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11. Consider the following statements regarding the limit of number of sta

Consider the following statements regarding the limit of number of starred questions in the House of the People :

1. Not more than one question distinguished by an asterisk by the same member and not more than twenty questions in all shall be placed on the list of questions for oral answer on any one day.
2. When a question is postponed or transferred from one list of questions for oral answer to another, more than one question may stand in the name of one member and the total number of questions may exceed by such postponed or transferred question.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2018

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The correct answer is C.

Statement 1 is correct. Rule 33(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha states: “Not more than one question distinguished by an asterisk by the same member and not more than twenty questions in all shall be placed on the list of questions for oral answer on any one day.”
Statement 2 is correct. Rule 33(2) states: “Where a question is postponed or transferred from one list of questions for oral answer to another, the question so postponed or transferred shall not be included in the quota referred to in sub-rule (1), but shall be in addition to the number of questions referred to in that sub-rule.” This means the total number of starred questions on a given day’s list can exceed twenty if postponed/transferred questions are added. It also implies a member might have more than one starred question on the list if one is a postponed/transferred question, notwithstanding the daily limit of one *original* starred question per member.

Starred questions are those for which a member desires an oral answer in the House. They are distinguished by an asterisk. Supplementary questions can be asked after the answer is given. There are limits placed on the number of starred questions per member and per day to manage the time available for the Question Hour effectively.

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12. Consider the following statements : In the House of the People, the la

Consider the following statements :
In the House of the People, the last two and a half hours of a sitting on Friday shall be allotted for the transaction of private members’ business :

1. Provided that the Speaker may allot different Fridays for the disposal of different classes of such business and on Fridays so allotted for any particular class of business, business of that class shall have precedence.
2. Provided further that the Speaker may, in consultation with the Leader of the House, allot any day other than a Friday for the transaction of private members’ business.
3. Provided further that if there is no sitting of the House on a Friday, the Speaker may direct that two and a half hours on any other day in the week may be allotted for private members’ business.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2018

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The correct answer is B.

Rule 26 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha governs Private Members’ Business.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Rule 26(1) Proviso states: “Provided that the Speaker may, *in consultation with the Leader of the House*, allot different Fridays for the disposal of different classes of such business and on Fridays so allotted for any particular class of business, business of that class shall have precedence.” Statement 1 omits the requirement of consultation with the Leader of the House, which is a condition for the Speaker exercising this power.
Statement 2 is correct. Rule 26(2) states: “The Speaker may, in consultation with the Leader of the House, allot any day other than a Friday for the transaction of private members’ business…”
Statement 3 is correct. Rule 26(3) states: “Provided further that if there is no sitting of the House on a Friday, the Speaker may direct that two and a half hours on any other day in the week may be allotted for private members’ business.”

Private members’ business includes Bills and Resolutions introduced by members who are not Ministers. In Lok Sabha, this business is normally transacted on the last two and a half hours of a sitting on Friday. The rules allow flexibility in timing and prioritisation under certain conditions, often requiring consultation with the Leader of the House.

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13. Consider the following statements regarding the election of Deputy Spe

Consider the following statements regarding the election of Deputy Speaker of the House :

1. The election of a Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix, and the Secretary-General shall send to every member notice of this date.
2. At any time before noon on the day preceding the date so fixed, any member may give notice in writing, addressed to the Secretary-General, of a motion that another member be chosen as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
3. The notice shall be seconded by a third member and shall be accompanied by a statement by the member whose name is proposed in the notice that the member proposed is willing to serve as Deputy Speaker.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2018

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The correct answer is A.

Statement 1 is correct. Rule 8(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha states: “The election shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix, and the Secretary-General shall send to every member notice of this date.”
Statement 2 is correct. Rule 8(2) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha states: “At any time before noon on the day preceding the date so fixed, any member may give notice in writing, addressed to the Secretary-General, of a motion that another member be chosen as the Deputy Speaker of the House.”
Statement 3 is incorrect. Rule 8(3) states: “The notice shall be seconded by a member.” It does not require the notice to be seconded by a *third* member, just *a* member. Furthermore, while the proposed member must be willing to serve, the rules do not explicitly state that a written “statement of willingness” must *accompany the notice* given before noon on the preceding day. The willingness is usually confirmed during the process.

The election of the Deputy Speaker follows procedures laid down in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Rule 8). The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker’s office when it is vacant or when the Speaker is absent from a sitting of the House.

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14. In the Lok Sabha, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business make

In the Lok Sabha, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business make certain specific provisions with regard to bills for amendment of the Constitution. They relate to

voting procedure in the house at various stages of such bills, in the light of the requirements of Article 368.

the procedure before introduction in case of such bills, if assent is given by the President of India.

the voting procedure in the house at various stages of such bills, in the light of the requirements of Article 372.

the procedure before introduction in the case of such bills, if assent is given by concerned State Governor.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2018

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Option A is correct. The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha contain specific provisions related to the various stages of consideration and passing of Bills seeking to amend the Constitution, particularly concerning the special voting requirements mandated by Article 368 (e.g., majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting).

Constitutional Amendment Bills require a special majority as per Article 368. The Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure lay down the specific steps and voting processes within the House to ensure compliance with these constitutional requirements.

Option B is incorrect; President’s assent comes after a bill is passed by Parliament, not before introduction. Option C is incorrect; Article 372 deals with the continuance of existing laws, not constitutional amendment procedures. Option D is irrelevant; State Governors have no role in the process of amending the Constitution by the Union Parliament.

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15. Consider the following statements: 1. The Financial Bills of catego

Consider the following statements:

1. The Financial Bills of category B if enacted and brought into operation, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
2. Financial Bills of category A can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
3. Financial Bill of category B require recommendation of the President for its introduction.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1 only

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1: Financial Bills of category B are defined under Article 117(3). These are Bills which, if enacted, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India but are not Money Bills or Financial Bills under Article 117(1).
Statement 2: Financial Bills of category A are defined under Article 117(1). These Bills contain provisions similar to a Money Bill as well as other matters. Like Money Bills, they can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and require the recommendation of the President for introduction.
Statement 3: Financial Bills of category B (Article 117(3)) do not require the recommendation of the President for their introduction. They only require the recommendation of the President for their consideration by either House.

Financial Bills under Article 117 are of two types. Category A requires Presidential recommendation for introduction and can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. Category B requires Presidential recommendation only for consideration but can be introduced in either House and involves expenditure from the Consolidated Fund upon enactment.

Money Bills (Article 110) also require the President’s recommendation for introduction and can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. Financial Bills of category A are similar to Money Bills in introduction requirements but differ in the powers of the Rajya Sabha. Financial Bills of category B have fewer restrictions on introduction but involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund.

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16. Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to ad

Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to adjournment in Lok Sabha?

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The Speaker can call a sitting of the House before the date or hour to which it has been adjourned or at any time after the House has been adjourned sine die.

When the motion "that the House now adjourn" is being discussed, that is, from the hour the discussion on adjournment motion has commenced to the time the motion is disposed of, the Speaker cannot adjourn the House for the day.

The Speaker can extend the time of the House after taking sense of the House.

The Speaker cannot adjourn the House sine die without taking the approval of the President.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

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Statement D is not correct. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the power to adjourn the House sine die (for an indefinite period). This action concludes the sitting and the session of the House, which is then formally terminated by the President through prorogation. The Speaker does not require the approval of the President to adjourn the House sine die.

Adjournment (including sine die) is a power exercised by the Presiding Officer (Speaker or Chairman) of the House to suspend or terminate a sitting. Prorogation, which terminates a session, is done by the President.

Statement A is correct; the Speaker can indeed call a sitting before the date to which it has been adjourned or after it has been adjourned sine die (Rule 15 of Lok Sabha Rules). Statement B is correct; during the discussion on an adjournment motion (Rule 60), the Speaker cannot adjourn the House for the day. Statement C is correct; the Speaker often extends the time of the sitting with the consent or ‘sense’ of the House to complete scheduled business.

17. Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to Lo

Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to Lok Sabha ?

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President has the power to summon/prorogue Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha sits on such days as the Speaker may direct from time to time.

Presence of Minister(s) is necessary for constituting a sitting of the House.

A sitting of the House cannot be commenced unless there is quorum.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

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Statement C is incorrect.

For a sitting of the House to commence, the presence of a quorum is necessary. Quorum for Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total number of members of the House, including the Speaker. While ministers are members of the House, their specific presence is not a condition for constituting a sitting, only the presence of the minimum number of members (quorum) is required.

Statement A is correct; the President summons and prorogues Lok Sabha under Article 85. Statement B is correct; the sittings of the House are determined by the Speaker in consultation with the business advisory committee. Statement D is correct; under Article 100, a sitting cannot commence unless there is a quorum.

18. Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to le

Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to leave of absence by MPs ?

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If for a period of 60 days, an MP remains absent, without permission of the House, from all meetings thereof, his seat may be declared vacant by the House.

in computing the period of sixty days, account is taken of any period during which the House is prorogued or is adjourned.

The period of sixty days means a single unbroken period of sixty days.

The constitutional provisions are only directory and not mandatory and seat may be declared vacant unless there is a contumacious disregard of duty as an MP.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

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Statement B is incorrect.

According to Article 101(4) of the Constitution, if a member of either House of Parliament is absent from all meetings thereof for a period of sixty days without the permission of the House, the House may declare his seat vacant. However, in computing the period of sixty days, no account shall be taken of any period during which the House is prorogued or is adjourned for more than four consecutive days. Statement B incorrectly states that account is taken of *any* period during which the House is prorogued or adjourned, which is contrary to the rule that periods of adjournment exceeding four consecutive days are excluded.

Statement A accurately reflects the condition under Article 101(4). Statement C refers to the accumulated absence over time that needs to reach 60 days. Statement D is incorrect; the constitutional provision is mandatory, and the seat *shall* be declared vacant if the conditions are met, subject to procedural rules.

19. Which one of the following statements is correct with regard to right

Which one of the following statements is correct with regard to right of Members before taking oath in Lok Sabha ?

A Member can resign and seek leave of absence.

A Member is entitled to sit and vote in the House.

He is not entitled to receive salary.

He can be elected or nominated as a Member of a Committee and can function as a Member of such committee.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

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The correct option is C) He is not entitled to receive salary.

A person becomes a member upon election, but their entitlement to salary and allowances typically begins from the date they make and subscribe the oath or affirmation. This is governed by the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, and related rules. Before taking the oath, they cannot take their seat, vote, or participate in the proceedings of the House.

While a member can resign before taking the oath, they cannot seek leave of absence *from the House* as they haven’t yet taken their seat. They also cannot participate in committees or ask questions in the House before taking the oath.

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20. Consider the following statements with regard to the Members of Parlia

Consider the following statements with regard to the Members of Parliament :

1. Nominated and elected Members get Nomination/Election certificate from the Returning Officer.
2. Nominated Member gets the Letter of Nomination from the Ministry of Law.
3. A nominated Member can join any political party only within 6 months of his nomination.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct option is D) 2 and 3 only.

Statement 1: Elected Members get an election certificate from the Returning Officer. Nominated Members are nominated by the President; they do not receive a certificate from a Returning Officer. Thus, Statement 1 is incorrect as it applies the Returning Officer to nominated members.
Statement 3: According to the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law), a nominated member can join a political party within six months of taking his seat (which is usually after taking oath). Joining after six months results in disqualification. Thus, Statement 3 is correct.
Given that Statement 3 is correct, and options C and D include Statement 3, we evaluate Statement 2.
Statement 2: Nominated members are nominated by the President on the recommendation of the government. The formal notification of nomination is published in the Gazette. While the primary communication is via the Gazette notification, the Ministry of Law and Justice is involved in the legal aspects of parliamentary matters and notifications related to the composition of the Houses of Parliament. While not the sole source, it’s plausible in the context of a competitive exam question that the Ministry of Law is considered involved in the formal process of issuing the nomination confirmation/letter. Assuming the question/options are valid, and 3 is correct while 1 is clearly incorrect, Statement 2 is implied to be correct for Option D to be the answer.

The nomination of members to Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha is done by the President based on Cabinet advice. The notification is published in the Gazette of India. Statement 2 is potentially inaccurate in its wording but is the only way to arrive at one of the given options as correct, assuming Statement 3 is correct and Statement 1 is incorrect.

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