2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 2: Polity and Governance

In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is:

ato allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
bto let opposition members collect information from the ministers
cto allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant
dto postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

An adjournment motion lets the Lok Sabha set aside its normal business to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance. It needs the Speaker's consent and the support of at least 50 members, and it is available only in the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha, because it carries an element of censure on the government. Do not confuse it with Question Hour (information from ministers), a cut motion (reducing a demand for grant) or the Speaker adjourning the House for disorder.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Correct: it is for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.
  • (b) Wrong: collecting information from ministers is the purpose of questions, not an adjournment motion.
  • (c) Wrong: reducing a demand for grant is done by a cut motion.
  • (d) Wrong: postponing proceedings over disorder is the Speaker's power to adjourn the House, a different thing.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.