UPSC Prelims 2015 Q44: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Consider the following statements :
1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
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: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Executive power and the Civil Services Board
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister | Incorrect | Article 53 vests it in the President |
| 2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board | Incorrect | The Cabinet Secretary chairs it |
Who holds what:
| Office | Position |
|---|---|
| President | Formal (nominal) head; all executive action is taken in his name (Article 77) |
| Prime Minister | Real head; leads the Council of Ministers that aids and advises the President (Article 74) |
| Cabinet Secretary | Head of the civil service; chairs the Civil Services Board |
The Prime Minister does chair NITI Aayog, the National Integration Council and the Inter-State Council.
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Executive power is vested in the President, not the Prime Minister.
- (b) Incorrect. The Cabinet Secretary, not the Prime Minister, chairs the Civil Services Board.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false.
- (d) CORRECT. The President holds executive power, and the Cabinet Secretary heads the Board.
Key point
Article 53: executive power of the Union vests in the President. Civil Services Board is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
Remember
Executive power is vested in the President (Article 53).
Common mistakes
- Confusing real power (Prime Minister) with where the Constitution vests it (President).
- Assuming the Prime Minister chairs every top-level board.
- Forgetting Article 77: executive action is taken in the President's name.
Exam tip
'Vested in' is a legal phrase: the answer is always the President for the Union and the Governor for a State.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 53, 74 and 77
- Department of Personnel and Training — Civil Services Board (IAS Cadre Rules)