court.
Consider the following statements regarding First ARC recommendations on personnel administration:
1. The First ARC report suggested that the performance appraisal system for civil servants should shift from a confidential report format to a more objective, performance-based assessment.
2. The Commission proposed the creation of a unified Indian Civil Service to replace existing all-India services, a recommendation that was formally adopted by the 1969 Inter-State Council meeting.
3. The report on Personnel Administration advised the abolition of the reservation system for Scheduled Castes in promotional posts, a policy change that the government integrated into the 1970 Civil Services Rules.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the First ARC (1966-70) advocated for replacing the subjective 'Confidential Report' with a 'Performance Appraisal' system focused on objective assessment of results. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ARC recommended the creation of specialized functional services rather than a single unified service, and the Inter-State Council was not established until 1990. Statement 3 is incorrect because the First ARC did not recommend the abolition of reservation; in fact, the government has consistently upheld constitutional mandates for reservation in promotions, which were further strengthened by subsequent judicial interventions and legislative acts.
Consider the following statements regarding ARC views on local self-government empowerment:
1. The Punchhi Commission report on Centre-State relations, submitted in 2010, proposed that the Governor should act as the final authority for the dissolution of local bodies, following the precedents set by the 1993 local government reforms.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended that the Gram Sabha should have the power to approve the social audit reports of all development schemes, a practice that was first institutionalized by the 1957 Balwant Rai Mehta Committee report.
3. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj was established in 2004 to monitor the implementation of the 73rd Amendment, drawing its administrative mandate from the recommendations of the 1986 L.M. Singhvi Committee report.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Punchhi Commission actually recommended that the power to dissolve local bodies should be vested in an independent body or the State Election Commission, not the Governor, to prevent political misuse. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Second ARC recommended social audits, but the 1957 Balwant Rai Mehta Committee focused on democratic decentralization and did not institutionalize social audits, which gained prominence much later. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Ministry of Panchayati Raj was established in 2004, its mandate is derived from the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, rather than the 1986 L.M. Singhvi Committee report, which primarily recommended constitutional status for Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Consider the following statements regarding Rationalization of government agencies and autonomous bodies:
1. As of the 2016 rationalization exercise, the NITI Aayog identified over 100 autonomous bodies that were deemed redundant or overlapping with existing ministerial functions.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966, emphasized the need for a clear distinction between policy-making functions and executive functions within government agencies.
3. The 2016 NITI Aayog rationalization framework suggested that the functions of the University Grants Commission should be transferred to the Ministry of Human Resource Development to streamline higher education governance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2016 NITI Aayog exercise reviewed 651 autonomous bodies, identifying over 100 for merger or closure due to functional redundancy. Statement 2 is correct because the First ARC (1966-70) consistently advocated for the 'separation of policy-making from execution' to enhance accountability and efficiency in government departments. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the NITI Aayog suggested reforms for various bodies, it did not propose transferring the UGC's functions to the Ministry; instead, the government later proposed the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) to replace the UGC as a regulator.
Consider the following statements regarding First ARC recommendations on personnel administration:
1. The First ARC recommended the establishment of a National Civil Service Board in 1967 to manage senior-level appointments, which was subsequently implemented through the 1968 Constitutional Amendment Act.
2. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966, recommended the creation of a Department of Personnel under the Cabinet Secretariat to oversee civil service matters.
3. The Commission suggested that the age of retirement for government employees should be uniformly fixed at 58 years across all states and central services.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the First ARC recommended a National Civil Service Board, it was not implemented via a 1968 Constitutional Amendment; in fact, the Board was only established much later in 2013 following Supreme Court directions. Statement 2 is correct as the First ARC (1966) recommended creating a Department of Personnel under the Cabinet Secretariat, which was implemented in 1970. Statement 3 is correct because the Commission explicitly recommended a uniform retirement age of 58 years to ensure consistency and administrative efficiency across central and state services.
Consider the following statements regarding Recommendations on Disaster Management institutional architecture:
1. The High Powered Committee on Disaster Management, chaired by J.C. Pant in 1999, recommended the establishment of a separate Ministry of Disaster Management at the Union level.
2. The National Policy on Disaster Management, formulated in 2009, identifies the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal ministry for coordination of disaster management activities in India.
3. The 2009 National Policy on Disaster Management includes provisions for the State Disaster Management Authorities to formulate their own independent international disaster relief treaties.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the 2009 National Policy on Disaster Management designates the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal ministry for all disaster management activities. Statement 1 is incorrect because the J.C. Pant Committee recommended a dedicated department for disaster management within an existing ministry rather than a separate Union-level Ministry. Statement 3 is incorrect because disaster management remains a subject under the Union's purview regarding international treaties, and State Disaster Management Authorities lack the constitutional authority to enter into independent international relief treaties.
Consider the following statements regarding Second ARC report on Ethics in Governance:
1. The report advocates for the implementation of the 1997 Vohra Committee recommendations to establish a permanent National Judicial Commission for the appointment of lower court judges.
2. The Commission suggests that the definition of 'public servant' under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, should be expanded to include all persons performing public functions.
3. The Commission suggests that the Code of Conduct for civil servants, drafted in 2007, replaces the existing All India Services (Conduct) Rules of 1968 for all state-level employees.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the 4th Report of the Second ARC specifically recommended broadening the definition of 'public servant' under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, to encompass all individuals performing public functions. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Vohra Committee (1993) focused on the nexus between crime and politics, not the establishment of a National Judicial Commission for lower courts. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Commission proposed a new 'Code of Ethics' for civil servants to supplement, not replace, the existing All India Services (Conduct) Rules of 1968.