The Parliament

51. Consider the following statements: 1. Article 117 deals with all the

Consider the following statements:

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  • 1. Article 117 deals with all the 3 types of financial bills.
  • 2. Financial bill (I) can be amended or rejected by the Rajya Sabha.
  • 3. All financial bills are not money bills.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

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1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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Statements 2 and 3 are correct, while Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 117 primarily deals with Financial Bills (Category I and Category II). Money Bills are defined in Article 110, although they are also a type of financial bill. So, Article 117 does not deal with *all three* types (Money Bill, Financial Bill I, Financial Bill II) comprehensively, rather Article 110 defines Money Bills, and Article 117 covers Financial Bills I and II. Statement 2 is correct; Financial Bill (Category I) is similar to an ordinary bill in that Rajya Sabha can amend or reject it, but it requires the President’s recommendation for introduction. Statement 3 is correct; all financial bills are not Money Bills. Money Bills are a sub-category of financial bills, specifically those dealing *only* with matters listed in Article 110. Financial Bills (Category I and II) are other types of financial bills that do not exclusively contain matters listed in Article 110.
Money Bills (Article 110) are a distinct category from Financial Bills (Article 117). Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding Money Bills but has more powers over Financial Bills (Category I).
Financial Bill (Category I) contains not only any of the matters specified in Article 110 but also other matters of general legislation. It can only be introduced in Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President, but in other respects, it is governed by the same procedure as an ordinary bill. Financial Bill (Category II) contains provisions involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India but does not include any of the matters mentioned in Article 110. It can be introduced in either House and does not require the President’s recommendation for introduction, but requires his recommendation for consideration by either House. Rajya Sabha has full powers regarding Financial Bill (Category II).

52. Consider the following statements: 1. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha he

Consider the following statements:

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  • 1. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha heads a joint sitting of both houses only if Speaker, Deputy Speaker and panel of Speakers are absent.
  • 2. Only the President can summon joint sitting.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is incorrect, and Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chairman of Rajya Sabha (who is the Vice-President of India) does not preside over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. The joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides. In their absence, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides. Statement 2 is correct as Article 108 of the Constitution empowers only the President to summon a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament to resolve a deadlock over an ordinary bill or a financial bill (other than a money bill).
The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting. The President is the authority who summons the joint sitting.
A joint sitting can be summoned in case of disagreement between the two Houses on a bill (excluding Money Bills and Constitution Amendment Bills). Three joint sittings have been held so far: in 1961 (Dowry Prohibition Bill), 1978 (Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill), and 2002 (Prevention of Terrorism Bill).

53. Which one of the following is not charged on the Consolidated Fund of

Which one of the following is not charged on the Consolidated Fund of India ?

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Salary of CAG
Grants for Railways
Administrative expenses of the Supreme Court
Pensions of the judges of High Courts
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Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India does not require annual parliamentary vote, although it can be discussed. Voted expenditure requires parliamentary vote.
A) Salary of CAG: Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 148(6)).
B) Grants for Railways: Expenditures related to running ministries and departments, including specific grants for Railways (which used to have a separate budget but now merged with the general budget), are typically voted upon by Parliament through the demand for grants.
C) Administrative expenses of the Supreme Court: Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 146(3)).
D) Pensions of the judges of High Courts: Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 112(3)(d)). (Salaries of High Court judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the respective State).
Therefore, Grants for Railways are not charged on the Consolidated Fund of India but are voted expenditures.
– Charged Expenditure: Discussed but not voted in Parliament. For constitutional functionaries/essential services to ensure financial independence.
– Voted Expenditure: Discussed and voted by Parliament. Represents discretionary government spending.
– Examples of Charged Expenditure: President’s emoluments, salaries/pensions of SC/HC judges (pensions only for HC judges), CAG, UPSC Chairman/members, debt charges, sums required to satisfy judgments of courts/tribunals.
The distinction between charged and voted expenditure is important for parliamentary control over government finances. Charged expenditure ensures that essential constitutional offices and obligations are funded without being subject to annual political fluctuations in voting.

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54. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

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Supplementary Grant - Granted for a special purpose
Excess Grant - Voted by the Lok Sabha after the financial year
Vote of Credit - Funds can be made available by re-appropriation
Token Grant - Blank cheque
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Let’s evaluate each option:
A) Supplementary Grant – Granted for a special purpose. Incorrect. Supplementary grants are sought when the amount authorized by Parliament through the annual Appropriation Act for a particular service for the current financial year is found to be insufficient.
B) Excess Grant – Voted by the Lok Sabha after the financial year. Correct. If the money spent on any service during a financial year is in excess of the amount granted for that service in that year, the excess expenditure is brought to the notice of Parliament by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The Lok Sabha then votes on the excess grant *after* the financial year has concluded.
C) Vote of Credit – Funds can be made available by re-appropriation. Incorrect. A Vote of Credit is granted to meet an unexpected demand upon the resources of India when, due to the magnitude or the indefinite character of the service, the demand cannot be stated with the details ordinarily given in a budget. It is a fresh grant by Parliament, not funds made available through re-appropriation (transferring funds between heads within an approved grant).
D) Token Grant – Blank cheque. Incorrect. A Token Grant is sought when funds are needed for a new service not previously contemplated in the budget, but funds can be made available by re-appropriation from savings in other approved grants. Only a token amount (like Re 1) is voted to allow Parliament to discuss and approve the introduction of the new service; it signifies Parliamentary approval for the principle of the expenditure, not a blank cheque.
– Supplementary Grant: Insufficient funds for an approved service in the current year.
– Excess Grant: Expenditure exceeded the grant in the previous financial year; needs regularization.
– Vote of Credit: Unexpected demand, indefinite nature/magnitude.
– Token Grant: Funds for a new service available via re-appropriation.
Other types of grants include Additional Grant (for a new service not included in the budget), Exceptional Grant (for an unusual service), and Vote on Account (advance grant for a part of the financial year pending final budget approval).

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55. The term “point of order” in the context of parliamentary proceedings

The term “point of order” in the context of parliamentary proceedings refers to

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a request by a member to make a formal statement
a request by a member to ask a question out of turn
a member's objection regarding the violation of parliamentary rules
a member's request for an extension of time for a debate
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In parliamentary proceedings, a “point of order” is raised by a member when they believe that the rules of procedure or the Constitution are being violated during the debate or other proceedings of the House. The member interrupts the ongoing discussion to draw the attention of the Chair (Speaker in Lok Sabha, Chairman in Rajya Sabha) to the alleged violation and seek a ruling. The Chair then decides whether the point of order is valid.
A point of order is an objection raised by a member regarding the violation of parliamentary rules or procedures.
A point of order usually takes precedence over any other business being discussed. Once a point of order is raised, the proceedings on the current business stop until the Chair has given a decision. No debate is allowed on a point of order, and the decision of the Chair is final.

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56. What is the minimum number of members required to table a “No-Confiden

What is the minimum number of members required to table a “No-Confidence Motion” in the Lok Sabha ?

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10
20
30
50
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As per Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, a motion expressing want of confidence in the Council of Ministers may be made. This motion requires the leave of the House. To seek leave, the member wishing to move the motion must give a written notice of the motion before the commencement of the sitting on that day. When the motion is called, the Speaker asks if the member has the leave of the House. For the leave to be granted, it must be supported by not less than 50 members rising in their places.
A minimum of 50 members must support the request to introduce a No-Confidence Motion in the Lok Sabha.
If the leave is granted, the motion is admitted and a date is fixed for discussion. If the No-Confidence Motion is passed by the Lok Sabha, the Council of Ministers must resign. There is no provision for a No-Confidence Motion in the Rajya Sabha.

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57. In Rajya Sabha, what is the maximum time limit for a discussion on a m

In Rajya Sabha, what is the maximum time limit for a discussion on a motion of thanks to the President for his/her address ?

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6 hours
10 hours
12 hours
16 hours
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According to the general practice and conventions followed in the Rajya Sabha, the time allocated for the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address is usually around 10 hours. This time is allocated among various political parties and groups in proportion to their strength in the House. While the final allocation is decided by the Business Advisory Committee and approved by the House, 10 hours is the standard duration earmarked for this discussion in Rajya Sabha.
The conventional time limit for the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President in Rajya Sabha is 10 hours.
The President’s Address is delivered at the commencement of the first session after each general election and the first session of each year, outlining the government’s policies and programmes. A motion of thanks is then moved in both Houses of Parliament to express gratitude to the President for the address, and a detailed discussion follows.

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58. In Rajya Sabha, a money bill passed by the Lok Sabha is returned to th

In Rajya Sabha, a money bill passed by the Lok Sabha is returned to the Lower House with the Rajya Sabha’s recommendations. If the Lok Sabha does not accept any of the recommendations, it is deemed to be :

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Passed by both the Houses of Parliament
Rejected by both the Houses of Parliament
Passed by the Lok Sabha alone
Passed by the Rajya Sabha alone
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Article 109 of the Indian Constitution specifically deals with the special procedure in respect of Money Bills. Clause (5) of Article 109 states that if the Lok Sabha does not accept any of the recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha within the stipulated fourteen days, the Money Bill shall be deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Lok Sabha. This provision highlights the Lok Sabha’s dominant position regarding Money Bills.
Rajya Sabha has limited power over Money Bills; it can only recommend changes within 14 days, and the Lok Sabha is not bound by these recommendations.
A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and only on the recommendation of the President. Once passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations. If the Rajya Sabha fails to return the bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses.

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59. In Lok Sabha, the resignation of a Member is addressed to the

In Lok Sabha, the resignation of a Member is addressed to the

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Speaker of Lok Sabha
Prime Minister of India
President of India
Leader of the Opposition party
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According to Article 101(3)(b) of the Constitution of India and the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha, a Member of Parliament who wishes to resign their seat must address their resignation in writing to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The Speaker of Lok Sabha is the competent authority to whom a Member’s resignation is submitted.
Similarly, a Member of Rajya Sabha addresses their resignation to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha (who is the Vice-President of India). The resignation is effective from the date it is accepted by the Speaker/Chairman.

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60. Which one of the following motions is moved after the President’s addr

Which one of the following motions is moved after the President’s address to both the Houses of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget session ?

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Motion of Thanks
Motion of Confidence
Motion of No-Confidence
Motion of Withdrawal
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At the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year, the President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together. Following this address, a Motion of Thanks is moved in both Houses by a Member of Parliament, usually from the ruling party, expressing gratitude to the President for their address.
The Motion of Thanks is debated and voted upon, and it is considered a sort of confidence vote in the government’s policy direction outlined by the President.
A Motion of Confidence is moved by the government to prove it has the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha. A Motion of No-Confidence is moved by the Opposition to show that the government has lost the confidence of the Lok Sabha. A Motion of Withdrawal usually refers to the withdrawal of a bill.

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