Question 1

Which of the following committee/commissions recommended the creation of Nyaya Panchayats?

Accepted Answer

The Ashok Mehta Committee on Panchayati Raj Institutions was appointed by the Janata Party government in December 1977. The committee submitted its report in August 1978 and made 132 recommendations to revive and strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions. Key recommendations included replacing the three-tier system with a two-tier system: 'Zila Parishad' at the district level and 'Mandal Panchayat' below it for a group of villages. Nyaya Panchayats were recommended to be separate from development panchayats and presided over by a qualified judge. A state Minister of Panchayati Raj was suggested to oversee these institutions. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 2

Which one of the following functions is not the concern of Local Self-Government?

Accepted Answer

Article 243G and the 11th Schedule of the Constitution list 29 subjects under Local Self-Government. Public Health, Sanitation, and Public Utility Services are included. Maintenance of Public Order is under the State Government domain and falls within the State List of the Seventh Schedule. Section 31 of the Police Act, 1861 defines 'maintenance of public order' as order in public places, ensuring assemblies and processions are not hindered. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 3

The system of Panchayati Raj is mentioned in

Accepted Answer

Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution define three legislative lists: Union List (subjects on which Parliament legislates), State List (subjects for state legislatures), and Concurrent List (both can legislate). Local governance, including Panchayati Raj, falls under the State List. Part IX of the Constitution deals specifically with the Panchayati Raj system. Residuary powers remain with Parliament. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 4

50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions is legalized in which states?

Accepted Answer

Fifty percent reservation for women is legalized in Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Article 243D deals with reservation of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions for SCs, STs, and women (minimum one-third). It also allows states to reserve chairperson positions for backward classes. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 5

Money Bill can be presented

Accepted Answer

A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President and by a minister. The Rajya Sabha has limited powers: it can recommend changes but cannot amend or reject the bill and must return it within 14 days. If not returned, it is deemed passed as originally approved by the Lok Sabha. The Speaker's decision on whether a bill is a Money Bill is final. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 6

What is the nature of the Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Indian Constitution is 'Federal in nature but Unitary in spirit' due to strong central government with residuary and emergency powers, single constitution, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, audit, election machinery, all-India services, and governor appointments by the Union. Political scientists describe it variously: K.C. Wheare as 'quasi-federal', Paul Appleby as 'extremely federal', Morris Jones as 'bargaining federalism', Ivor Jennings as 'federation with centralizing tendency', Granville Austin as 'cooperative federalism'. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 7

Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of India?

Accepted Answer

Article 124 deals with the Supreme Court. Judges are appointed by the President after recommendation by the collegium. They hold office until 65, can resign to the President, and can be removed on Parliament's recommendation. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 8

Who is the Ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Accepted Answer

Article 64 states that the Vice-President of India is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Article 66 deals with his election through indirect proportional representation by members of both Houses of Parliament. State legislative members do not participate. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 9

The Prime Minister of India is responsible to whom?

Accepted Answer

India has a parliamentary system. Article 75 specifies the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, other ministers by the President on the PM's advice. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Ministers take oaths as per the Third Schedule and must be members of either House within six months. Salaries are as determined by Parliament. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

Question 10

What is the minimum age for a Member of the Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Article 79 defines Parliament as consisting of the President, Rajya Sabha (minimum age 30, Article 80), and Lok Sabha (minimum age 25, Article 81). Since the question asks for Member of Parliament including both Houses, the correct minimum age is 25. [63RD BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2018]

63rd Prelims 2018