UPSC Prelims 2004 Q112: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Departments : Ministry of the Government of India
1. Department of Women and Child Development : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2. Department of Official Languages : Ministry of Human Resource Development
3. Department of Drinking Water Supply : Ministry of Water Resources
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1
- (b) 2
- (c) 3
- (d) None
Answer: (d) None
Explanation
Departments and Ministries of the Government of India
| Department | Actual Ministry (2004) |
|---|---|
| 1. Women and Child Development | Ministry of Human Resource Development, not Health and Family Welfare |
| 2. Official Languages | Ministry of Home Affairs, not Human Resource Development |
| 3. Drinking Water Supply | Ministry of Rural Development, not Water Resources |
None of the three pairs is correct, since each department belonged to a different ministry in 2004.
Answer: (d) None.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Women and Child Development was under HRD.
- (b) Incorrect. Official Languages was under Home Affairs.
- (c) Incorrect. Drinking Water Supply was under Rural Development.
- (d) CORRECT. None of the pairs is correct.
Key point
Official Languages: Home; Drinking Water: Rural Development; WCD: HRD (till 2006).
Remember
The Department of Official Languages is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Common mistakes
- Assuming WCD belongs to Health.
- Placing Official Languages with HRD.
- Linking drinking water with the Water Resources ministry.
Exam tip
Department-ministry pairs change; check the year of the question.
Sources
- Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961
- Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India — Allocation of Business: Ministry of Human Resource Development, as in 2004