Q21. Which of the following represents the correct sequence of authorities involved in the removal of a member of a State Public Service Commission on grounds of misbehavior?
Constitutional and Statutory Bodies: RAS Prelims MCQs
55 RAS Prelims MCQs on constitutional and statutory bodies deal with the Election Commission, the Public Service Commissions, the NHRC, the National Commission for Women and NITI Aayog. The questions ask for the source of authority, appointing and removing authority, funding and the body to which each reports.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 21–30 of 55 questions
Q22. Which of the following statements regarding a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) is incorrect?
Explanation
A Joint State Public Service Commission is created by an act of Parliament at the request of the state legislatures involved. Unlike the Union and State commissions, which are constitutional bodies, a joint commission is a statutory body. Its members are appointed and removed by the President, and it reports to the respective state governors. This body provides a cost-effective and efficient way for smaller states to manage their recruitment needs together. Although it is statutory, it exercises similar powers and functions as other commissions, and its members enjoy similar protections and conditions of service during their tenure.
Q23. Which of the following is an exception to the functions performed by a State Public Service Commission?
Explanation
The state commission conducts examinations and advises on recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary matters. However, it is not responsible for the classification of services or the determination of pay scales and service conditions. These administrative and financial functions are the prerogative of the state government’s personnel department and the finance ministry. By focusing on the selection and ethical oversight of civil servants, the commission maintains its independence. Broader policy decisions regarding the structure of the bureaucracy and the financial aspects of employment are properly left to the elected government, which manages the state’s resources and administrative framework.
Q24. The National Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under which legislation?
Explanation
The National Human Rights Commission is a statutory body, meaning it was established by an act of Parliament rather than directly by the Constitution. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, provides the legal framework for its establishment, powers, and functions, aiming to strengthen the institutional mechanism for protecting human rights. This Act was passed in response to international developments and a growing domestic need for an independent body to monitor human rights violations. It outlines the commission’s broad mandate, which includes investigating complaints, promoting human rights awareness, and reviewing existing laws and policies to ensure they align with human rights standards.
Q25. Which of the following is a limitation on the powers of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?
Explanation
A significant limitation on the commission is the statute of limitations regarding complaints. It cannot investigate any matter after one year has passed from the date of the alleged human rights violation. This rule is intended to ensure that inquiries are conducted while evidence is fresh, though it can sometimes restrict access to justice. While this limitation exists, the commission otherwise has wide powers to intervene in judicial proceedings and inspect detention centers. Its goal is to provide a swift response to violations, and the one-year rule encourages victims to report incidents promptly so that effective investigative action can be taken by the authorities.
Q26. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The functions of the NHRC are mainly recommendatory in nature.
Reason (R): It has no power to punish the violators of human rights, nor to award any relief including monetary relief to the victim directly.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The functions of the NHRC are mainly recommendatory in nature.
Reason (R): It has no power to punish the violators of human rights, nor to award any relief including monetary relief to the victim directly.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
The commission functions as an advisory body, and its findings are recommendatory. It lacks the legal authority to punish violators or directly award financial compensation to victims. Instead, it submits its recommendations to the government or the courts, which then take the necessary executive or judicial actions to provide relief. Despite this limited formal power, the commission’s recommendations carry significant moral weight. Most governments accept and act upon its findings to avoid public and international criticism. This system ensures that the commission can highlight systemic issues without acting as a parallel judicial system, maintaining the balance of powers.
Q27. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the committee that recommends the appointment of the chairperson and members of the NHRC?
Explanation
The chairperson and members are appointed by the President based on the recommendations of a six-member committee. This committee is led by the Prime Minister and includes the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Home Minister, and the Leaders of the Opposition in both houses. The inclusion of the Leaders of the Opposition ensures that the selection process is multi-partisan and transparent. This collaborative approach is intended to guarantee that the individuals leading the human rights commission have broad credibility and are not seen merely as political appointees of the ruling government.
Q28. Match the NHRC Divisions in List I with the Core Functions in List II:
| NHRC Division | Core Function |
|---|---|
| A. Law Division | i. Scrutinizes complaints and prepares cases for hearings |
| B. Investigation Division | ii. Disseminates information and creates human rights awareness |
| C. Policy Research, Projects and Programmes Division | iii. Undertakes independent on-the-spot inquiries |
| D. Training Division | iv. Conducts studies and advises on human rights policies |
Explanation
The Law Division handles complaint scrutiny, while the Investigation Division performs field inquiries. Policy research is conducted by the specialized research division to advise on broader human rights issues. Finally, the Training Division is responsible for spreading awareness and educating various stakeholders about human rights standards and the legal protections available. These divisions work in coordination to provide a holistic approach to human rights protection. By combining legal scrutiny with on-the-ground investigation and long-term policy studies, the commission can address immediate grievances while also working toward systemic reforms and better public awareness of fundamental human rights.
Q29. How is the financial autonomy of the NHRC maintained?
Explanation
The NHRC is funded by grants-in-aid from the Central Government after appropriation by Parliament. Its expenses are not charged on the Consolidated Fund like those of the UPSC.
Q30. Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Women (NCW):
I. It is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Constitution.
II. It was set up in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
III. Its primary mandate is to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
IV. It recommends remedial legislative measures to the government.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Constitution.
II. It was set up in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
III. Its primary mandate is to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
IV. It recommends remedial legislative measures to the government.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The National Commission for Women is a statutory body established under a 1990 Act, not a constitutional one. Its main responsibilities include reviewing the legal and constitutional safeguards for women and recommending legislative improvements. It serves as a vital link between the government and the female population to ensure gender-specific rights are upheld. The commission was formally set up in 1992. It plays a proactive role in identifying systemic gender biases in the law and suggesting remedial measures. By monitoring the implementation of policies, it ensures that the constitutional promises of equality and protection are translated into practical benefits for women across all sectors.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (b) President refers Supreme Court inquires President removes |
| 22 | (b) It is considered a constitutional body under Article 315. |
| 23 | (d) Classifying state civil services and fixing their pay scales |
| 24 | (a) The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 |
| 25 | (b) It cannot inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed. |
| 26 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 27 | (c) The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha is a member of this committee. |
| 28 | (a) A-i, B-iii, C-iv, D-ii |
| 29 | (b) The Central Government provides grants- in-aid after due appropriation made by Parliament. |
| 30 | (b) II, III, and IV only |
Key facts from Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
- Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission; the President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and the other Election Commissioners.
- A political party gets National Party status if it meets the Election Commission’s criteria on vote share and seats.
- The UPSC submits its annual report to the President; a State Public Service Commission submits it to the Governor.
- The NHRC is a statutory body under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, funded by grants-in-aid from the Centre.
- A member of a Public Service Commission is removed by the President after a Supreme Court inquiry on a reference.
- NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was set up on 1 January 2015; its Vice-Chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Constitutional and Statutory Bodies?
This page has 55 practice MCQs on Constitutional and Statutory Bodies (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Under which Article does the Election Commission work?
Article 324. It gives the Election Commission the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of President and Vice President.
When was NITI Aayog established?
On 1 January 2015, by a resolution of the Union Cabinet, replacing the Planning Commission. NITI stands for National Institution for Transforming India, and the Prime Minister is its Chairperson.
To whom does a State Public Service Commission report?
To the Governor, who places the annual report before the State Legislature. The UPSC reports to the President, who lays its report before Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining any case in which its advice was not accepted.