UPSC Prelims 2003 Q84: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) Only the Rajya Sabha and not the Lok Sabha can have nominated members
- (b) There is a constitutional provision for nominating two members belonging to the Anglo - Indian community to the Rajya Sabha
- (c) There is no constitutional bar for a nominated member to be appointed Union minister
- (d) A nominated member can vote both in the Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections
Answer: (c) There is no constitutional bar for a nominated member to be appointed Union minister
Explanation
Nominated members of Parliament
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Only the Rajya Sabha can have nominated members | False: the Lok Sabha also had two Anglo-Indian nominees |
| b. Two Anglo-Indian members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha | False: they were nominated to the Lok Sabha |
| c. No constitutional bar to a nominated member becoming a Union minister | True |
| d. A nominated member can vote in both the Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections | False: nominated members vote only in the Vice-Presidential election |
Only statement (c) is correct: a nominated member can be appointed a Union minister (and was, in practice).
Answer: (c) There is no constitutional bar for a nominated member to be appointed as a Union minister.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Lok Sabha also had nominated Anglo-Indians.
- (b) Incorrect. Anglo-Indians were nominated to the Lok Sabha.
- (c) CORRECT. A nominated member can be a minister.
- (d) Incorrect. Nominated members do not vote in the Presidential election.
Key point
Article 331: Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha; Article 80: 12 nominated members in the Rajya Sabha.
Remember
A nominated member of Parliament can become a Union minister.
Common mistakes
- Placing the Anglo-Indian nominees in the Rajya Sabha.
- Believing nominated members vote for the President.
- Forgetting that nominated members cannot vote in the Presidential election.
Exam tip
Presidential election: elected members only; Vice-Presidential: all members.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 80, 331 and 54
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliament)