Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Petitions: Public grievance redressal:
1. The Committee on Petitions examines the veracity of the facts contained in a petition and suggests remedial measures to the government to address the public grievance.
2. The Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha comprises 10 members who are appointed by the Chairman of the House.
3. Under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, a petition may be presented or submitted to the House with the consent of the Speaker.
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 Committee investigates the veracity of petitions and recommends remedial actions to the government. Statement 2 is correct because the Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions consists of 10 members nominated by the Chairman, whereas the Lok Sabha version has 15 members. Statement 3 is correct as per the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha, which mandate that a petition must be presented or submitted to the House only with the prior consent of the Speaker.
Consider the following statements regarding Standing Committees vs Ad hoc Committees:
1. Ad hoc committees are constituted by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for a specific purpose and their tenure is linked to the budget session, upon the conclusion of which they are automatically dissolved.
2. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines the rules and regulations framed by the executive under the powers delegated by Parliament, and its reports are submitted to the President for final ratification.
3. Financial committees, including the Committee on Public Undertakings, are joint committees of both houses where members from the Rajya Sabha hold the position of Chairperson to maintain financial neutrality.
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 ad hoc committees are created for a specific purpose and cease to exist once their task is completed, not necessarily tied to the budget session. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Committee on Subordinate Legislation reports to the respective Houses of Parliament, not the President, and its reports do not require Presidential ratification. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Financial Committees include members from both Houses, the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Undertakings must be a member of the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha does not hold the Chairperson position for these committees.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Petitions: Public grievance redressal:
1. The Committee on Petitions in the Lok Sabha was first constituted in 1954, and it operates under the direct supervision of the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
2. A petition to the Lok Sabha must be signed by the petitioner in person and must relate to a matter involving the construction or interpretation of the Constitution or a specific grievance of public importance.
3. The Committee on Petitions of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members who are nominated by the Speaker of the House.
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 Committee on Petitions operates under the authority of the Speaker, not the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. Statement 2 is correct as petitions must be signed by the petitioner and pertain to matters of public importance or constitutional interpretation. Statement 3 is correct because the Lok Sabha Committee on Petitions comprises 15 members nominated by the Speaker, whereas the Rajya Sabha committee consists of 10 members.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional basis and Article 105 privileges:
1. Article 105 grants members of Parliament immunity from proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given in any committee of Parliament, provided the proceedings are recorded in the official Gazette of India.
2. The Departmentally Related Standing Committees were formally introduced in 1993 to strengthen the parliamentary scrutiny of the budget, and their reports are subject to a mandatory vote in the Rajya Sabha before the appropriation bill is passed.
3. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation, established in 1953, examines whether the powers to make regulations, rules, and bye-laws delegated by the Constitution to the executive are being properly exercised within the scope of the 42nd Amendment Act.
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 Article 105 grants immunity for anything said or any vote given in Parliament or its committees regardless of whether it is recorded in the official Gazette. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Departmentally Related Standing Committees were introduced in 1993, their reports are advisory and are not subject to a mandatory vote in the Rajya Sabha before the appropriation bill is passed. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines delegated legislation based on the powers conferred by the Constitution or delegated by Parliament, not specifically the 42nd Amendment Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Empowerment of Women:
1. The term of office for members of the Committee on Empowerment of Women is one year.
2. The committee holds the authority to review the functioning of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, as its mandate was expanded by the 2005 Act to include gender-based juvenile welfare.
3. The committee examines the reports of the National Commission for Women and suggests remedial actions to the government.
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 Committee on Empowerment of Women, constituted first in 1997, has a term of office not exceeding one year. Statement 3 is correct because the committee is mandated to examine the reports of the National Commission for Women (NCW) and report on the measures taken by the Union Government to implement the commission's recommendations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the committee's mandate does not include the review of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; its primary focus remains on the implementation of policies and programs for women's empowerment.
Consider the following statements regarding Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) functions:
1. The Departmentally Related Standing Committee on Finance examines the annual reports of the Ministry of Finance and possesses the authority to modify the budgetary allocations proposed by the Planning Commission.
2. The initial proposal for the creation of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees was recommended by the Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha in 1989 and implemented during the tenure of the 9th Lok Sabha.
3. The system of 17 Departmentally Related Standing Committees was formally inaugurated in the Indian Parliament on 8 April 1993.
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 17 DRSCs were formally inaugurated on 8 April 1993 to strengthen parliamentary oversight. Statement 1 is incorrect because DRSCs do not have the power to modify budgetary allocations; they only examine the Demands for Grants and suggest reductions, and the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) does not propose budgetary allocations in the manner implied. Statement 2 is incorrect because the proposal for DRSCs was first recommended by the Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha in 1989, but the system was actually implemented in 1993, not during the 9th Lok Sabha.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Public Undertakings: Scope and limitations:
1. The committee consists of 22 members, with 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members elected by the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Committee on Public Undertakings reviews the day-to-day administration of public sector enterprises and exercises functional control over their board-level appointments.
3. The Committee on Public Undertakings was established in 1964 based on the recommendation of the Krishna Menon Committee.
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 and 3 are correct as the committee comprises 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha) and was established in 1964 following the Krishna Menon Committee's recommendation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the committee is explicitly barred from examining matters of day-to-day administration and major policy decisions of public undertakings, and it holds no authority over board-level appointments.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Privileges: Quasi-judicial functions:
1. The Committee on Privileges is constituted annually by the President of India, and its members are drawn from the Panel of Chairpersons to ensure impartiality during inquiries.
2. In the Rajya Sabha, the Committee on Privileges is composed of 10 members who are nominated by the Chairman under Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure.
3. The Committee on Privileges in the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker, as per Rule 313 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
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 Committee on Privileges is nominated by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha), not the President, and members are not drawn from the Panel of Chairpersons. Statement 2 is correct as per Rule 187 of the Rajya Sabha Rules, which mandates a 10-member committee nominated by the Chairman. Statement 3 is correct as per Rule 313 of the Lok Sabha Rules, which specifies that the committee consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker.
Consider the following statements regarding Limitations of committee oversight and binding nature of recommendations:
1. The Joint Committee on Offices of Profit, which examines the composition and character of committees appointed by the government, possesses the legal power to disqualify a member of Parliament if they hold an office of profit.
2. The Business Advisory Committee, which allocates time for legislative and other business in the Lok Sabha, functions under the chairmanship of the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and its decisions on time allocation carry the weight of a House resolution.
3. The Committee on Public Undertakings, which was formed in 1964 following the Krishna Menon Committee report, holds the authority to issue binding directives to the management of state-owned enterprises regarding their operational 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.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit only makes recommendations to the government; it lacks the legal power to disqualify members, which is a process governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Business Advisory Committee is chaired by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, and its reports are merely recommendations that require the House's approval to become binding. Statement 3 is incorrect because, like all parliamentary committees, the Committee on Public Undertakings acts in an advisory capacity and cannot issue binding directives to the management of state-owned enterprises.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Government Assurances:
1. The Committee on Government Assurances has the power to summon the Prime Minister to provide clarifications on delayed implementation of policies announced during the Budget Session.
2. The Rajya Sabha established its own Committee on Government Assurances in 1972, which maintains a separate register for tracking assurances made during the Question Hour.
3. The Committee on Government Assurances functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, which publishes the quarterly report on pending assurances.
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 Committee has no power to summon the Prime Minister; its mandate is limited to scrutinizing assurances given by Ministers on the floor of the House. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Rajya Sabha Committee was constituted in 1972, but it does not maintain a separate register for the Question Hour specifically, as it tracks assurances given during any proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Committee functions under the administrative control of the Parliament Secretariat, not the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and it is the Committee itself that reports to the House, not the Ministry.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional basis and Article 105 privileges:
1. The Joint Committee on Offices of Profit, which was first constituted in 1954, examines the composition and character of committees appointed by the Union and State governments and reports directly to the President of India regarding the disqualification of members.
2. The Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members including the Speaker, who acts as the ex-officio chairman, and the committee is empowered to allocate time for the discussion of private members' bills without the consent of the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
3. The Committee on Privileges, which functions under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker and holds the authority to summon the Prime Minister to testify on matters involving breach of parliamentary privilege.
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 Joint Committee on Offices of Profit reports to Parliament, not the President, and the President decides on disqualifications based on the Election Commission's opinion under Article 103. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Business Advisory Committee's primary role is to recommend time allocation for government business, and it functions in consultation with the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Committee on Privileges has 15 members, it does not possess the authority to summon the Prime Minister, as parliamentary privileges are designed to protect the independence of the House rather than compel the executive head to testify in a quasi-judicial capacity.
Consider the following statements regarding Rules Committee: Internal procedure regulation:
1. Members of the Rules Committee in the Lok Sabha are nominated by the Speaker, while in the Rajya Sabha, they are nominated by the Chairman.
2. The Rules Committee does not examine the merits of a bill or a resolution but focuses on the procedural framework governing the legislative process.
3. In the Lok Sabha, the Rules Committee was first constituted in 1952, following the adoption of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House.
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 Rules Committee in both Houses is constituted by the presiding officer (Speaker in Lok Sabha and Chairman in Rajya Sabha), who also serves as its ex-officio Chairperson. Statement 2 is correct because the committee's mandate is strictly limited to considering matters of procedure and conduct of business, explicitly excluding the examination of legislative merits. Statement 3 is correct as the committee was formally established in 1952 under the first set of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, replacing the earlier practice of following colonial-era procedural norms.
Consider the following statements regarding Select Committees on Bills: Procedural nuances:
1. Members of a Select Committee are nominated by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, and the committee holds the authority to introduce amendments to the Bill that alter its fundamental character without seeking the prior approval of the House.
2. The quorum for a meeting of a Select Committee is fixed at one-third of the total membership, and the committee is empowered to invite representatives from the Rajya Sabha to vote on the final report of the Bill.
3. The Chairman of a Select Committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha from the panel of chairpersons, and the committee possesses the power to summon the Prime Minister to provide testimony regarding the financial implications of the legislation.
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 statements are incorrect: Members of a Select Committee are appointed by the House through a motion, and while they can suggest amendments, they cannot alter the fundamental character or principles of a Bill without the House's mandate. The quorum is one-third of the total membership, but members of the other House cannot vote on a Select Committee report as they are not its members. Finally, the Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from among the committee members, and while committees can summon officials, they lack the constitutional authority to summon the Prime Minister for testimony.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Petitions: Public grievance redressal:
1. The Rules of Procedure in the Rajya Sabha allow for the presentation of petitions concerning matters of individual employment, provided the petition is endorsed by a sitting member of the Cabinet.
2. Petitions submitted to the Lok Sabha are reviewed by the Secretariat for compliance with the 1952 Rules, after which they are forwarded to the Union Home Ministry for final adjudication.
3. Members of the Committee on Petitions in the Rajya Sabha serve a term of two years, and the Chairman of the Committee is appointed 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 incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because petitions regarding individual employment matters are generally inadmissible in both Houses. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Committee on Petitions itself examines the petition and reports to the House, rather than the Home Ministry adjudicating it. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the term is two years, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, not the President of India.
Consider the following statements regarding Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC): Powers and formation:
1. The first Joint Parliamentary Committee in independent India was constituted in 1952 to examine the Indian Patents and Designs (Amendment) Bill.
2. A Joint Parliamentary Committee possesses the authority to summon witnesses and examine documents relevant to the subject matter of its inquiry.
3. In the event of a vacancy arising in a Joint Parliamentary Committee, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha fills the vacancy by nomination.
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 JPC was indeed formed in 1952 for the Indian Patents and Designs (Amendment) Bill. Statement 2 is correct because a JPC is empowered to summon witnesses, call for records, and examine documents to ensure a thorough investigation. Statement 3 is correct as the rules of procedure mandate that vacancies in a JPC are filled by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, depending on which House the original member belonged to.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Speaker in nomination and appointment:
1. The Departmentally Related Standing Committees were first established in 1993, and the Speaker holds the power to nominate the Chairman of these committees from the Rajya Sabha members.
2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rules Committee, which oversees matters of procedure and conduct of business in the House.
3. The Public Accounts Committee comprises 30 members, with 20 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 10 members elected by the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the proportional strength of parties in both Houses.
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 Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rules Committee. Statement 1 is incorrect because while the 17 DRSCs were established in 1993, the Speaker only nominates members from the Lok Sabha, while the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha nominates members from the Rajya Sabha. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Public Accounts Committee consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha), not 30.
Consider the following statements regarding Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC): Powers and formation:
1. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the 2011 Spectrum Allocation issue included members from both Houses, and its final report was adopted by a simple majority vote of the Cabinet Secretariat.
2. The ratio of members from the Lok Sabha to the Rajya Sabha in a Joint Parliamentary Committee is typically 2:1.
3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairman of a Joint Parliamentary Committee from among the members of the committee.
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 report of a JPC is submitted to the Parliament, not the Cabinet Secretariat, and it is adopted by the committee members themselves. Statement 2 is correct as the standard composition of a JPC typically follows a 2:1 ratio of Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha members (e.g., 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha). Statement 3 is correct because the Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairman of the JPC from among its members, provided the Chairman is a member of the House of the People.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Government Assurances:
1. The Committee on Government Assurances consists of 15 members in the Lok Sabha, who are nominated by the Speaker for a term not exceeding one year.
2. The Committee on Government Assurances includes the Leader of the Opposition as an ex-officio member to ensure oversight of the executive's commitments made during debates.
3. The Committee on Government Assurances derives its authority from Article 118 of the Constitution, which allows each House to make rules for regulating its procedure and the conduct of its business.
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 Committee on Government Assurances in the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker for a term not exceeding one year. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Leader of the Opposition is not an ex-officio member of this committee; members are nominated by the Speaker based on party representation. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Article 118 empowers the House to make rules, the committee is specifically constituted under the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha' (Rule 323), not directly by the Constitution itself.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Delegated legislation oversight:
1. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation includes 22 members, with 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha, and it holds joint sittings to finalize reports on delegated powers.
2. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation reports directly to the President of India regarding the implementation of delegated legislation, as provided for under Article 123 of the Constitution.
3. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation was reconstituted in 1964 following the recommendations of the First Administrative Reforms Commission, and it possesses the power to amend existing rules directly.
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.
The Committee on Subordinate Legislation is not a joint committee; separate committees exist for both Houses, with the Lok Sabha committee having 15 members and the Rajya Sabha committee having 15 members, both nominated by their respective presiding officers. The committee reports to the respective Houses of Parliament, not the President, and it does not derive its authority from Article 123, which pertains to the Ordinance-making power of the President. Furthermore, the committee was constituted in 1953, not 1964, and it lacks the power to amend rules directly; it can only recommend modifications to the House, which the executive may then implement.
Consider the following statements regarding Business Advisory Committee: Legislative scheduling:
1. The Business Advisory Committee includes the Minister of Law and Justice as a permanent invitee, and its reports are tabled in the House by the Secretary-General before being adopted by a voice vote.
2. The Business Advisory Committee possesses the authority to prioritize non-official resolutions over government business, provided the Leader of the Opposition submits a formal request 48 hours in advance.
3. In the event of a disagreement regarding the legislative agenda, the Business Advisory Committee refers the matter to the Rules Committee, which has the final say under the 1967 parliamentary guidelines.
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 Business Advisory Committee (BAC) is chaired by the Speaker and consists of 15 members in the Lok Sabha, with no provision for the Law Minister as a permanent invitee or for the Secretary-General to table its reports. Furthermore, the BAC does not have the authority to prioritize non-official business over government agenda, as its primary function is to regulate the time for government business, and there is no provision under the 1967 guidelines for the Rules Committee to arbitrate on legislative scheduling disagreements.
Consider the following statements regarding Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC): Powers and formation:
1. A Joint Parliamentary Committee is constituted upon a motion adopted by one House of Parliament and concurred in by the other House.
2. The rules of procedure for Joint Parliamentary Committees are derived from the 1950 Rules of Business, which provide for the automatic dissolution of the committee upon the prorogation of the Lok Sabha.
3. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Bofors contract was formed in 1987 under the chairmanship of B. Shankaranand, and its report was submitted to the President of India for final ratification.
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 a JPC is set up by a motion passed in one House and concurred by the other to address specific issues. Statement 2 is incorrect because JPCs are governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, and they do not automatically dissolve upon prorogation, as they are not dependent on the life of the House. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Bofors committee report was submitted to the Parliament, not the President, as JPCs are accountable to the legislature, not the executive.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs:
1. A Minister is not eligible for election to the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, consistent with the convention for financial and departmental standing committees.
2. The Committee is empowered to examine the reports of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes submitted under Article 338, and it holds the authority to issue binding directives to state governments regarding land reform implementation.
3. The Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which publishes its annual reports in the Gazette of India.
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 because, like other parliamentary committees, Ministers are barred from membership to ensure independent oversight. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Committee examines reports of the National Commissions, it lacks the constitutional or legal authority to issue binding directives to state governments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Committee functions under the direction and control of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and its reports are presented to Parliament rather than being published by the Ministry.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Privileges: Quasi-judicial functions:
1. The Committee on Privileges possesses the power to summon witnesses and examine documents relevant to an alleged breach of parliamentary privilege.
2. The Rajya Sabha Committee on Privileges operates under the provisions of the Parliamentary Proceedings (Protection of Publication) Act of 1956, which grants it the authority to issue arrest warrants.
3. The Lok Sabha Committee on Privileges includes the Leader of the House as an ex-officio member, and it is tasked with the final adjudication of disputes involving the disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule.
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 because the Committee on Privileges acts in a quasi-judicial capacity, empowered to summon witnesses and examine evidence to investigate breaches of privilege. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Committee does not derive its powers from the 1956 Act, and while it can recommend punishment, it lacks the inherent authority to issue arrest warrants directly. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (not the Committee) is the final adjudicating authority regarding disqualification under the Tenth Schedule, and the Leader of the House is not an ex-officio member of this committee.
Consider the following statements regarding Select Committees on Bills: Procedural nuances:
1. The proceedings of a Select Committee are conducted in public, and the committee is authorized to publish the verbatim records of its deliberations in the Gazette of India before the final report is presented to the House.
2. A Select Committee is constituted by the Speaker to examine the provisions of a Bill referred to it, and the committee is permitted to extend its own tenure beyond the date specified in the motion of appointment without reporting back to the House.
3. A Select Committee on a Bill includes members from both Houses of Parliament, and the committee follows the procedure of taking evidence from the general public through mandatory televised hearings.
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 Select Committee proceedings are held in private, and verbatim records are generally not published until the report is presented. Statement 2 is incorrect as the committee must seek the House's permission to extend its tenure beyond the specified date. Statement 3 is incorrect because a Select Committee consists only of members from the House that appointed it, and it is not mandated to hold televised public hearings.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Speaker in nomination and appointment:
1. If the Deputy Speaker happens to be a member of a Parliamentary Committee, they are appointed as the Chairman of that committee by the Speaker.
2. The Speaker has the authority to issue directions to the Chairman of a committee for regulating the procedure and organization of the committee's work.
3. The Committee on Public Undertakings consists of 22 members, comprising 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members nominated by the Rajya Sabha.
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 because, as per the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha, if the Deputy Speaker is a member of a committee, they are automatically appointed as its Chairman. Statement 2 is correct as the Speaker is empowered to issue directions to the Chairman of a committee to regulate its internal procedure and the organization of its work. Statement 3 is correct because the Committee on Public Undertakings comprises 22 members, with 15 elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 nominated by the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the standard composition for financial committees.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs:
1. The rules of procedure for the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are governed by the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which also outlines the criteria for the selection of its 30 members.
2. The term of office for the members of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is one year.
3. The Committee was established in 1968 to monitor the implementation of constitutional safeguards, and it maintains a permanent sub-committee to review the reservation roster of public sector undertakings.
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 term of office for members of this committee is one year. Statement 1 is incorrect as the committee's procedure is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, not the Tenth Schedule (which deals with anti-defection). Statement 3 is incorrect because while the committee was established in 1968, it does not maintain a permanent sub-committee specifically for reviewing reservation rosters of PSUs; instead, it examines reports and representations through its plenary sessions.
Consider the following statements regarding Limitations of committee oversight and binding nature of recommendations:
1. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines whether the powers to make regulations, rules, and sub-rules delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive.
2. The Public Accounts Committee, consisting of 22 members, examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, but its findings do not have the force of law.
3. Under the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha, the reports of the Select Committees on Bills are presented to the House, yet the government is not legally bound to incorporate the suggested amendments.
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 Committee on Subordinate Legislation ensures the Executive does not exceed its delegated rule-making authority. Statement 2 is correct because the PAC, comprising 15 Lok Sabha and 7 Rajya Sabha members, acts in an advisory capacity, meaning its recommendations are not legally binding on the government. Statement 3 is correct because committee reports on Bills are recommendatory in nature, and the government retains the discretion to accept or reject proposed amendments during the legislative process.
Consider the following statements regarding Business Advisory Committee: Legislative scheduling:
1. The Business Advisory Committee is empowered to extend the duration of a parliamentary session beyond the date originally notified by the Cabinet, subject to the approval of the Committee on Private Members' Bills.
2. The primary function of the Business Advisory Committee is to recommend the time to be allocated for the discussion of government legislative and other business brought before the House.
3. The Business Advisory Committee was first constituted in the Lok Sabha on 14 July 1952, following the adoption of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
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 power to summon or prorogue a session lies with the President on the advice of the Cabinet, and the Business Advisory Committee has no authority to extend sessions. Statement 2 is correct as the committee's primary mandate is to allocate time for government legislative and non-legislative business to ensure efficient House proceedings. Statement 3 is correct because the committee was formally established in the Lok Sabha on 14 July 1952, shortly after the first general elections, to streamline the legislative agenda.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Privileges: Quasi-judicial functions:
1. The Committee on Privileges is empowered to recommend the nature of punishment, such as admonition or reprimand, to be awarded to the offender by the House.
2. A report submitted by the Committee on Privileges is laid on the Table of the House by the Chairman of the Committee or any other member designated by the Committee.
3. The quasi-judicial function of the Committee involves determining whether a specific act constitutes a contempt of the House or a breach of privilege.
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 Committee on Privileges functions as a quasi-judicial body by examining cases of alleged breach of privilege and determining if they constitute contempt of the House, as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. It is empowered to recommend specific punishments, such as admonition or reprimand, which the House then deliberates upon. Furthermore, the committee's report is formally presented to the House by its Chairperson or a designated member, ensuring transparency and procedural adherence in the exercise of parliamentary privileges.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Public Undertakings: Scope and limitations:
1. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Undertakings is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from amongst the members elected to the committee.
2. The committee is empowered to examine the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India pertaining to public undertakings.
3. The Committee on Public Undertakings examines the reports and accounts of public undertakings specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha.
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 Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha), and its Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from amongst its members. The committee is specifically mandated to examine the reports and accounts of public undertakings, including those pertaining to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. Crucially, the committee is limited by its inability to examine matters of major government policy, day-to-day administration, or matters already under consideration by other parliamentary committees.
Consider the following statements regarding Select Committees on Bills: Procedural nuances:
1. The report of a Select Committee is submitted directly to the President of India for assent, and the committee is allowed to bypass the requirement of presenting the report to the House if the Bill is categorized as a Money Bill.
2. The membership of a Select Committee is limited to fifteen individuals, and the committee is permitted to appoint a sub-committee with the power to finalize the draft report without the presence of the main committee members.
3. A Select Committee on a Bill, as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, is appointed by the House upon a motion moved by the Minister in charge of the Bill, and the members are elected by the House from among its own members.
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, under the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha, a Select Committee is constituted by the House through a motion moved by the Minister in charge, with members elected by the House. Statement 1 is incorrect because Select Committee reports must be presented to the House, and Money Bills are not referred to Select Committees. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the House determines the size of the committee, there is no fixed limit of fifteen members, and a sub-committee cannot finalize a report without the approval of the main committee.
Consider the following statements regarding Standing Committees vs Ad hoc Committees:
1. The Committee on Petitions examines representations from the public on matters of general importance, and it holds the authority to summon the Prime Minister to provide clarifications on policy grievances.
2. The Business Advisory Committee allocates time for the discussion of government legislative business in the Lok Sabha, and its recommendations are binding on the House once approved by the Prime Minister.
3. Select committees are a type of ad hoc committee formed to consider a specific bill, and they are empowered to suggest amendments that the government is expected to incorporate before the bill reaches the report stage.
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 while the Committee on Petitions examines public grievances, it lacks the authority to summon the Prime Minister. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Business Advisory Committee's recommendations are subject to the approval of the Speaker, not the Prime Minister, and they are not inherently binding on the House without formal adoption. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Select Committees are ad hoc committees formed for specific bills, their suggested amendments are merely recommendatory in nature and the government is not constitutionally or procedurally bound to incorporate them.
Consider the following statements regarding Estimates Committee: Role in policy critique:
1. The term of office for members of the Estimates Committee is one year, and a Minister is barred from being elected as a member of this committee.
2. The Estimates Committee performs the function of suggesting alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in administration, as outlined in Rule 310 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
3. The Estimates Committee includes members from both Houses of Parliament in a ratio of 2:1, and it is empowered to examine the audit reports prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
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 Estimates Committee consists of 30 members elected annually from Lok Sabha, with Ministers strictly excluded to ensure independent scrutiny. Statement 2 is correct because the committee's mandate, under Rule 310, includes suggesting alternative policies to enhance administrative efficiency and economy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Estimates Committee comprises only 30 members from the Lok Sabha (not both Houses) and is explicitly barred from examining audit reports prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General, a task reserved for the Public Accounts Committee.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Empowerment of Women:
1. A Minister is not eligible for election or nomination to the Committee on Empowerment of Women.
2. The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 members nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and 10 members nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
3. The committee is empowered to report on the measures taken by the Union Government to secure equality and dignity for women in all spheres.
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 Committee on Empowerment of Women, constituted first in 1997, strictly prohibits Ministers from membership to ensure independent oversight, as per parliamentary convention. It comprises 30 members-20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha-nominated by the Speaker and Chairman respectively, ensuring proportional representation. Its mandate includes examining reports of the National Commission for Women and evaluating Union Government measures to secure gender equality and dignity, making all three statements factually accurate.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Speaker in nomination and appointment:
1. The Speaker appoints the Chairman of all Parliamentary Committees of the Lok Sabha from amongst the members of the respective committees.
2. The Business Advisory Committee consists of 15 members including the Speaker, and it allocates time for the discussion of government legislative business introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
3. Members of the Estimates Committee are elected by the Lok Sabha every year from amongst its members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
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 Speaker appoints the chairpersons of all parliamentary committees of the Lok Sabha from amongst its members. Statement 3 is correct because the Estimates Committee, comprising 30 members, is elected annually by the Lok Sabha using the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha allocates time only for government legislative business introduced in the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha, and it consists of 15 members with the Speaker as its ex-officio Chairman.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial Committees: Composition and mandate of PAC:
1. The committee consists of 22 members, with 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members elected by the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Public Accounts Committee was first established in 1921 following the provisions of the Government of India Act 1919.
3. A Minister is barred from being elected as a member of the Public Accounts Committee to ensure the independence of the parliamentary oversight process.
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 Public Accounts Committee (PAC) comprises 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha) elected annually through proportional representation, ensuring cross-party oversight. It was established in 1921 under the Government of India Act 1919 to examine public expenditure, and ministers are strictly barred from membership to prevent conflict of interest and maintain the committee's independence in scrutinizing executive financial actions.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Papers Laid on the Table:
1. The Committee consists of 15 members in the Lok Sabha who are nominated by the Speaker for a term of one year.
2. The Committee on Papers Laid on the Table was first constituted in the Lok Sabha in 1975 to examine all papers laid on the table of the House by Ministers.
3. The Rajya Sabha has a similar Committee on Papers Laid on the Table which comprises 10 members nominated by the Chairman.
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 Lok Sabha committee consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker for a one-year term, and it was indeed first constituted in 1975 to scrutinize the papers laid by Ministers to ensure statutory compliance. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha maintains an identical committee structure comprising 10 members nominated by the Chairman, tasked with examining the papers laid before the Upper House.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Delegated legislation oversight:
1. A Minister is disqualified from being elected or nominated as a member of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, ensuring the body remains independent of the executive branch.
2. Under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the Committee on Subordinate Legislation has the authority to examine any regulation or rule laid before the House within the scope of its reference.
3. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines the 'Report of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation' submitted to the House, which includes observations on whether the delegated legislation is in accordance with the parent 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 correct.
Statement 1 is correct because a Minister is barred from membership to ensure impartial scrutiny of executive actions. Statement 2 is correct as the Committee is specifically mandated under the Rules of Procedure to scrutinize whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, or bye-laws delegated by the Constitution or Parliament are being properly exercised. Statement 3 is correct because the Committee's primary function is to report to the House whether the delegated legislation aligns with the objectives of the parent Act and does not exceed the authority granted by the legislature.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Delegated legislation oversight:
1. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation was established under the Government of India Act 1935, and it functions by reviewing the constitutionality of ordinances issued during parliamentary recesses.
2. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation was first constituted in 1953 to scrutinize whether the powers to make regulations, rules, and bye-laws delegated by Parliament are being properly exercised by the executive.
3. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members who are nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
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 Committee on Subordinate Legislation was not established under the Government of India Act 1935, nor does it review ordinances; it was established in 1953 to oversee delegated legislation. Statement 2 is correct as the committee was indeed constituted in 1953 to ensure the executive does not exceed the rule-making powers delegated by Parliament. Statement 3 is correct because the Lok Sabha committee comprises 15 members nominated by the Speaker, serving to maintain legislative oversight over the executive's rule-making functions.
Consider the following statements regarding Estimates Committee: Role in policy critique:
1. The Estimates Committee reviews the performance of Public Sector Undertakings that are governed by specific statutes, and its reports are submitted directly to the President of India for executive action.
2. Membership of the Estimates Committee is restricted to 30 members, all of whom are drawn exclusively from the Lok Sabha.
3. The Estimates Committee functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Finance, and its reports are presented to the Parliament during the winter session to facilitate mid-year fiscal adjustments.
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 Estimates Committee consists of 30 members elected annually by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members, with no representation from the Rajya Sabha. Statement 1 is incorrect because the committee is specifically barred from examining the performance of autonomous public undertakings that are governed by separate statutes, and its reports are presented to the Lok Sabha, not the President. Statement 3 is incorrect as the committee functions under the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the Ministry of Finance, and its reports are presented throughout the year rather than being restricted to the winter session for fiscal adjustments.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Papers Laid on the Table:
1. Members of the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table in the Rajya Sabha are elected through the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, serving a tenure of two years.
2. The Committee on Papers Laid on the Table was established following the recommendations of the First Estimates Committee report of 1950, which sought to standardize the reporting procedures for autonomous bodies.
3. The Committee is empowered to examine the annual reports and audited accounts of public sector undertakings, and it submits its findings directly to the Comptroller and Auditor General for final verification.
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 members of this committee are nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, not elected. Statement 2 is incorrect as the committee was constituted in 1975 based on the recommendations of the Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha, not the 1950 Estimates Committee. Statement 3 is incorrect because the committee examines papers laid on the Table to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and it reports to the House, not the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional basis and Article 105 privileges:
1. The Public Accounts Committee, originally constituted in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act 1919, includes 15 members from the Lok Sabha and 7 members from the Rajya Sabha, totaling 22 members in its current composition.
2. The Estimates Committee, which was first established in 1950 on the recommendation of John Matthai, consists of 30 members who are elected by the Lok Sabha every year from amongst its members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
3. Article 105 of the Constitution provides that the powers, privileges, and immunities of each House of Parliament and of its members are defined by Parliament by law, and until so defined, they remain those of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom as they existed on January 26, 1950.
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 PAC was established in 1921 under the GOI Act 1919 and maintains a 15:7 ratio of Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha members. Statement 2 is correct because the Estimates Committee, recommended by Finance Minister John Matthai in 1950, consists of 30 members elected solely from the Lok Sabha using the principle of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Statement 3 is correct as Article 105 grants parliamentary privileges, which remain aligned with the UK House of Commons' standards as of the commencement of the Constitution until codified by Parliament.
Consider the following statements regarding Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) functions:
1. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs coordinates the process of referring Demands for Grants of various ministries to the respective Departmentally Related Standing Committees.
2. A Minister is disqualified from being nominated as a member of any of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees as per the Rules of Procedure of both Houses.
3. Each Departmentally Related Standing Committee consists of 31 members, with 21 members nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and 10 members nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
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 Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs coordinates the referral of Demands for Grants to DRSCs. Statement 2 is correct because, under the Rules of Procedure of both Houses, a Minister cannot be a member of any DRSC to ensure independent parliamentary oversight. Statement 3 is correct as each of the 24 DRSCs comprises 31 members, with 21 nominated by the Speaker from Lok Sabha and 10 by the Chairman from Rajya Sabha.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Public Undertakings: Scope and limitations:
1. The committee is empowered to investigate matters of major government policy as distinct from business or commercial functions, and its recommendations carry the weight of binding legislative decrees.
2. The term of office for the members of the Committee on Public Undertakings is limited to one year.
3. A Minister is barred from being elected as a member of the Committee on Public Undertakings to ensure independent oversight.
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 Committee is specifically barred from examining matters of major government policy and its recommendations are advisory, not binding legislative decrees. Statement 2 is correct as the term of office for members is limited to one year, ensuring periodic rotation. Statement 3 is correct because Ministers are ineligible for election to the Committee to maintain the independence of parliamentary oversight over executive-controlled public sector undertakings.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial Committees: Composition and mandate of PAC:
1. The Public Accounts Committee examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General regarding public undertakings, which is submitted to the President under Article 151 of the Constitution.
2. The Public Accounts Committee holds the power to examine the policy underlying the expenditure, which was granted by the 1967 amendment to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee from among the members of the ruling party to ensure coordination with the executive.
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 PAC does not examine reports on public undertakings, which are the exclusive domain of the Committee on Public Undertakings. Statement 2 is incorrect as the PAC is explicitly barred from examining the policy underlying the expenditure, focusing instead on the technical regularity and economy of spending. Statement 3 is incorrect because, by a convention established in 1967, the Chairman of the PAC is appointed by the Speaker from amongst the members of the Opposition to ensure impartial scrutiny of government finances.
Consider the following statements regarding Rules Committee: Internal procedure regulation:
1. The Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members, including the Speaker who serves as the ex-officio Chairperson.
2. The primary function of the Rules Committee is to consider matters of procedure and conduct of business in the House and recommend any amendments or additions to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
3. The Rules Committee of the Rajya Sabha is composed of 16 members, with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha acting as the ex-officio Chairperson.
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 Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members, including the Speaker as the ex-officio Chairperson, while the Rajya Sabha's committee consists of 16 members with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha as the ex-officio Chairperson. The committee's mandate is to consider matters of procedure and conduct of business in the House and recommend necessary amendments or additions to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. All three statements are factually accurate according to the Rules of Procedure of both Houses of Parliament.
Consider the following statements regarding Rules Committee: Internal procedure regulation:
1. The Rules Committee of the Rajya Sabha was established under the provisions of the Government of India Act 1935, and it functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
2. Recommendations made by the Rules Committee are placed on the Table of the House, and if no notice of amendment is given within seven days, they are deemed approved.
3. The Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha is empowered to review the constitutional validity of proposed legislation, and its reports are submitted directly to the President of India for final ratification.
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, under the Rules of Procedure, recommendations of the Rules Committee are laid on the Table, and if no notice of amendment is given within seven days, they are deemed approved. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Rules Committee is constituted under the Rules of Procedure of the respective Houses, not the Government of India Act 1935, and it functions under the Chairman/Speaker, not the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Statement 3 is incorrect because the committee's mandate is limited to matters of procedure and conduct of business; it has no authority to review constitutional validity, nor does it submit reports to the President.
Consider the following statements regarding Standing Committees vs Ad hoc Committees:
1. The Estimates Committee, which consists of 30 members elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members, is prohibited from examining the expenditure of public sector undertakings that are governed by separate parliamentary statutes.
2. The Departmentally Related Standing Committees were formally established in 1993 to strengthen the Parliament's control over the executive branch through detailed scrutiny of ministerial budgets.
3. The Public Accounts Committee, established under the Government of India Act 1919, includes 22 members where the Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from the Rajya Sabha members to ensure cross-house oversight.
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 Estimates Committee's mandate excludes PSUs governed by separate statutes, which fall under the Committee on Public Undertakings. Statement 2 is correct because the 17 Departmentally Related Standing Committees were instituted in 1993 to enhance parliamentary oversight of executive functions and budgetary allocations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Public Accounts Committee comprises 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha), and by convention, its Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from amongst its members, traditionally from the opposition, but the Chairman is not required to be from the Rajya Sabha.
Consider the following statements regarding Business Advisory Committee: Legislative scheduling:
1. The allocation of time for private members' bills is determined by the Business Advisory Committee in consultation with the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, as per the 1954 amendment to the Rules of Procedure.
2. The Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members, including the Speaker who serves as its ex-officio Chairman.
3. The Business Advisory Committee in the Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Deputy Chairman, and it includes 12 members nominated by the President to ensure regional representation.
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 Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee consists of 15 members, including the Speaker as ex-officio Chairman. Statement 1 is incorrect because the allocation of time for private members' bills is the function of the Committee on Private Members' Bills and Resolutions, not the Business Advisory Committee. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Rajya Sabha's Business Advisory Committee is chaired by the Chairman (Vice-President of India), not the Deputy Chairman, and its members are nominated by the Chairman, not the President.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial Committees: Composition and mandate of PAC:
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee during its examination of appropriation accounts.
2. The term of office for members of the Public Accounts Committee is limited to one year, after which new elections are held.
3. The committee conducts its proceedings in the presence of the public, and its reports are tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister before being sent to the President.
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 CAG assists the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by auditing accounts and providing technical expertise, earning the title of 'guide, friend, and philosopher.' Statement 2 is correct because the term of office for members of the PAC is strictly one year, with members elected annually by Parliament from amongst its members. Statement 3 is incorrect because PAC proceedings are held in private, not in the presence of the public, and its reports are presented to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the Finance Minister, who has no formal role in tabling these reports.
Consider the following statements regarding House Committee: Members' amenities and facilities:
1. The House Committee determines the medical facilities provided to members, acting in coordination with the Central Government Health Scheme board formed in 1974.
2. The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament is constituted under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954.
3. The House Committee functions under the administrative control of the Speaker and is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
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 2 is correct as the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances is a statutory body constituted under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, to frame rules for member benefits. Statement 3 is correct because the House Committee is a standing committee of the Lok Sabha that operates under the Speaker's direction to oversee residential accommodation and amenities for members. Statement 1 is incorrect because the House Committee deals with residential accommodation and food management, whereas medical facilities for MPs are governed by the Members of Parliament (Medical Facilities) Rules, 1956, and are not determined by the House Committee.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Empowerment of Women:
1. The committee functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which provides the secretariat staff and budgetary allocations for its field visits.
2. The Committee on Empowerment of Women was established under the recommendation of the 1994 Joint Parliamentary Committee on the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act to oversee rural governance.
3. The Committee on Empowerment of Women was first constituted in 1997 to assess the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
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 committee was first constituted in 1997 to monitor the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for women. Statement 1 is incorrect because the committee functions under the jurisdiction of the Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha Secretariats), not the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Statement 2 is incorrect because the committee was established based on a motion adopted by both Houses of Parliament in 1997, not as a result of the 1994 Joint Parliamentary Committee on the 73rd Amendment.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Papers Laid on the Table:
1. The rules governing the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table were formally incorporated into the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha during the 1952 constitutional amendments.
2. One of the primary functions of the Committee is to consider whether there has been any avoidable delay in laying papers before the House and to examine the reasons for such delay.
3. The Committee examines whether the papers laid on the table of the House are in conformity with the provisions of the Act or the Rule under which they are required to be laid.
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 Committee on Papers Laid on the Table was constituted in the Lok Sabha only in 1975, not in 1952. Statement 2 is correct as the committee is specifically mandated to examine the reasons for any avoidable delays in laying papers before the House. Statement 3 is correct because the committee ensures that all papers laid on the Table strictly comply with the enabling provisions of the Acts or Rules under which they are required to be presented.
Consider the following statements regarding Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) functions:
1. Members of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees serve a term of two years, and the Chairpersons are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Presiding Officers of both Houses.
2. The Departmentally Related Standing Committee on External Affairs reviews the performance of the Ministry of External Affairs and has the power to summon foreign diplomats to testify regarding bilateral treaty negotiations.
3. The reports of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees are advisory in nature, and the government provides an action-taken report to the committee within three months of the presentation of the original report to the House.
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 members serve a one-year term, and Chairpersons are appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha or the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, not the President. Statement 2 is incorrect as DRSCs cannot summon foreign diplomats, as this would infringe upon diplomatic immunity and the executive's conduct of foreign policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the reports are advisory, the government is required to submit an Action Taken Report within six months, not three, of the presentation of the committee's report to the House.
Consider the following statements regarding House Committee: Members' amenities and facilities:
1. The House Committee reviews the travel allowances for members during overseas parliamentary delegations, as defined by the 1985 amendment to the Members of Parliament Act.
2. The House Committee oversees the functioning of the Parliamentary Library, which was established under the Library Committee guidelines of 1991.
3. The House Committee manages the allocation of office space in the Parliament House Annexe, a task transferred from the Ministry of Urban Development in 2005.
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.
The House Committee is exclusively responsible for matters relating to residential accommodation and other amenities (like food and medical facilities) for Members of Parliament, not overseas travel allowances, library management, or office space allocation. Overseas delegations are handled by the Speaker/Chairman, the Parliamentary Library is managed by the Library Committee, and the allocation of office space in the Parliament House Annexe is the prerogative of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the House Committee. Consequently, all three statements are incorrect as they misattribute administrative functions that fall under different parliamentary committees or the presiding officers.
Consider the following statements regarding Limitations of committee oversight and binding nature of recommendations:
1. The Committee on Petitions, which considers representations on matters of public importance, has the procedural capacity to summon the Prime Minister to provide testimony regarding the grievances presented by citizens.
2. The recommendations of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) are advisory in nature and the government retains the discretion to accept or reject them based on policy priorities.
3. The Estimates Committee, established first in 1950 on the recommendation of John Matthai, lacks the power to examine the policy underlying the expenditure it scrutinizes.
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 parliamentary committees, including the Committee on Petitions, cannot summon the Prime Minister to testify. Statement 2 is correct as DRSC recommendations are recommendatory and not legally binding on the government, which maintains executive discretion. Statement 3 is correct because the Estimates Committee, established in 1950 based on John Matthai's suggestion, is explicitly restricted by its mandate from questioning the underlying policy of the government's expenditure.
Consider the following statements regarding Estimates Committee: Role in policy critique:
1. The Estimates Committee examines the budget estimates after they have been voted by the Parliament, and it possesses the authority to suggest modifications to the tax structure proposed in the Finance Bill.
2. The Estimates Committee was first established in 1950 based on the recommendation of John Matthai, who served as the Finance Minister at the time.
3. The Chairman of the Estimates Committee is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from among the members of the Rajya Sabha to ensure inter-house coordination in financial oversight.
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 Estimates Committee was first established in 1950 on the recommendation of the then Finance Minister, John Matthai. Statement 1 is incorrect because the committee examines budget estimates after they are voted upon and cannot suggest changes to the tax structure, which is the domain of the Finance Bill. Statement 3 is incorrect because the committee consists of 30 members elected solely from the Lok Sabha, and its Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from among these members, excluding any representation from the Rajya Sabha.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs:
1. The Committee was first constituted in 1966, following a motion moved in the Lok Sabha by the then Minister of Social Welfare.
2. The Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes consists of 30 members, with 20 elected by the Lok Sabha and 10 by the Rajya Sabha.
3. The Chairperson of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from amongst its members.
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 Committee on the Welfare of SCs and STs was indeed first constituted in 1966 upon a motion in the Lok Sabha to monitor the implementation of constitutional safeguards. It comprises 30 members, with 20 elected by the Lok Sabha and 10 by the Rajya Sabha, ensuring proportional representation from both houses. The Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from among the committee members, and all three statements are factually accurate.
Consider the following statements regarding House Committee: Members' amenities and facilities:
1. The Chairman of the House Committee is appointed by the President of India, following the convention of selecting a senior member from the opposition party.
2. The House Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 12 members who are nominated by the Speaker to oversee residential accommodation for members.
3. The House Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the Parliament House complex, including the security protocols of the outer perimeter gates established in 1952.
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 Lok Sabha House Committee consists of 12 members nominated by the Speaker to deal with residential accommodation and other amenities for members. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chairman of the House Committee is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (or Chairman of the Rajya Sabha), not the President, and there is no convention requiring the chair to be from the opposition. Statement 3 is incorrect because the House Committee is concerned with residential amenities for members, whereas the maintenance and security of the Parliament House complex fall under the jurisdiction of the Parliament House Estate Office and the Secretariat.
Consider the following statements regarding Committee on Government Assurances:
1. The Committee on Government Assurances submits its reports directly to the President of India, who then tables them before both Houses of Parliament during the Winter Session.
2. The Committee on Government Assurances is empowered to examine the implementation of treaties signed by the Executive, provided those treaties were ratified by a resolution in the Lok Sabha.
3. The Committee on Government Assurances was constituted in 1953 to keep track of the promises, undertakings, and assurances given by ministers on the floor of the Lok Sabha.
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 Committee on Government Assurances was indeed constituted in 1953 to monitor the implementation of promises, undertakings, and assurances given by ministers on the floor of the House. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Committee submits its reports to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (or Chairman of the Rajya Sabha), not the President, and these reports are presented to the House as and when prepared, not restricted to the Winter Session. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Committee's mandate is strictly limited to tracking ministerial assurances; it has no jurisdiction to examine the implementation of treaties, which falls outside its scope of parliamentary oversight.