UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 84: Polity and Governance

Which one of the following statements is correct?

aOnly the Rajya Sabha and not the Lok Sabha can have nominated members

bThere is a constitutional provision for nominating two members belonging to the Anglo-Indian community to the Rajya Sabha

cThere is no constitutional bar for a nominated member to be appointed Union minister

dA nominated member can vote both in the Presidential election

AnswerThe answer is (c).

A nominated member of Parliament can be appointed a Union minister: Article 75 requires only that a minister be a member of either House within six months, and it makes no distinction between elected and nominated members. In the Lok Sabha, two Anglo-Indians could be nominated (Article 331); the Rajya Sabha has twelve nominated members from literature, science, art and social service. Nominated members cannot vote in the Presidential election.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The Lok Sabha too could have two nominated Anglo-Indian members.
(b) Anglo-Indians were nominated to the Lok Sabha (Article 331), not the Rajya Sabha.
(c) Correct: there is no bar on a nominated member becoming a Union minister.
(d) Nominated members are outside the electoral college and cannot vote in the Presidential election.

Worth knowing: The nomination of Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha was ended by the 104th Amendment (2019).

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.