UPSC Prelims 2003 Q18: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements:
1. While members of the Rajya Sabha are associated with Committees on Public Accounts and
Public Undertakings, Members of Committee on Estimates are drawn entirely from Lok Sabha.
2. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs works under the overall direction of the Cabinet
Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
3. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates members of Parliament on Committees,
Councils, Boards and Commissions set up by the Government of India in the various ministries.
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Parliamentary committees and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. RS members are on the PAC and PUC; Estimates Committee entirely from Lok Sabha | True |
| 2. The Ministry works under the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs | True |
| 3. The Minister nominates MPs on committees, councils and boards | True |
All three statements are correct.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (d) CORRECT. All three statements are correct.
Key point
Estimates Committee: 30 members, all from Lok Sabha; PAC: 15 LS + 7 RS.
Remember
The Estimates Committee is drawn entirely from the Lok Sabha.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Estimates Committee includes Rajya Sabha members.
- Forgetting the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
- Confusing nominations with elections to committees.
Exam tip
Committees: PAC (LS 15, RS 7), Estimates (LS 30), COPU (LS 15, RS 7).
Sources
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha — Rules 308 to 312 (Committee on Estimates; Committee on Public Accounts)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliamentary Committees)