Q31. Which of the following powers does the National Commission for Women NOT possess?
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 31–40 of 55 questions
Q32. Identify the correct pair regarding the composition of the National Commission for Women.
Explanation
The National Commission for Women has a Chairperson and five Members, with at least one Member each from the SCs and STs. The President does not appoint it directly, as the Central Government nominates it.
Q33. Match the Commissions in List I with the Nodal Ministries in List II:
| Commission | Nodal Ministry |
|---|---|
| A. National Human Rights Commission | i. Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| B. National Commission for Women | ii. Ministry of Home Affairs |
| C. Election Commission of India | iii. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions |
| D. Union Public Service Commission | iv. Ministry of Law and Justice |
Explanation
Different bodies fall under different nodal ministries for administrative purposes. The Human Rights Commission is linked to the Home Ministry, while the Women’s Commission relates to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The Election Commission works with the Law Ministry, and the Public Service Commission is under the Ministry of Personnel. These ministerial links provide the necessary administrative support and a channel for submitting reports to the government. While these bodies maintain their functional independence, their association with specific ministries ensures that their recommendations are integrated into the relevant policy domains and that they receive the necessary resources for their operations.
Q34. Under the complaints mechanism of the NCW, the Commission addresses complaints relating to:
Explanation
The commission’s complaint mechanism primarily focuses on instances where women’s rights are deprived or where existing laws designed to protect women are not being implemented correctly. It provides a platform for women to seek redressal for systemic issues, domestic grievances, or administrative failures that impact their legal and social standing in society. By addressing these complaints, the commission identifies patterns of legal or administrative failure. It often uses these findings to advocate for stronger enforcement mechanisms or new legislative protections, ensuring that women have a powerful institutional ally in their struggle for justice and the effective realization of their fundamental rights.
Q35. Match the Legislation in List I with the corresponding Role of NCPCR in List II:
| Legislation | Role of NCPCR |
|---|---|
| A. Right to Education Act, 2009 | i. Monitors the implementation of the law regarding sexual offences against children |
| B. POCSO Act, 2012 | ii. Examines complaints regarding deprivation of right to free and compulsory education |
| C. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 | iii. Establishes the Commission and outlines its broad mandate |
| D. CPCR Act, 2005 | iv. Ensures the welfare and rehabilitation of children in conflict with law |
Explanation
The commission has specific roles under various laws: monitoring RTE complaints, overseeing the implementation of the POCSO Act against sexual offenses, and ensuring the welfare of children under the Juvenile Justice Act. Its foundational mandate and broad powers to protect child rights are outlined in the parent CPCR Act of 2005. These overlapping roles make the commission a central hub for child rights enforcement in India. By monitoring the implementation of these diverse laws, it ensures that children receive the education, protection, and justice promised to them, acting as a critical oversight body for government departments and private institutions alike.
Q36. Which of the following is a limitation on the powers of the NCPCR?
Explanation
Similar to other national commissions, this body lacks the authority of a criminal court.
Q37. Which of the following statements regarding the composition of the NCPCR is correct?
Explanation
The commission consists of a chairperson and six members appointed by the Central Government. A specific requirement is that at least two of these six members must be women. The chairperson must be a person of eminence who has done outstanding work for promoting the welfare of children, ensuring specialized leadership. The six members are required to have expertise in various fields such as education, child health, child development, or juvenile justice. This ensures that the commission’s decisions and recommendations are based on professional knowledge and a deep understanding of the diverse needs and rights of children in different contexts.
Q38. Which of the following correctly orders the hierarchical establishment of child rights protection bodies from national to district levels as envisioned under the CPCR Act?
Explanation
The CPCR Act envisions a tiered structure for child rights protection. At the national level is the NCPCR, followed by State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights in each state. To ensure speedy trials for offenses against children, the Act also provides for the establishment of specialized Children’s Courts at the district level. This comprehensive framework ensures that child rights protection is localized and accessible. While the national and state commissions handle oversight and investigations, the specialized courts ensure that legal cases involving children are handled with the necessary sensitivity and urgency, protecting young victims and witnesses throughout the judicial process.
Q39. Which of the following statements regarding the removal of the Chairperson or a member of the NCPCR is incorrect?
Explanation
The Central Government has the power to remove the chairperson or members for reasons like insolvency or conviction. However, according to the principles of natural justice, no person can be removed from office unless they have been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard, ensuring that the removal process is fair and transparent. This legal safeguard prevents arbitrary dismissals and ensures that the members can carry out their duties without fear of sudden removal for political reasons. The requirement for a fair hearing upholds the rule of law and protects the institutional integrity of the commission as an independent protector of child rights.
Q40. What is the effect of the Right to Education (RTE) Act on the mandate of the NCPCR?
Explanation
The Right to Education Act significantly expanded the commission’s mandate by designating it as the primary agency to monitor the implementation of free and compulsory education. It is empowered to examine and review the safeguards provided under the Act and to inquire into complaints regarding the violation of a child’s right to education. This monitoring role is crucial for the success of the RTE Act. By investigating complaints about school admissions, infrastructure, and quality of education, the commission ensures that the government and schools are held accountable, making the right to education a practical reality for millions of children across the country.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (d) Awarding binding financial compensation directly to the victims of domestic violence |
| 32 | (a) Representation Requirement - At least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the SCs and STs |
| 33 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 34 | (b) Deprivation of women’s rights and non- implementation of laws enacted to provide protection to women |
| 35 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 36 | (a) It cannot operate as a criminal court and pronounce a sentence of imprisonment. |
| 37 | (d) At least two members of the Commission must be women. |
| 38 | (b) NCPCR State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Children’s Courts |
| 39 | (c) They can be removed without being given an opportunity to be heard if they refuse to act. |
| 40 | (d) The NCPCR was designated as the agency to monitor children’s right to education and examine complaints regarding RTE violations. |
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.