The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary questions Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1, 2 and 3
Understanding Parliamentary Control over the Council of Ministers
The Indian Parliament plays a crucial role in holding the executive, specifically the Council of Ministers, accountable. This control is essential for the healthy functioning of a parliamentary democracy. Parliament uses various devices and procedures to scrutinize the actions and policies of the government. Let's examine the methods listed in the question: Adjournment motion, Question hour, and Supplementary questions.
Methods of Parliamentary Control Explained
1. Adjournment Motion
An Adjournment Motion is an extraordinary device that allows for the discussion of a definite matter of urgent public importance. If admitted, it leads to setting aside the normal business of the House to discuss the specified matter. This motion involves an element of censure against the government. By moving and discussing an adjournment motion, Parliament can critically examine the government's handling of a particular situation and hold the Council of Ministers accountable for its actions or inactions.
2. Question Hour
The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is usually devoted to Question Hour. During this hour, Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to the ministers regarding various aspects of administration and government policy. Ministers are obligated to answer these questions. This is a vital mechanism through which Parliament elicits information, probes the government's activities, and holds the Council of Ministers accountable for its performance. Questions can be Starred (requiring oral answers and allowing supplementary questions), Unstarred (requiring written answers), or Short Notice (asked on matters of urgent public importance with less than ten days' notice).
3. Supplementary Questions
Supplementary questions arise during the Question Hour, specifically after a minister provides an oral answer to a Starred Question. An MP can ask a further question arising out of the minister's answer to seek clarification or more detailed information. This process allows for a follow-up and deeper scrutiny of the minister's response, making the minister and the Council of Ministers more accountable and ensuring that answers are not evasive or incomplete.
Conclusion on Parliamentary Control Mechanisms
Based on the analysis, all three listed mechanisms—Adjournment motion, Question hour, and Supplementary questions—are indeed tools available to the Parliament of India to exercise control over the functions of the Council of Ministers. They serve different purposes but collectively contribute to parliamentary oversight and accountability of the executive.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 (Adjournment motion): Correct. It is a mechanism for raising matters of urgent public importance and can involve censure, thus exercising control.
- Statement 2 (Question hour): Correct. It is a primary method for seeking information and holding ministers accountable through questioning.
- Statement 3 (Supplementary questions): Correct. They arise from answers during Question Hour and provide deeper scrutiny of ministerial responses, enhancing accountability.
Since all three statements correctly identify methods used by Parliament to control the Council of Ministers, the correct answer includes 1, 2, and 3.
Revision Table: Parliamentary Devices for Control
| Device | Description | How it Exercises Control |
|---|---|---|
| Question Hour | First hour of sitting for asking questions to ministers. | Elicits information, probes policies, holds ministers accountable. |
| Supplementary Questions | Follow-up questions during Question Hour based on answers. | Allows for deeper scrutiny and clarification of ministerial responses. |
| Adjournment Motion | Motion to set aside normal business for urgent public matter. | Discusses critical issues, can involve censure, holds government accountable. |
| No-Confidence Motion | Motion expressing lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers. | Can lead to the dismissal of the government if passed by majority. |
| Censure Motion | Motion expressing strong disapproval of a policy or action. | Highlights specific failings and pressures the government. |
| Calling Attention Motion | Calling attention of a minister to an urgent public matter. | Minister makes a statement, followed by brief clarifications, holds minister accountable. |
Additional Information: Accountability of the Council of Ministers
In India's parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (House of the People). This means that the entire Council of Ministers stands or falls together. Parliament, particularly the Lok Sabha, exercises control over the executive through various means, including:
- Legislative Enactments: Parliament passes laws that the executive must implement.
- Financial Control: Parliament controls government spending through the budget and various financial committees.
- Discussion and Criticism: Parliament provides a platform for debating policies and actions of the government.
- Parliamentary Committees: Various committees scrutinize the work of government departments.
- Motions and Resolutions: Including those discussed above, and others like no-confidence motion, censure motion, calling attention motion, etc.
These mechanisms collectively ensure that the Council of Ministers remains accountable to the elected representatives of the people.
Important Questions from Executive of the Union
Consider the following statements :
1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following is / are the function / functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?
(1) Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
(2) Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
(3) Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Consider the following statements:
(1) The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India.
(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?
In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are, implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?
1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.
Select the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
