Q31. Regarding the relationship between the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which of the following represents the most appropriate description of the CVC’s authority?
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.
Showing 31–40 of 50 questions
Q32. Consider the following statements regarding the interaction between the CVC and the CBI:
I. The CVC gives directions to the CBI for the purpose of discharging its superintendence over PCA investigations.
II. The CVC is prohibited from giving the CBI directions requiring it to investigate or dispose of any specific case in a particular manner.
III. The Director of the CBI is appointed on the recommendation of a committee in which the CVC plays a role.
IV. The CVC conducts the annual performance appraisal of the CBI Director.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The CVC gives directions to the CBI for the purpose of discharging its superintendence over PCA investigations.
II. The CVC is prohibited from giving the CBI directions requiring it to investigate or dispose of any specific case in a particular manner.
III. The Director of the CBI is appointed on the recommendation of a committee in which the CVC plays a role.
IV. The CVC conducts the annual performance appraisal of the CBI Director.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The CVC oversees the CBI’s corruption-related work and plays a role in recommending the Director’s appointment. However, to maintain investigative integrity, the CVC is legally prohibited from giving directions to the CBI that would require it to investigate or dispose of any specific case in a particular manner. The CVC does not conduct the Director’s annual performance appraisal.
Q33. Who chairs the committee that recommends the appointment of the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), according to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act as amended by the Lokpal Act?
Explanation
Under the current legal framework, the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation is appointed based on the recommendation of a high-powered committee. This committee is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its other members include the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by them.
Q34. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the structural relationship between the anti-corruption bodies in India.
Explanation
The anti-corruption framework involves multiple interactions: the Lokpal can refer inquiries to the CVC and maintains superintendence over CBI-led investigations it has ordered. The CVC also reports back to the Lokpal. However, the CBI does not require any sanction from the CVC to investigate a Member of Parliament; such requirements, if any, involve different legal or parliamentary protocols.
Q35. The Central Information Commission (CIC) was established by the Central Government under the provisions of which landmark legislation?
Explanation
The Central Information Commission was created as a specialized body to adjudicate disputes and ensure the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005. This landmark legislation aimed to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority by granting citizens the right to access information held by government bodies at all levels.
Q36. Consider the following statements regarding the composition of the Central Information Commission:
I. It consists of a Chief Information Commissioner.
II. It consists of such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding ten.
III. The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed directly by the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It consists of a Chief Information Commissioner.
II. It consists of such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding ten.
III. The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed directly by the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Central Information Commission is composed of a Chief Information Commissioner and a group of Information Commissioners. To manage the workload and ensure broad expertise, the RTI Act allows for up to ten Information Commissioners. These appointments are made by the President of India based on recommendations from a selection committee, not directly by the Chief Justice.
Q37. Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, what is the maximum number of Information Commissioners permitted in the Central Information Commission?
Explanation
According to the provisions of the Right to Information Act, the Central Information Commission must have a balanced structure to handle its duties efficiently. While the Commission is led by the Chief Information Commissioner, the law specifies that there can be such number of Information Commissioners as may be deemed necessary, but not exceeding ten in total.
Q38. 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 Information Commission functions as an independent body without being subjected to directions by any other authority.
Reason (R): The RTI Act mandates that the CIC shall exercise its powers autonomously to ensure the transparency and accountability of public authorities.
Assertion (A): The Central Information Commission functions as an independent body without being subjected to directions by any other authority.
Reason (R): The RTI Act mandates that the CIC shall exercise its powers autonomously to ensure the transparency and accountability of public authorities.
Explanation
To fulfill its role as a guardian of the right to information, the Central Information Commission is designed to function as an autonomous and independent body. The RTI Act explicitly mandates this independence so that the Commission can make impartial decisions on appeals and complaints without being subject to the directions or influence of any other authority.
Q39. Identify the correct statement regarding the selection committee for the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners.
Explanation
The Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a three-member selection committee. This committee is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister who is nominated by the Prime Minister for this specific purpose.
Q40. The Central Information Commission is a high-level body that oversees the implementation of the RTI Act. What is the precise legal status of the CIC?
Explanation
The Central Information Commission is a statutory body because it was established by the Parliament through the enactment of the Right to Information Act in 2005. It operates as an independent, high-level authority to enforce the provisions of the Act and ensure that public authorities comply with their transparency obligations, but it does not have constitutional status.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (d) The CVC exercises superintendence over the CBI for investigations involving offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act. |
| 32 | (a) I, II and III |
| 33 | (c) The Prime Minister |
| 34 | (b) The CBI requires sanction from the CVC before it can investigate any Member of Parliament. |
| 35 | (b) The Right to Information Act, 2005 |
| 36 | (a) I and II only |
| 37 | (c) Ten |
| 38 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 39 | (c) It consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a nominated Union Cabinet Minister. |
| 40 | (d) It is a Statutory Body. |
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.