Day-698 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | POLITY

Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement-I is correct: In the Indian Parliamentary Democracy, based on the Westminster system, the Council of Ministers holds a dual responsibility to the Lok Sabha. They are accountable collectively for overall government policies and actions and individually for their respective ministerial duties. This ensures that the executive remains subordinate to the legislature, aligning with parliamentary democratic principles.
Statement-II is correct: The statement reflects the idea that India’s parliamentary system is modelled after the Westminster system. This model inherently supports the principle where the executive (Council of Ministers) is drawn from and accountable to the legislature (Lok Sabha), reinforcing the idea conveyed by Statement I.
Hence, Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India advises the President of India on the form in which the accounts of the Central and State governments shall be kept, as per Article 150 of the Constitution.
Statement 2 is correct: Originally, under the Government of India Act, 1935, the Auditor General (predecessor to the CAG) shouldered the responsibility of maintaining accounts for both the central government and all states. This involved managing the day-to-day financial records. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act of 1971 redefined the CAG’s role. While Section 10 of the Act relieved the CAG of compiling central government accounts, similar powers were granted to state governors for their respective states. Interestingly, Goa is an exception – it maintains its own accounts system. For all other states, the CAG’s role has evolved into overseeing and compiling accounts.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) plays a vital role in overseeing India’s public finances, their reach doesn’t directly extend to auditing the accounts of local self-governments. This stems from the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments which mandated Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the village, block, and district levels, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in cities and towns. To ensure financial accountability at this local level, it provides for a separate system of local fund auditors under the complete control of the state government. These auditors handle the day-to-day responsibility of examining the financial statements of local bodies. However, the CAG still play a supportive role in local government audits. If a state government requests it, the CAG can provide technical expertise and guidance.
Statement 4 is incorrect: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India utilizes two distinct audit approaches to ensure proper financial management by state governments. The first is a compliance audit, which acts as a technical safeguard. It meticulously examines whether financial practices adhere to established laws, regulations, and budgetary allocations. This ensures funds are used for their intended purposes and no legal or regulatory violations occur. The second type, the discretionary or proprietary audit goes beyond technical compliance and critically evaluates the government’s decision-making processes. This audit scrutinizes the “wisdom” behind government actions, particularly policy-related expenditures. It essentially asks if the government made sound choices when allocating resources and if alternative, potentially more efficient approaches could have been taken. This dual approach ensures both adherence to rules and a critical examination of the government’s financial choices.

Answer: C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Preamble to the Constitution of India envisages the nature and objects of the State. It outlines the ideological framework, objectives, and the basic nature of the Indian state, such as declaring India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic.
Statement 2 is correct: The Preamble serves as a guiding light or a key to interpreting the Constitution where the text is ambiguous. It reflects the general purpose behind the provisions of the Constitution.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Preamble does not serve as the source of authority to the government; rather, it declares the people of India as the source of the Constitution and, by extension, the authority of the government. The authority of the government is derived from the Constitution itself and not just its Preamble.
Statement 4 is correct: The Preamble clearly states “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA,” indicating that the authority to enact the Constitution derives from the people of India. The incorrect statement here, as highlighted, is option C. The Preamble symbolically reflects the fundamental aspects and purposes of the Constitution but does not confer any power directly.

Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement-I is correct: The Indian Constitution indeed does not grant absolute fundamental rights; these rights come with reasonable restrictions. Articles 19 to 22 lay out these rights but also specify various grounds under which they may be restricted. For instance, the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) can be limited for reasons like the sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, decency, morality, etc.
Statement-II is correct: The Constitution of India aims to balance individual freedoms with the needs of a welfare state, which necessitates some degree of social control to ensure collective good. This balance is evident in the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties, which guide the state in making laws that ensure economic and social democracy, and in turn, support the larger goal of establishing a welfare state. Therefore for the collective rights and welfare, individual rights can be regulated.
Hence, Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Answer: C
Explanation:
Option 1 – Bottom-up Planning: Traditional planning in India often followed a “top-down” approach. Central government ministries formulated plans and allocated resources to states. NITI Aayog, however, emphasizes “bottom-up” planning which includes encouraging states to identify their specific needs and priorities; supporting states in developing their development plans, integrating these state plans into a national development strategy. This approach aims to ensure national plans are more relevant to local contexts and have greater ownership by states.
Option 2 – A Think Tank to Government: NITI Aayog functions as a critical thinking body for the government. It gathers and analyzes data, conducts research, and generates innovative ideas on various policy issues. It provides the government with well-researched reports, policy recommendations, and long-term strategic vision documents. This helps the government make informed decisions on critical issues related to economic development, social welfare, and other national priorities.
Option 3 – A Program Evaluation Body: NITI Aayog doesn’t just propose policies; it also evaluates the effectiveness of existing government programs. It assesses how well these programs are achieving their intended goals. Based on these evaluations, NITI Aayog suggests improvements to existing programs or recommends discontinuing those that are ineffective. This focus on program evaluation ensures that government resources are used efficiently and deliver the desired outcomes.

Additional Information
The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) is an attached office of NITI Aayog. As the apex monitoring and evaluation (M&E) office in the country, DMEO supports the Government achieve the national development agenda through M&E of government policies and programs. Since its inception in 2015, the office aims to support rigorous, data-driven, citizen-centric, and outcomes-driven program management and policymaking. DMEO’s mandate currently involves:
i. monitoring progress and efficacy of strategic and long-term policy and program frameworks and initiatives to help innovative improvements, including necessary mid-course corrections; and
ii. actively monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programs and initiatives, including the identification of the needed resources so as to strengthen the probability of success and scope of delivery.
Option 4 – Policy Regulation: Policy regulation in India involves a multi-layered approach. The central government sets the national agenda through legislation, while states have the power to enact supplementary policies. Independent regulatory bodies such as RBI, TRAI, SEBI etc oversee the policy regulation in specific sectors.
Hence, Option 4, Policy regulation is not the role and function performed by the NITI Aayog and incorrect.