UPSC Prelims 2013 Q51: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements : The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts
1. Consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha
2. Scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government
3. Examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha | Incorrect | It has 22 members: 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha |
| 2. Scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government | Correct | Its main work |
| 3. Examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India | Correct | The CAG is its 'friend, philosopher and guide' |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Set up | 1921, under the Government of India Act, 1919 |
| Chairman | By convention from the Opposition, since 1967 |
| Term | One year |
| Ministers | Cannot be members |
| Nature | A post-mortem check, after the money is spent |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; the PAC has 22 members from both Houses.
- (b) CORRECT. It scrutinises the accounts and examines the CAG's report.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
Key point
PAC: 22 members (15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha); since 1921; Opposition chairman; examines CAG reports and appropriation accounts.
Remember
PAC = 22 members, examines CAG reports.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the PAC has only Lok Sabha members; that is the Estimates Committee.
- Getting the number wrong: 22, not 25 or 30.
- Forgetting that its check comes after the spending.
Exam tip
PAC and COPU: 15 + 7 = 22. Estimates Committee: 30, all Lok Sabha.
Sources
- Lok Sabha Secretariat — Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Committee on Public Accounts)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Parliamentary Committees