UPSC Prelims 2014 Q62: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Consider the following statements:
1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the
Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of
the Prime Minister.
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
Conduct of business of the Government of India (Article 77)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business | Correct | This is Article 77(3) |
| 2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister | Incorrect | They are taken in the name of the President (Article 77(1)) |
Related provisions:
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| 53 | Executive power of the Union is vested in the President |
| 74 | Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President |
| 77 | Conduct of business of the Government of India |
| 166 | The same for a State, in the name of the Governor |
The rules made under Article 77(3) are the Allocation of Business Rules and the Transaction of Business Rules, 1961.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The President makes the rules of business under Article 77(3).
- (b) Incorrect. Executive actions are in the name of the President, not the Prime Minister.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true.
Key point
Article 77: executive action in the President's name (77(1)); President makes rules for transaction and allocation of business (77(3)).
Remember
Executive action = in the President's name (Article 77).
Common mistakes
- Thinking orders go out in the Prime Minister's name.
- Confusing Article 77 (Union) with Article 166 (State).
- Forgetting that the rules are made on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Exam tip
Formal acts are always in the President's name. The Prime Minister is the real, not the formal, head.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 77
- Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961