Q1. The concept of an ombudsman, which served as the inspiration for the institution of Lokpal in India, first originated in which of the following countries?
Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC: RAS Prelims MCQs
50 RAS Prelims MCQs on vigilance and accountability cover the ombudsman idea, the Lokpal, the Central Vigilance Commission and the Central Information Commission. The explanations give the origin, statute, term, eligibility and reporting authority of each body, which are the usual points of the exam.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. Match the following institutions and committees with the respective year of their establishment or formation.
| Institutions and Committees | Year |
|---|---|
| A. Central Vigilance Commission (Established) | i. 1962 |
| B. Central Information Commission (Established) | ii. 1964 |
| C. First Administrative Reforms Commission (Constituted) | iii. 1966 |
| D. Committee on Prevention of Corruption (Santhanam Committee) | iv. 2005 |
Explanation
Historical records confirm that the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption was formed in 1962, followed by the establishment of the Central Vigilance Commission in 1964. The First Administrative Reforms Commission was constituted in 1966 to review the public administration system. Finally, the Central Information Commission was established in 2005 under the provisions of the Right to Information Act.
Q3. Which of the following statements best describes the primary rationale behind the Anna Hazare movement in 2011?
Explanation
The widespread anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011 was primarily driven by the demand for a comprehensive and robust Jan Lokpal Bill. The activists sought an independent body with the authority to investigate corruption cases against high-level public functionaries, including the Prime Minister, to ensure greater transparency and accountability within the Indian political system.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the historical background of the Lokpal in India:
I. The term Lokpal was coined by L.M. Singhvi in 1963.
II. The First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the establishment of two independent authorities, Lokpal and Lokayukta.
III. The Lokpal Bill was successfully passed in both houses of Parliament for the first time in 1968.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The term Lokpal was coined by L.M. Singhvi in 1963.
II. The First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the establishment of two independent authorities, Lokpal and Lokayukta.
III. The Lokpal Bill was successfully passed in both houses of Parliament for the first time in 1968.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The term Lokpal was indeed coined by the eminent jurist L.M. Singhvi during a parliamentary debate in 1963. Furthermore, the First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended creating Lokpal and Lokayukta to address public grievances. However, although a Lokpal Bill was introduced in 1968, it failed to pass through both houses of Parliament during that specific legislative period.
Q5. In which year did the Parliament of India pass the Central Vigilance Commission Act, officially conferring statutory status to the CVC?
Explanation
Although the Central Vigilance Commission had been functioning since 1964, it operated without a legislative basis for several decades. To fulfill judicial directives and strengthen the institution’s independence, the Parliament of India enacted the Central Vigilance Commission Act in 2003. This legislation officially conferred statutory status upon the CVC and defined its powers, composition, and jurisdiction clearly.
Q6. The following question consists of two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): The Central Vigilance Commission is not an investigating agency.
Reason (R): The CVC gets the investigation done either through the CBI or through chief vigilance officers in government organizations.
Assertion (A): The Central Vigilance Commission is not an investigating agency.
Reason (R): The CVC gets the investigation done either through the CBI or through chief vigilance officers in government organizations.
Explanation
The Central Vigilance Commission is primarily an advisory and supervisory body rather than a hands-on investigating agency. It does not have its own large investigative wing for field inquiries.
Q7. Which of the following terms best describes the constitutional or legal nature of the Central Vigilance Commission at present?
Explanation
Currently, the Central Vigilance Commission is classified as a statutory body because its existence, powers, and functions are derived from a specific law passed by the Parliament, namely the CVC Act of 2003. It is not a constitutional body as it is not mentioned in the Constitution of India, nor is it a mere executive body since its status is legislated.
Q8. Match the following committees/cases with their major contribution to the vigilance architecture in India.
| Committees or Cases | Contributions |
|---|---|
| A. Santhanam Committee | i. Recommended the creation of Lokpal and Lokayuktas |
| B. First ARC | ii. Led to statutory status for the CVC |
| C. Vineet Narain Case | iii. Recommended the establishment of the CVC |
| D. Second ARC | iv. Stressed on upgrading the anti-corruption machinery and ethics in governance |
Explanation
The Indian vigilance architecture is the product of several key developments. The Santhanam Committee recommended the creation of the CVC, while the First Administrative Reforms Commission proposed the Lokpal system. The Vineet Narain case was crucial in securing statutory status for the CVC. Finally, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission emphasized upgrading anti-corruption machinery and promoting ethics in governance.
Q9. Identify the correct statement regarding the origin of the Central Vigilance Commission.
Explanation
The Central Vigilance Commission was born out of an executive resolution in February 1964. Its original mandate was to act as the apex body for advising and guiding central government agencies on matters relating to maintenance of integrity in administration. It was designed to provide a unified platform for handling corruption-related information and recommending appropriate disciplinary or preventive measures.
Q10. Identify the incorrect pair regarding the historical milestones of the Central Vigilance Commission.
Explanation
The history of the CVC includes its 1964 establishment and the 1998 ordinance granting it statutory powers. The CVC Act was eventually passed in 2003. However, the landmark Vineet Narain vs. Union of India judgment, which mandated significant restructuring and independence for the CVC and CBI, was delivered by the Supreme Court in 1997, not in 2011.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Sweden |
| 2 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i |
| 3 | (c) To campaign for the immediate enactment of a strong Jan Lokpal Bill. |
| 4 | (a) I and II only |
| 5 | (c) 2003 |
| 6 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 7 | (c) Statutory Body |
| 8 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 9 | (a) It was formed by an executive resolution to advise Central Government agencies on matters related to vigilance. |
| 10 | (b) Vineet Narain judgment mandating CVC restructuring - 2011 |
Key facts from Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC
- The idea of an ombudsman, which inspired the Lokpal, began in Sweden.
- The CVC was given statutory status by the Central Vigilance Commission Act in 2003.
- The Central Vigilance Commissioner serves four years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- The CVC reports to the President; a vigilance angle involves demanding or accepting illegal gratification.
- A person who holds an office of profit is ineligible to be a Central Vigilance Commissioner.
- The Commissioner is chosen from civil servants or eminent persons with experience in vigilance, policy-making and administration.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC?
This page has 50 practice MCQs on Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which country started the ombudsman system?
Sweden. The Swedish ombudsman, created in the early nineteenth century, became the model for institutions worldwide, including India’s Lokpal and Lokayuktas, which investigate complaints of maladministration and corruption against public servants and ministers.
What is the term of the Central Vigilance Commissioner?
Four years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners have salaries equal to those of the UPSC Chairman and members respectively.
What is the legal status of the CVC?
It is a statutory body, not a constitutional one. The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 gave it statutory status, and it submits its annual report to the President.