UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies

Question 1: Polity and Governance

In what way does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the administration?

aThrough Consultative Committees of various ministries

bThrough Parliamentary Committees

cBy making the administrators send periodic reports

dBy compelling the executive to issue writs

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Parliament holds the executive to account mainly through its committees: the Public Accounts, Estimates and Public Undertakings committees, the committees on Government Assurances and Subordinate Legislation, and the departmental standing committees. They examine spending, policy and the working of departments in detail, which the whole House cannot do. Remember that committees are the main tool of continuous scrutiny, alongside question hour and motions.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Consultative Committees only bring members and ministers together for informal discussion; they have no power to scrutinise or hold the administration to account.
(b) Right: committees such as the Public Accounts and Estimates Committees examine expenditure and administration and report to the House.
(c) Reports laid before Parliament give information, but the actual control is exercised through committees that examine them.
(d) Writs are issued by the Supreme Court and High Courts, not by Parliament; Parliament cannot compel the executive through writs.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.