Polity: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, enshrines several fundamental human rights. Let’s analyze each of the given rights:

Right to Education: Article 26 of UDHR explicitly recognizes the right to education. It states that education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages, and that higher education shall be equally accessible to all based on merit. Right to Equal Access to Public Service: Article 21(2) of UDHR guarantees that everyone has the right to equal access to public service in their country. This ensures that no one is discriminated against in accessing government-provided services. Right to Food: Article 25(1) of UDHR recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care. This establishes food as a fundamental human right necessary for survival and well-being.

Explanation

Article 51A of part IV-A of the Indian Constitution deals with the Fundamental Duties. These duties are the moral and civic obligations that all citizens of a nation have. To vote in public elections is not a fundamental duty as it is not included in article 51A. List of Fundamental Duties:

To abide by the Constitution and respect National Flag and National Anthem (Not national song) To follow the noble ideals that inspired the struggle for freedom. To protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. To render national service when called upon to do so. To promote the common spirit of brotherhood amongst all Indians + to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. To preserve the rich heritage of the country’s culture. To protect the national environment including forests, lakes, wildlife, etc. To develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of reform and inquiry. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individuals. To provide opportunity for education to his child between the age 6 and 14 years

Explanation

Article 266 further says, No money out of this fund can be issued except in accordance with a parliamentary law. Thus, the authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from the Parliament of India.

Explanation

The Consolidated Fund of India is the primary fund of the Union Government where all its revenues, including taxes, loans, and other receipts for the conduct of government business, are deposited. According to the Constitution of India, all government spending must be approved by Parliament and drawn from this fund. The accounts of Government are kept in three parts:

1. Consolidated Fund of India

2. Contingency Fund of India

3. Public Account of India

Explanation

If the Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha, it indicates a lack of confidence in the government’s financial proposals. Since the government is responsible for presenting and managing the budget, this failure typically results in a crisis of confidence. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are expected to resign, as the government’s authority is effectively undermined.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: During the time of approaching elections, it is not practical to present a full budget, therefore the government presents an interim budget. Interim Budget can be presented by all governments whether incumbent or regular or caretaker.

Statement 2 is correct: The Appropriation Bill becomes an Act after Presidential assent, authorizing withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India. Since its enactment takes time, the government cannot withdraw funds beyond March 31. To address this, the Lok Sabha grants a ‘Vote on Account’, allowing advance funds for essential expenses, usually for two months, covering one-sixth of the total estimated expenditure, until the Appropriation Bill is passed. A vote-on-account contains only the expenditure of the government’s budget while an Interim Budget is a complete set of accounts i.e. it includes both expenditure and receipts.

Explanation

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added a new part IX to the Constitution of India. This part is entitled "The Panchayats" and contains articles 243 to 243 O.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities (Article 243ZD) not 73rd Amendment.

Statement 2 is correct: According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, the conduct of Panchayati Raj elections is vested in the state election commission(under Article 243-k) consisting of a state election commissioner appointed by the Governor of the state.

Statement 3 is correct: Under article 243-I. 73rd Amendment Act also mandates for the establishment of State Finance Commissions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Article 243 ZE of Part IX A provides for establishment of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC). Formation of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs)is mandated in all metropolitan areas where population is above 10 Lakh. The elected officials of the municipalities and the heads of the panchayats in the metropolitan area elects 2/3rd of the MPC members from among themselves. 1/3rd are nominated. Elected members are proportionate to the rural: urban population ratio.

Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 243-ZE, MPC prepares the draft development plans for the metropolitan area.

Statement 3 is incorrect: MPC helps in draft planning and not in implementing the Govt sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.

Explanation

The Finance Commission of India is established under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its primary role is to make recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and the States and among the States themselves. Statement (a) is incorrect: Encouraging foreign capital inflow is not within the mandate of the Finance Commission. This is more relevant to policies of the Ministry of Finance or organizations like the RBI. Statement (b) is incorrect: The Finance Commission is not concerned with PSUs; its role is limited to tax revenue distribution between Centre and States and providing grants-in-aid. Statement (c) is incorrect: While the Finance Commission ensures equitable financial distribution, transparency in financial administration is not explicitly its function. This role is more aligned with bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Thus, none of the given statements are correct in the context of the Finance Commission.

Explanation

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and other policies provide multiple benefits to persons with disabilities to ensure their inclusion and accessibility in society.

Statement 1 is correct: Children with disabilities are entitled to free education till the age of 18 in government schools, as per the RPWD Act, 2016.

Statement 2 is correct: The government provides preferential allotment of land for businesses, housing, and special employment schemes for persons with disabilities.

Statement 3 is correct: Public buildings are required to have ramps and other accessibility features under the Accessible India Campaign and the RPWD Act.