CAPF AC 2022 Q90: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Which of the following statements about the Committee on Public Undertakings is/are correct?
1. There are more members from the Rajya Sabha than the Lok Sabha in the Committee.
2. The Chairperson of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Committee on Public Undertakings
How to think: this is one of the three financial committees of Parliament.
Its size and make-up mirror the Public Accounts Committee.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Members | 22: 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha |
| Chairperson | Appointed by the Speaker from among the Lok Sabha members |
| Term | One year |
| Ministers | Cannot be members |
| Work | Examines the reports and accounts of public sector undertakings and the CAG's reports on them |
Checking the two statements:
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. More members from the Rajya Sabha than the Lok Sabha | Wrong: 15 from the Lok Sabha, 7 from the Rajya Sabha |
| 2. Chairperson appointed by the Speaker | Correct |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; the Lok Sabha has more members (15 against 7).
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is true: the Speaker appoints the chairperson.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true.
Key point
Financial committees: Public Accounts Committee (22 = 15 + 7), Committee on Public Undertakings (22 = 15 + 7), Estimates Committee (30, all Lok Sabha). CoPU was set up in 1964 on the Krishna Menon Committee's recommendation.
Remember
CoPU: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha, chair named by the Speaker.
Common mistakes
- Reversing the numbers and giving the Rajya Sabha the larger share.
- Mixing it up with the Estimates Committee, which has no Rajya Sabha member.
- Thinking the chairperson is elected by the members themselves.
Exam tip
Educated guess: in every joint financial committee the Lok Sabha dominates, because it controls money. So statement 1 is false at once.
Sources
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha — Rules 312A and 312B (Committee on Public Undertakings)
- Lok Sabha Secretariat — Parliamentary Committees: Financial Committees