2011 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I

Question 36: Polity and Governance

The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from

aThe President of India
bThe Parliament of India
cThe Prime Minister of India
dThe Union Finance Minister

AnswerThe answer is (b).

No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India except under an appropriation made by law (Articles 114 and 266). Parliament passes the Appropriation Act, and only then can the executive spend. The President places the budget before Parliament but does not authorise withdrawal alone, and neither the Prime Minister nor the Finance Minister can authorise it. Remember: Parliament holds the power of the purse.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The President cannot authorise withdrawal without a law passed by Parliament.
  • (b) Right: Parliament authorises withdrawal through the Appropriation Act.
  • (c) The Prime Minister has no power to authorise withdrawals.
  • (d) The Finance Minister presents the budget but cannot authorise spending alone.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.