The Constitution places the following fund at the disposal of the Pres...
The correct answer is option 'c) Contingency Fund of India'.
Explanation:
The Constitution of India provides for the establishment of three main funds, namely the Consolidated Fund of India, the Contingency Fund of India, and the Public Account. These funds are essential components of the financial system of the country and play a crucial role in the functioning of the government.
1. Consolidated Fund of India:
- The Consolidated Fund of India is the most important fund mentioned in the Constitution and is under the control of the President.
- All revenues received by the Government of India, including taxes, duties, and fees, and all loans raised by the government form a part of this fund.
- The government can spend money from this fund only after the appropriation bill is passed by the Parliament.
- The President has no personal discretion in spending money from this fund as expenditure can be made only as authorized by the Parliament.
2. Consolidated Fund of States:
- Similar to the Consolidated Fund of India, each state in India also has its own Consolidated Fund.
- All revenues received by the state government, loans raised, and money received in repayment of loans form a part of this fund.
- The state government can spend money from this fund only after the appropriation bill is passed by the state legislature.
3. Contingency Fund of India:
- The Contingency Fund of India is set up to meet unforeseen and urgent expenses of the government.
- It is at the disposal of the President and does not require prior parliamentary approval.
- The fund is operated by the Finance Ministry and is maintained in the form of cash.
- The President can make advances out of this fund for the purposes of meeting unforeseen expenditure pending authorization by the Parliament.
4. Public Account:
- The Public Account is a fund where government money is kept separate from the Consolidated Fund.
- It is used to account for transactions of the government relating to debt, deposits, and other such transactions.
- The money held in the Public Account is not available to meet the regular expenses of the government and is kept aside for specific purposes.
In conclusion, while the President has control over the Consolidated Fund of India, the Contingency Fund of India is the fund at the disposal of the President for meeting unforeseen and urgent expenses without prior parliamentary approval.