Q1. In which of the following matter the Rajya sabha has unequal powers to that of Lok sabha?
- Introduction and passage of ordinary bills
- Introduction and passage of Constitutional Amendment bills.
- Election and Impeachment of the President
- A resolution for the discontinuance of the National emergency
Correct Option: 4. A resolution for the discontinuance of the National emergency
Explanation: A resolution for the discontinuance of the National emergency can be passed only by the Lok sabha and not by the Rajya sabha. Hence Rajya sabha has unequal power to that of Lok sabha in above mentioned matter.
The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in several areas.
– Constitutional Amendments: Both houses have equal authority in introducing and passing constitutional amendment bills.
– Ordinary Bills: They also share equal powers in introducing and passing ordinary bills.
– Financial Bills: The introduction and passage of financial bills involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India require equal approval from both houses.
– Election and Impeachment of the President: Both houses play a crucial role in the election and impeachment of the President.
– Judiciary and Appointments: They have equal powers in making recommendations for the removal of the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Chief Election Commissioner, and Comptroller and Auditor General.
– Approval of Presidential Ordinances: Both houses must approve ordinances issued by the President.
– Emergency Proclamations: The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in approving the proclamation of all three types of emergencies by the President.
– Reports of Constitutional Bodies: Both houses consider reports from bodies like the Finance Commission, Union Public Service Commission, and Comptroller and Auditor General.
Unequal Powers of Rajya Sabha to that of Lok Sabha: –
– Money Bills: The Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to introduce and approve money bills, which are bills related to taxation and government expenditure. The Rajya Sabha can only review and suggest changes, but cannot reject or amend these bills.
– Financial Bills: While both houses have equal powers in passing financial bills, the Lok Sabha has the final say in cases where there’s a disagreement.
– No-Confidence Motion: The Lok Sabha is the only house where a no-confidence motion can be introduced to remove the Council of Ministers.
– National Emergency: Only the Lok Sabha can pass a resolution to discontinue a national emergency.
– Joint Sitting: In the event of a deadlock between the two houses, the Lok Sabha Speaker presides over the joint sitting.
On the other hand, the Rajya Sabha has some exclusive powers:
– Special Powers: The Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to make laws on subjects in the State List (Article 249) and create new All-India Services (Article 312).
– Vice-President Removal: The Rajya Sabha has the power to initiate the removal of the Vice-President.
– Emergency Proclamations: If the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Rajya Sabha can approve emergency proclamations.
Q2. In which of the following matter the Rajya sabha has equal powers to that of Lok sabha?
- Introduction and Passage of Money bill
- Presiding the Joint sitting of both the houses
- Approval of the ordinances issued by the President
- Passing of No-confidence motion to remove the Council of Ministers
Correct Option: 3. Approval of the ordinances issued by the President
Explanation: Both the Rajya sabha and the Lok sabha have equal power in approving the Ordinances issued by the President.
The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in several areas.
– Constitutional Amendments: Both houses have equal authority in introducing and passing constitutional amendment bills.
– Ordinary Bills: They also share equal powers in introducing and passing ordinary bills.
– Financial Bills: The introduction and passage of financial bills involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India require equal approval from both houses.
– Election and Impeachment of the President: Both houses play a crucial role in the election and impeachment of the President.
– Judiciary and Appointments: They have equal powers in making recommendations for the removal of the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Chief Election Commissioner, and Comptroller and Auditor General.
– Approval of Presidential Ordinances: Both houses must approve ordinances issued by the President.
– Emergency Proclamations: The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in approving the proclamation of all three types of emergencies by the President.
– Reports of Constitutional Bodies: Both houses consider reports from bodies like the Finance Commission, Union Public Service Commission, and Comptroller and Auditor General.
Unequal Powers of Rajya Sabha to that of Lok Sabha: –
– Money Bills: The Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to introduce and approve money bills, which are bills related to taxation and government expenditure. The Rajya Sabha can only review and suggest changes, but cannot reject or amend these bills.
– Financial Bills: While both houses have equal powers in passing financial bills, the Lok Sabha has the final say in cases where there’s a disagreement.
– No-Confidence Motion: The Lok Sabha is the only house where a no-confidence motion can be introduced to remove the Council of Ministers.
– National Emergency: Only the Lok Sabha can pass a resolution to discontinue a national emergency.
– Joint Sitting: In the event of a deadlock between the two houses, the Lok Sabha Speaker presides over the joint sitting.
On the other hand, the Rajya Sabha has some exclusive powers:
– Special Powers: The Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to make laws on subjects in the State List (Article 249) and create new All-India Services (Article 312).
– Vice-President Removal: The Rajya Sabha has the power to initiate the removal of the Vice-President.
– Emergency Proclamations: If the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Rajya Sabha can approve emergency proclamations.
Q3. Which of the following statement is not correct about the Public Accounts Committee?
- The chairman is selected from the ruling Party
- It examines the audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor general of India
- The members are elected by the Parliament every year
- The principle of proportional representation is used for the election of the members
Correct Option: 1. The chairman is selected from the ruling Party
Explanation: The chairman is selected from the Opposition Party and not the ruling.
The members are elected by the Parliament every year amongst its members according to the principle of Proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
The Chairman is appointed by the Speaker.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays a vital role in ensuring the accountability of the government. Its primary function is to examine the audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) after it’s laid in Parliament.
Key Functions:
– Examining Audit Reports: PAC scrutinizes the CAG’s reports on appropriation accounts and finance accounts to ensure the government’s funds are used efficiently.
– Verifying Funds: It checks if funds were legally available, if competent authorities sanctioned their use, and if procedures were followed.
– Evaluating Government Expenditure: PAC assesses budgetary appropriations, accounts, and CAG reports to identify cases of waste, loss, corruption, or inefficiency.
– Ensuring Accountability: By examining public expenditure, PAC helps establish government accountability to the people.
Significance:
The PAC’s role is crucial in maintaining neutrality, as it adopts reports by consensus. Its chairperson is typically from the opposition party, ensuring a check on the ruling government. The committee’s criticism of inefficient public expenditure can create strong public opinion, prompting the government to rectify its policies.
Challenges:
Despite its importance, the PAC faces challenges, such as lack of technical knowledge, limited scope, and non-binding recommendations. To overcome these, experts suggest implementing PAC recommendations, inducting professionals, and conducting independent audits.
Q4. Which of the following statement is not correct about the Estimates Committee?
- The Chairman is from the ruling party
- The Rajya sabha and the Lok sabha have their representatives in the committee
- This committee was constituted on the recommendation of John Mathai
- A minister cannot be elected as member of the committee
Correct Option: 2. The Rajya sabha and the Lok sabha have their representatives in the committee
Explanation: Only Lok sabha has the presentation in this committee. Rajya sabha does not have any representation in this committee.
The chairman is appointed by the Speaker amongst its members and he is invariably from ruling party.
This committee was constituted in 1950 on the recommendation of John Mathai.
The Estimates Committee is a parliamentary committee that plays a crucial role in examining the estimates of expenditure of the Government of India. Here are its key functions and significance:
Functions:
1. Examining Budget Estimates: Scrutinizes budget estimates and revised estimates of ministries/departments.
2. Reviewing Government Expenditure: Assesses effectiveness of government spending, identifying areas of waste/inefficiency.
3. Policy Formulation: Suggests alternative policies for efficient resource allocation.
4. Investigating Over expenditure: Probes cases of excess expenditure without parliamentary sanction.
5. Evaluating Development Programs: Reviews implementation and effectiveness of development schemes.
Significance:
1. Ensures Fiscal Accountability: Holds government accountable for public funds.
2. Promotes Transparency: Facilitates open discussion on budget estimates.
3. Optimizes Resource Allocation: Identifies areas for improved resource utilization.
4. Supports Legislative Oversight: Empowers Parliament to scrutinize executive decisions.
5. Informs Budgetary Decisions: Provides valuable insights for budget formulation.
Challenges:
1. Limited Scope: Focuses on expenditure, not revenue or taxation.
2. Non-Binding Recommendations: Lack of authority to enforce suggestions.
3. Complexity: Requires specialized knowledge to analyze estimates.
Q5. Which of the following statement is not correct about the Committee on Public Undertaking?
- This committee was created in 1964
- It examines the report of CAG on Public Undertaking
- A minister cannot be elected as member of the committee
- The chairman can be amongst the members of Rajya sabha and Lok sabha
Correct Option: 4. The chairman can be amongst the members of Rajya sabha and Lok sabha
Explanation: The Chairman is appointed by the speaker amongst the members of Lok sabha only.
This committee was created in 1964 on the recommendation of Krishna Menon Committee.
The Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) is a parliamentary committee that examines the functioning of public sector enterprises, ensuring accountability and efficiency. Here’s its role:
Functions:
1. Scrutinizes annual reports and accounts of public undertakings.
2. It examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor general on Public Undertaking.
3. It examines whether the affairs of the Public Undertaking are being managed in accordance with the sound business principles.
4. It exercises such functions vested in the Public accounts committee and the estimates committee in relation to Public Undertakings which are allotted to it by the speaker from time to time.