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Question

Who, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute of various regiments of the Armed Forces during the march-past on the occasion of Republic Day?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

President of India

Understanding the Republic Day Parade and the Commander-in-Chief

The Republic Day parade in India is a significant national event showcasing the country's cultural diversity and military strength. A key moment during the parade is the march-past of various regiments of the Indian Armed Forces. Taking the salute during this march-past is a highly symbolic act performed by the highest authority in the Indian military structure.

Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces?

In India, the supreme command of the defence forces is vested in the President of India. This makes the President of India the ceremonial and constitutional Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. This role is defined by the Constitution of India.

The Republic Day Salute

Given the President's position as the Commander-in-Chief, it is he or she who presides over the Republic Day celebrations and takes the salute of the marching contingents of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and various paramilitary forces during the march-past on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) in New Delhi.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at why the other options are not the correct answer:

  • Defense Minister of India: The Defense Minister is responsible for the day-to-day administration and policy matters of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces. While they oversee the defense sector, they are not the constitutional Commander-in-Chief.
  • Prime Minister of India: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and leads the Union Cabinet. The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in national security and decision-making, but constitutionally, the President holds the title of Commander-in-Chief.
  • Home Minister of India: The Home Minister is in charge of internal security and law and order, overseeing forces like the central armed police forces. They are not directly in command of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, nor are they the Commander-in-Chief.

Therefore, the person who takes the salute as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces during the Republic Day march-past is the President of India.

Revision Table: Key Roles

Constitutional Position Role on Republic Day Parade
President of India (Commander-in-Chief) Takes the salute of the Armed Forces march-past.
Prime Minister of India Attends the ceremony, lays wreath at National War Memorial.
Defense Minister of India Attends the ceremony, involved in organizing.
Home Minister of India Attends the ceremony.

Additional Information: Commander-in-Chief Role

The role of the Commander-in-Chief being the President of India is primarily symbolic and constitutional. Real executive power regarding defense policy, operations, and deployment rests with the government, led by the Prime Minister, advised by the Defense Minister and the military chiefs. However, in times of war or national emergency, the President's role can become more prominent, especially in formal declarations and constitutional matters related to defense.

The act of the President taking the salute on Republic Day is a powerful reaffirmation of the civilian control over the military, a fundamental principle of Indian democracy, and highlights the President's position as the head of the state and the supreme commander of the armed forces.

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Similar Questions

  1. The Parliament of India consists of ______.

  2. The power to summon the Houses of the Parliament is vested with the ______.

  3. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched regarding the terminology used in the Parliament?

    A. Appropriation Bill - A Money Bill passed for providing for the withdrawal or appropriation from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India

    B. Demand for Grants - Earmarking of budgetary allocation for meeting only planned expenditure of a Ministry/Department

    C. Short Duration Discussion - For raising a discussion on a matter of urgent public importance for which a notice has to be given by a Member and supported by 50 Members

  4. Who administers oath of office to the Vice President of India?

  5. The Chairman of a State Public Service Commission can be removed by the order of the ________.

  6. The President of India _____ inaugurated Sangeet Natak Academi on 28 January 1953.

  7. Which of the following is NOT correct about the eligibility criteria for being elected as Vice President of India?

  8. A bill becomes an Act of the Parliament after being passed by both the houses of Parliament and assented to by the ______.

  9. Who among the following appoints the Speaker 'Pro tem' of the Lok Sabha?

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Important Questions from Central Government

  1. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

  2. What is correct about the dismissal of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha ?

    i. He can be dismissed by no-confidence motion

    ii. To introduce such resolution prior notice of 14 days is essential

    iii. Such resolution should be passed by absolute majority

    iv. Such resolution should be passed by a majority of the ten members of the house

  3. What is correct ?

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    ii. Rajya Sabha can detain the Finance Bill

  4. If the Vice President removed from his office, what shall happened?

  5. Consider the following statements :

    1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.

    2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.

    3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

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