Parliament: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Polity)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The election date of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha is not fixed in the Constitution. However, according to Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, The Speaker decides the date of election of the Deputy Speaker. The election usually happens after the Speaker’s election, but there is no constitutional or statutory time limit for it.

Statement 2 is incorrect: There is no such mandatory provision that the election of a candidate, as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party. It is only by convention that the position of Deputy Speaker is offered to the opposition party in India.

Statement 3 is correct: In case of the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha and conducts the business in the house, during such time he/she enjoys the same power as the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The appointment of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not initiated by the Speaker. Instead, a member of the Lok Sabha moves the motion for the election, which is then put to vote in the House. While the ruling party historically held this position, in recent decades, a convention has developed of electing a member from the opposition. There is no rule or convention requiring the Prime Minister to second the motion, and any member of the House may do so.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The proclamation of Emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within one month from the date of its issue. If approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the emergency continues for six months, and can be extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the Parliament for every six months.

Statement 2 is correct: A No-Confidence Motion can only be initiated and passed in the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) cannot move or pass a No-Confidence Motion against the government.

Statement 3 is incorrect: As per Article 61, when a President is to be impeached for violation of the Constitution, the charges can be initiated by either House of Parliament. The impeachment resolution needs to be passed by not less than a majority of two-thirds of the total membership in each house.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The constitution mentions the word ‘council of ministers’, however it doesn’t classify ministers into 4 categories. Generally, the Prime Minister and other Ministers are collectively known as the Council of Ministers.

Statement 2 is correct: As per 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, the total number of Central Council of Ministers/State Council of Ministers including Prime Minister/ Chief Minister should not be more than 15% of total strength of Lok Sabha. It aimed at curbing the growing size of Cabinets at both the Union and State levels, which had often led to inefficient governance, excessive expenditure, and political instability. The goal was to promote good governance, encourage coalition politics, and reduce the influence of "buying loyalty" by offering ministerial positions.