Legislative Support (PLSSEC-101T)

FYUG Odd Semester Exam, 2023 (Held in 2024)

Paper Code: PLSSEC-101T | Full Marks: 50 | Time: 2 Hours

SECTION-A

Answer fifteen questions, selecting any three from each Unit. (1 x 15 = 15 Marks)

UNIT-I

1. What are the different tiers of governance in Indian Political System? 1 Mark

The three tiers are the Union Government (Central), State Government, and Local Government (Panchayats and Municipalities).

2. How many members are nominated in the Rajya Sabha? 1 Mark

12 members are nominated by the President of India.

3. What is the term of the members of the House of People? 1 Mark

The term is 5 years.

4. Can a non-member of Parliament be a minister? 1 Mark

Yes, but they must become a member of either House within six months.

UNIT-II

5. What is the term of the members of the Zilla Parishad? 1 Mark

The term is 5 years.

6. Which day is known as Panchayat Diwas? 1 Mark

April 24th.

7. Which Amendment Act gave Constitutional status to the Panchayat bodies? 1 Mark

The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992.

UNIT-III

9. Who decides whether a Bill is Money Bill or not? 1 Mark

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

10. Which Article of the Constitution deals with amendment process? 1 Mark

Article 368.

11. Who Presides over the joint session of both the Houses of Parliament? 1 Mark

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

UNIT-IV

13. How many members are there in the Public Accounts Committee? 1 Mark

22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha).

14. Which committee examines the activities of the public undertakings in India? 1 Mark

The Committee on Public Undertakings.

15. Name the financial committee that consists of the members of Lok Sabha only. 1 Mark

The Estimates Committee.

UNIT-V

17. In which House of the Parliament budget is introduced? 1 Mark

The Lok Sabha.

18. From which financial year, Railway budget has been merged to the General Budget? 1 Mark

From the financial year 2017-18.

20. Who is the head of Indian Audit and Accounts Department? 1 Mark

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

SECTION-B

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit. (2 x 5 = 10 Marks)

UNIT-I

21. Name two States in India with bicameral legislature. 2 Marks

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (others include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana).

UNIT-II

23. Mention two functions of a Municipal Board. 2 Marks

  • Providing and maintaining urban infrastructure like roads and street lighting.
  • Ensuring public health, sanitation, and waste management.

UNIT-III

26. Mention two differences between ordinary bill and money bill. 2 Marks

Feature Ordinary Bill Money Bill
Introduction Either House of Parliament. Only in Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha Power Can amend or reject. Cannot reject; must return in 14 days.

UNIT-IV

27. What are the two types of Parliamentary committees in India? 2 Marks

  • Standing Committees: Permanent committees constituted periodically.
  • Ad-hoc Committees: Temporary committees appointed for a specific task.

UNIT-V

30. Mention two principles of good budgeting. 2 Marks

  • Principle of Equilibrium: The budget should ideally be balanced (revenue matching expenditure).
  • Principle of Clarity: The budget must be presented in a clear and understandable format.

SECTION-C

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit. (5 x 5 = 25 Marks)

UNIT-I

31. Write the composition of Indian Parliament. 5 Marks

The Indian Parliament consists of three main components:

  • The President: Though not a member of either House, the President is an integral part of Parliament as no bill becomes law without Presidential assent.
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The Upper House, consisting of 250 members (238 representing States/UTs and 12 nominated).
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People): The Lower House, with a maximum strength of 550, directly elected by the people.

UNIT-II

34. Point out main features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992. 5 Marks

  • Three-Tier System: Mandated a uniform structure (Gram, Block, and District level).
  • Gram Sabha: Established as the foundation of the Panchayat system.
  • Reservations: 1/3rd seats reserved for women; reservation for SCs/STs based on population.
  • Fixed Tenure: A 5-year term for every Panchayat.
  • State Election Commission: Created for conducting independent elections.

UNIT-III

35. Discuss briefly the law making process of the Indian Parliament. 5 Marks

The process of turning a Bill into an Act follows these stages:

  1. First Reading: Introduction of the bill and publication in the Gazette.
  2. Second Reading: Detailed clause-by-clause discussion and potential committee review.
  3. Third Reading: Voting on the bill as a whole.
  4. Passing in the Second House: The same three stages are repeated in the other House.
  5. Presidential Assent: The bill becomes an Act after the President signs it.

UNIT-IV

37. Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament of India. 5 Marks

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays a crucial role in financial accountability:

  • Auditing Expenditure: It examines the appropriation accounts of the Government of India.
  • Scrutiny of CAG Reports: It acts as the "friend, philosopher, and guide" to the CAG, analyzing its reports on public spending.
  • Ensuring Regularity: It ensures that money spent was legally available for the purpose applied.
  • Checking Waste: It highlights cases of waste, extravagance, or technical irregularities.

UNIT-V

39. Explain the process of preparation of Budget in India. 5 Marks

The budget preparation is a rigorous cycle:

  • Estimation: Various ministries prepare their estimates of expenditure and revenue.
  • Finance Ministry Review: The Ministry of Finance consolidates and scrutinizes these estimates.
  • Cabinet Approval: The final draft is approved by the Union Cabinet.
  • Presentation: The Finance Minister presents the budget in the Lok Sabha with the "Budget Speech".
  • Enactment: Followed by general discussion, voting on demands for grants, and passing of the Appropriation and Finance Bills.

Exam Tips & Strategy

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  • Know the Numbers: Memorize member counts (PAC: 22, Estimates: 30) for quick 1-mark wins[span_54](end_span).
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  • Key Dates: Remember April 24 (Panchayat Diwas) and the 14-day limit for Money Bills[span_56](end_span).
  • Diagram Usage: Drawing a simple flow-chart for the "Law Making Process" helps visually summarize Q35.

Common Mistakes

  • Don't confuse the Speaker's role in Money Bills with the President's.
  • Note that the Railway Budget is no longer separate (merged in 2017).