Parliamentary System MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

Calling Attention Motion It is introduced in the Parliament by a member to call the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance and to seek an authoritative statement from him on that matter. Like the zero hours, it is also an Indian innovation in the parliamentary procedure and has been in existence since 1954. However, unlike the zero hours, it is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure.

Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG)

Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) is a non-profit, non-political, and autonomous body formed in 1949. It is aimed at promoting the interests of India's parliamentary democracy and strengthening India's relations with other countries.

Statement 1: Indian parliamentary Group is an autonomous body

The statement is correct. The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) is an autonomous body. It is not affiliated with any political party or government agency. It is a non-profit organization, which is run by elected members of Parliament.

Statement 2: The membership of IPG is open to all members of the Parliament

The statement is also correct. The membership of IPG is open to all members of Parliament, including Lok Sabha members, Rajya Sabha members, and members of State Legislative Assemblies. The group has more than 450 members, including members from all political parties.

Conclusion

Both statements are correct. The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) is an autonomous body, and its membership is open to all members of Parliament. The group aims to promote India's parliamentary democracy and strengthen India's relations with other countries.

Parliamentary Committee: Explanation of the Answer

The correct option is "B. 2 Only." Here's an explanation of the answer:

1. Appointed, Elected, or Nominated by the House

A parliamentary committee is a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are appointed, elected, or nominated by the House. The appointment or nomination process varies depending on the type of committee, but typically involves a vote by the House or a decision by the Speaker or Chairman.

2. Works under the Direction of the Speaker

While parliamentary committees are appointed or nominated by the House, they do not work under the direction of the Speaker. Instead, they are independent bodies that operate according to their own rules and procedures. However, they are accountable to the House and must report back to the House on their findings and recommendations.

In summary, while the first statement is partially correct, the second statement is incorrect. Parliamentary committees work independently and are not directed by the Speaker or Chairman.

The constitution empowers parliament to make laws on any matter in-state list under five extraordinary circumstances - Rajya sabha passes the resolution, national emergency, states make a request, to implement international agreements, during president's rule.

The Constitution provides for a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper House (Rajya Sabha) and a Lower House (Lok Sabha). The Rajya Sabha represents the states of Indian Federation, while the Lok Sabha represents the people of India as a whole. The Rajya Sabha (even though a less powerful chamber) is required to maintain the federal equilibrium by protecting the interests of states against the undue interference of the centre.

Consultative Committees Formation These committees are constituted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. These are normally constituted after the new Lok Sabha is constituted. This implies that these committees stand dissolved upon dissolution of every Lok Sabha and thus, are reconstituted upon the constitution of each Lok Sabha. Composition The guidelines regarding the composition, functions and procedures of these committees are formulated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The same Ministry also makes arrangements for holding their meetings both during the session and the intersession period of Parliament. These consist of members of both the Houses of Parliament. However, the membership of these committees is voluntary and is left to the choice of the members and the leaders of their parties. The maximum membership of a committee is 30 and the minimum is 10. Functions These committees are attached to various ministries/departments of the Central Government. The Minister/Minister of State in charge of the Ministry concerned acts as the chairman of the consultative committee of that ministry. These provide a forum for informal discussions between the ministers and the members of Parliament on policies and programmes of the government and the manner of their implementation. The Consultative Committees are not Parliamentary Committees. A parliamentary committee means a committee that: Is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman. Works under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman. Presents its report to the House or to the Speaker/Chairman Has a secretariat provided by the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha.

Committee on Absence of Members

- This committee considers all applications from members for leave of absence from the sittings of the House.
- It also examines the cases of members who have been absent for a period of 10 days or more without permission.
- The committee is constituted by the Speaker/Chairperson of the House.
- In Lok Sabha, the committee consists of 15 members, while in Rajya Sabha it consists of 10 members.
- The members of the committee are nominated by the Speaker/Chairperson based on the proportionality of the party strength in the House.
- The committee meets periodically to consider the applications for leave of absence and to examine the cases of prolonged absence.
- It submits its report to the Speaker/Chairperson who then lays it before the House.
- The report includes the reasons given by the absent members for their absence and the committee's recommendations on whether to grant leave of absence or take any other action.
- The committee's role is important in ensuring that members attend the sittings regularly and participate in the proceedings of the House.

The Supreme Court can strike down certain provisions/amendments of the Indian Constitution if it feels that the provisions are unconstitutional or alter the basic structure of the constitution. But striking down does not take away the provisions from the Constitution. To take away the provisions, Parliament has to present a Constitution Amendment bill to repeal the provisions.

Under Article 368(2), Parliament can amend the constitution by passing a Bill in each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting. Those provisions of the Constitution which are related to the federal structure of the polity can be amended by a special majority of the Parliament and also with the consent of half of the state legislatures by a simple majority. If one or some or all the remaining states take no action on the bill, it does not matter; the moment half of the states give their consent, the formality is completed. There is no time limit within which the states should give their consent to the bill.