UPSC Prelims 2009 Q28: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Under the administration
of which one of the following is the Department of Atomic Energy ?
- (a) Prime Minister's Office
- (b) Cabinet Secretariat
- (c) Ministry of Power
- (d) Ministry of Science and Technology
Answer: (a) Prime Minister's Office
Explanation
Who administers the Department of Atomic Energy
India's nuclear energy programme falls under a specific high-level administrative authority.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Prime Minister's Office | Correct | The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is directly under the Prime Minister's Office, reflecting its strategic importance |
| (b) Cabinet Secretariat | Incorrect | Not the administering authority for DAE |
| (c) Ministry of Power | Incorrect | Power generation involves nuclear energy, but DAE's administration is not under this ministry |
| (d) Ministry of Science and Technology | Incorrect | Also not the administering authority for DAE |
Department of Atomic Energy facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Administered by | Prime Minister's Office |
| Significance | Reflects the strategic, high-priority nature of India's nuclear programme |
Answer: (a) Prime Minister's Office.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Department of Atomic Energy is administered under the Prime Minister's Office.
- (b) Incorrect. The Cabinet Secretariat is not DAE's administering authority.
- (c) Incorrect. The Ministry of Power does not administer DAE.
- (d) Incorrect. The Ministry of Science and Technology also does not administer DAE.
Key point
The Department of Atomic Energy is administered under the PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE, reflecting its strategic national importance.
Remember
Department of Atomic Energy: administered under the Prime Minister's Office.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a science/technology-sounding department must fall under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Confusing DAE's administration with power-generation-related ministries.
- Not knowing the PMO's direct oversight of India's nuclear energy programme.
Exam tip
Department of Atomic Energy = under the Prime Minister's Office, reflecting its strategic importance — not Power or Science & Technology ministries.
Sources
- Atomic Energy Act, 1962
- Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961: Department of Atomic Energy