UPSC Prelims 2009 Q88: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
With reference to Union Government, consider the following statements :
1. The number of Ministries at the Centre on 15th August 1947 was 18.
2. The number of Ministries at the Centre at present is 36.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about the number of Union Ministries
These statements compare the Union Government's ministry count at Independence versus the time of this question.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Number of ministries on 15th August 1947 was 18 | Correct | At Independence, the Union Government indeed had around 18 ministries |
| 2. Number of ministries at present is 36 | Incorrect | The actual contemporary count did not match this specific '36' figure at the time this question was set |
Union ministries, then and now:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| 15 August 1947 | ~18 ministries |
| At the time of this question | Not 36, a different actual figure |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The 18-ministry figure for 15th August 1947 is accurate; the '36 at present' claim does not match the actual contemporary count.
- (b) Incorrect. The '36 ministries' figure is not accurate for the time this question was set.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is inaccurate, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
At Independence (15 August 1947), the Union Government had about 18 ministries — but the specific claim of '36 ministries at present' does not match the actual contemporary count at the time this question was set.
Remember
On 15th August 1947, the Union Government had about 18 ministries — the '36 ministries at present' claim does not hold.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a precise 'at present' figure without verifying it against the actual contemporary ministry count.
- Not knowing the historical 18-ministry figure at Independence.
- Assuming both statements in a comparative question must be either both true or both false.
Exam tip
India had about 18 ministries at Independence (1947) — always verify specific 'at present' numeric claims rather than accepting them at face value.
Sources
- Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Central Council of Ministers)