UPSC Prelims 2009 Q50: Indian Polity – Governance - Advisory/Executive Councils & Committees
In India, who is the Chairman of the National Water Resources Council ?
- (a) Prime Minister
- (b) Minister of Water Resources
- (c) Minister of Environment and Forests
- (d) Minister of Science and Technology
Answer: (a) Prime Minister
Explanation
Who chairs India's National Water Resources Council
This apex body for water-resource policy coordination has a specific high-level chairperson.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Prime Minister | Correct | The National Water Resources Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, reflecting its role in coordinating national water policy across states |
| (b) Minister of Water Resources | Incorrect | Plays a key role, but is not the Council's chairperson |
| (c) Minister of Environment and Forests | Incorrect | Not the chairperson of this specific Council |
| (d) Minister of Science and Technology | Incorrect | Also not the chairperson |
National Water Resources Council facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Role | Apex body for national water resource policy coordination |
Answer: (a) Prime Minister.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The National Water Resources Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.
- (b) Incorrect. The Minister of Water Resources plays a key role but is not the chairperson.
- (c) Incorrect. The Minister of Environment and Forests is not the chairperson.
- (d) Incorrect. The Minister of Science and Technology is also not the chairperson.
Key point
The National Water Resources Council is chaired by the PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA, reflecting its role as the apex national water-policy coordination body.
Remember
National Water Resources Council: chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the sector-specific minister (Water Resources) automatically chairs this apex council.
- Confusing this council's chairmanship with unrelated ministries (Environment, Science).
- Not knowing the high-level, PM-chaired nature of this specific national body.
Exam tip
National Water Resources Council = chaired by the Prime Minister, not the Water Resources Minister — reflecting its apex, cross-state coordination role.
Sources
- Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India — National Water Policy, 2002
- Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India — Resolution constituting the National Water Resources Council (1983)