1995 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 9: Polity and Governance

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the commencement of the election process in India?

aThe recommendation for election is made by the government and the notification for election is issued by the Election Commission
bThe recommendation for election is made by the Election Commission and the notification for election is issued by the Home Ministry at the Centre and Home Departments in the States
cThe recommendation for election is made by the Election Commission and the notification for election is issued by the President and Governors of the States concerned
dBoth the exercises of making a recommendation for election and that of issuing a notification in respect of it are done by the Election Commission

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The Election Commission decides the election programme and recommends it; the notification that formally calls the election is issued by the President for the Lok Sabha and by the Governor for a State Legislative Assembly, under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Remember: the Commission recommends and schedules, and the head of state or Governor notifies. The Home Ministry and Home Departments have no such role.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The Commission, not the government, fixes the election programme, so the first half is wrong.
  • (b) The Home Ministry and State Home Departments do not issue election notifications.
  • (c) Right: the Commission recommends; the President or Governor issues the notification.
  • (d) The Commission does not itself issue the formal notification calling the election in this scheme.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.