UPSC Prelims 2004 Q55: Indian Polity – Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Which of the following institutes have been recognized as the Institutes of National
Importance (by an Act of Parliament)?
1. Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Chennai
2. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali
3. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
4. Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 3 and 4
- (c) 1, 2 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
> Note for students: This question is time-dependent: in 2004 only institutes 1, 2 and 3 had been declared by an Act of Parliament, so (a) is the answer for that paper; the Gwalior institute received statutory status later, in 2018.
Institutes of National Importance (by an Act of Parliament)
| Institute | Declared by an Act (as in 2004)? |
|---|---|
| 1. Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Chennai | Yes — Act of 1964 |
| 2. NIPER, Mohali | Yes — NIPER Act, 1998 |
| 3. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Thiruvananthapuram | Yes — Act of 1980 |
| 4. Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior | No in 2004 — it received a statutory university status only by the 2018 Act |
As of the time of the question (2004), institutes 1, 2 and 3 had statutory national importance. (Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education was given such status later, in 2018.)
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Institutes 1, 2 and 3 were declared by Acts of Parliament.
- (b) Incorrect. Institute 4 was not so declared in 2004.
- (c) Incorrect. Institute 3 was also declared, while institute 4 was not in 2004.
- (d) Incorrect. Institute 4 was not declared at that time.
Key point
Institutes of National Importance: AIIMS, IITs, IIMs, NITs, NIPER, SCTIMST.
Remember
An Act of Parliament is needed to declare an Institute of National Importance.
Common mistakes
- Adding the Gwalior institute, which was recognised later.
- Dropping Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha.
- Assuming all deemed universities are of national importance.
Exam tip
National importance status comes only by a Parliament Act.
Sources
- Ministry of Education — Institutes of National Importance
- Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Act, 1964