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 41–50 of 55 questions
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q41. Consider the following powers of the NCPCR while inquiring into any matter: I. Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person. II. Forwarding any case to a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the same. III. Striking down a state law that is detrimental to child rights. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
During inquiries, the commission can summon individuals and enforce their attendance. It also has the power to forward cases to a Magistrate if the evidence suggests a criminal offense has been committed. However, it does not have the constitutional authority to strike down state laws, which is a power reserved for the judiciary. These powers allow the commission to function as an effective investigative body.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q42. Identify the odd one out regarding the primary focus areas of the NCPCR.
Explanation
The commission focuses on core child rights issues such as eliminating child labor, preventing child marriage, and protecting minors from sexual offenses. Formulation of foreign policy agreements on climate change is an executive function of the central government and does not fall within the commission’s statutory mandate, making it the distinct outlier. While climate change affects children, the commission’s specific legal mandate is to monitor the protection of rights within the domestic framework. Its efforts are concentrated on immediate social and legal threats to child safety and development, ensuring that the government’s internal policies and laws effectively safeguard the youngest citizens.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q43. In the acronym ‘NITI Aayog’, what does ‘NITI’ stand for?
Explanation
The acronym NITI stands for National Institution for Transforming India. It was created to replace the Planning Commission with a body that better reflects the contemporary needs of the country. The name emphasizes its role as a catalyst for developmental change through institutional innovation and proactive policy-making across various sectors of the economy. This change in name signifies a shift from a directive planning model to a more collaborative and strategic one. The institution aims to provide the necessary framework for states and the center to work together toward common national goals, focusing on evidence-based policy making and the effective implementation of developmental programs.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q44. Match the NITI Aayog Initiatives in List I with the Focus Areas in List II:
Initiative
Focus Area
A. Atal Innovation Mission
i. Transforming health and education sectors
B. Aspirational Districts Programme
ii. Evaluating school education quality
C. SATH Programme
iii. Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation
D. SEQI
iv. Uplifting socio-economically backward districts
Explanation
The Atal Innovation Mission promotes entrepreneurship, while the Aspirational Districts Programme focuses on uplifting backward regions. The SATH initiative works on health and education transformation. The School Education Quality Index is used to evaluate and rank the performance of states in providing quality education, showcasing the institution’s data-driven approach. These diverse initiatives reflect the institution’s role as an incubator for ideas and a driver of competitive federalism. By using data and ranking systems, it encourages states to improve their performance in key social sectors, fostering a spirit of healthy competition that leads to better governance and improved outcomes for citizens.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q45. The NITI Aayog was established via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on which of the following dates?
Explanation
The institution was established on January 1, 2015, following a resolution by the Union Cabinet. This marked a major shift in India’s economic governance, moving away from the decades-old centralized planning model. The new body was designed to be a think-tank that provides strategic and technical advice to both the central and state governments. This date represents the transition from a top-down planning system to a more inclusive, cooperative approach. By replacing the Planning Commission, the government aimed to create a more dynamic institution capable of responding to the challenges of a 21st-century economy while empowering states to play a more active role in national development.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q46. Consider the following statements regarding NITI Aayog: Statement I: NITI Aayog is built on the foundation of cooperative federalism. Statement II: NITI Aayog empowers states to have a decisive say in shaping national policy formulation. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The institution is built on the principle of cooperative federalism, recognizing that strong states make a strong nation. By providing a platform for states to participate in the policy formulation process, it ensures that national development priorities are shaped with the active involvement and decisive say of all state governments, fostering a collaborative approach. This approach is a departure from the previous centralized model. It empowers states to contribute their unique perspectives and regional needs to the national discourse, ensuring that development strategies are not only more effective but also more sustainable and representative of the country’s diverse socio-economic landscape.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q47. Consider the following members: I. Prime Minister of India II. Chief Ministers of all States III. Chief Ministers of Union Territories with Legislatures IV. Lt. Governors of other Union Territories Which combination represents the composition of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?
Explanation
The Governing Council is the premier body of the institution, chaired by the Prime Minister. It includes the Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories with legislatures, as well as the Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories. This inclusive structure ensures that the top leadership of all sub-national units is directly involved in national planning. This council provides a high-level forum for discussing national priorities and addressing cross-cutting issues. By bringing together the leaders of all states and union territories, the institution ensures that development goals are pursued through consensus and a shared vision, strengthening the bond between the central and state governments in the planning process.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q48. Which of the following is a difference between NITI Aayog and the former Planning Commission?
Explanation
A fundamental difference is that the new institution functions strictly as an advisory think-tank and does not possess the power to allocate funds to states or ministries. That power was a key feature of the former Planning Commission but has now been transferred to the Ministry of Finance, streamlining the budgetary process. This separation of policy-making from financial allocation allows the institution to focus on long-term strategic planning and expert advice. By removing the burden of fund distribution, the body can provide more objective and technical guidance, leaving the complex task of financial management and resource allocation to the specialized executive departments.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q49. Identify the correct pair regarding the structural framework of NITI Aayog.
Explanation
The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson, who holds the rank of a Cabinet Minister, is appointed directly by the Prime Minister. The Chief Executive Officer is also appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure. This structure ensures that the institution remains closely aligned with the executive’s strategic vision. The Vice-Chairperson is the functional head of the body and plays a critical role in coordinating its activities. This direct appointment process ensures that the leadership of the institution possesses the necessary expertise and is trusted by the executive to drive the national development agenda forward in a strategic and professional manner.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Q50. Arrange the vision and strategy documents formulated by NITI Aayog in the correct order from the shortest term to the longest term: I. Strategy Document II. Vision Document III. Action Plan Select the correct order:
Explanation
The institution uses a multi-tiered planning framework. The Action Plan covers a short-term period of three years. The Strategy Document looks at a medium-term horizon of seven years. Finally, the Vision Document outlines the long-term goals and aspirations for the country over a fifteen-year period, replacing the old five-year plan model. This tiered approach allows for both immediate operational focus and long-term strategic direction. By moving away from the rigid five-year plans, the new framework provides the flexibility needed to adapt to changing global and domestic conditions while maintaining a clear and consistent vision for the nation’s future development and transformation.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
41
(a) I and II only
42
(b) Formulation of foreign policy agreements on climate change
43
(b) National Institution for Transforming India
44
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
45
(b) 1st January 2015
46
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
47
(d) I, II, III and IV
48
(b) NITI Aayog acts as an advisory think-tank, whereas the Planning Commission enjoyed the power to allocate funds to ministries and states.
49
(d) Vice-Chairperson - Appointed by the Prime Minister
50
(a) III, I, II
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.
