The Parliamentary Act (Indian Polity and Governance) Part-II

Total Questions: 47

21. The objective of Right to Information Act is to- [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2007]

Correct Answer: (a) Secure access to information from public authorities.
Solution:According to Section 2 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 the 'Right to Information' means access to information controlled by public officials. Under the Right to Information records, documents and works can be inspected and the sample of the material can be taken. The Right to Information Act was passed on 11 May, 2005 by the Lok Sabha and on 12 May, 2005 by Rajya Sabha.

The RTI aims to:

  • Promote transparency in the functioning of public authorities
    Empower citizens by giving them access to government-held information
  • Reduce corruption and promote accountability among public officials
  • Strengthen democratic principles by ensuring people's right to know about administrative decisions and policies

22. Which High Court has said in its important decision that "the R.T.I. applicant should tell the reason for asking information under Right to Information"? [U.P.P.S.C. (R.L.) 2014]

Correct Answer: (d) Madras High Court
Solution:A division bench of Madras High Court comprising Justices N. Paul Vasanthakumar and K. Ravichandrababu said "an applicant must disclose the object for which the information is sought and also satisfy that such object has a legal backing," a decision which may have far reaching implications on getting information under the RTI Act. But any such obligations is not mentioned in Right to Information Act, 2005.

23. Which one of the following is not basic element of the citizen charter? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2021]

Correct Answer: (d) Provision for the inspection of the agency's work
Solution:The nine basic element of the Citizen charter are- Set standards of service. Be open and provide full information. Consult and involve. Encourage access and the promotion of choice. Treat all fairly. Put things right when they go wrong. Use resources effectively. Innovate and improve. Work with other provide. Hence option (4) is the correct answer.

About Citizen's Charter in India

  • The Citizen's Charter is a formal document jointly prepared by citizens and the administration to enhance service delivery, address grievances, and improve public satisfaction.
  • Often referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between citizens and administration, it represents a promise by public service organizations to uphold specified service standards.
  • While the Citizen's Charter is not legally enforceable, it acts as a critical tool for improving public services through the establishment of clear standards, timeframes, and expectations.
  • This voluntary commitment encourages accountability and ensures that services are demand-driven rather than supply-driven.

24. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2921]

Correct Answer: (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Solution:The Ministry of the Central Government dealing with Tribal Affairs or any officer or authority authorised by the Central Government on this behalf shall be the nodal agency for the implementation (Act. 12) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 In the performance of its duties and exercise of its powers by or under this Act, every authority referred to in Chapter IV shoal be subject to such general or Particular directions, as the Central Government may, from time to time, give in writing.

25. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (d) Gram Sabha
Solution:Under Section 6(1) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, the Gram Sabha has been given the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of these rights. After that, it is enquired at the Tehsil and District level.
  • The Forest Rights Act, 2006 also known as the Schedule Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006, is a landmark piece of legislation in India, which seeks to address the historical injustice faced by forest-dwelling communities by recognising their rights over the land and resources they have been dependent on for generations.
  • The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA 2006) represents a significant step toward securing the livelihoods of millions of India's forest-dwelling tribes and other traditional forest dwellers along with ensuring sustainable development.

26. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]

1. The right to a healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21.

2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1).

3. Power and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution:The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in accordance with right to a healthy environment, construed as a part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. By this Act, the National Green Tribunal was established on 18.10.2010 in the country.

The major objectives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India can be seen as follows:

  • To provide for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
  • To enforce any legal right relating to the environment and provide relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
  • To safeguard the basic right to have a safe environment for individuals as part of Article 21 of the Constitution. (Subhash Kumar vs State of Bihar).
  • To strengthen environmental governance and accountability in the country through its specialized and dedicated judicial mechanism.
  • To bring together legal experts and environmental scientists to deliver timely and informed decisions on a wide range of environmental issues.
  • To promote sustainable development practices and balance environmental concerns with the need for economic growth and development.
    To raise awareness and consciousness about environmental protection among the general public and policymakers

27. National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established by the Government of India in: [U.P. R.O.A.R.O.  (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2016]

Correct Answer: (d) 2010
Solution:The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in accordance with right to a healthy environment, construed as a part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. By this Act, the National Green Tribunal was established on 18.10.2010 in the country.

The major objectives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India can be seen as follows:

  • To provide for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
  • To enforce any legal right relating to the environment and provide relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
  • To safeguard the basic right to have a safe environment for individuals as part of Article 21 of the Constitution. (Subhash Kumar vs State of Bihar).
  • To strengthen environmental governance and accountability in the country through its specialized and dedicated judicial mechanism.
  • To bring together legal experts and environmental scientists to deliver timely and informed decisions on a wide range of environmental issues.
  • To promote sustainable development practices and balance environmental concerns with the need for economic growth and development.
    To raise awareness and consciousness about environmental protection among the general public and policymakers

28. Within how many days, an appeal can be made by an aggrieved person by decision of the National Green Tribunal to the Supreme Court? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (d) Ninety days
Solution:The National Green Tribunal was established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to the environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental to it. It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice The Tribunal has powers to review its own decisions. If this fails, the decision can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.

29. Which one of the following statements with respect to the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 is not true? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (b) Its purpose was to help the process of land reforms in India
Solution:The Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was enacted by British rulers, which came into effect on 1 March, 1894. Its purpose was not to promote the land reform process in India, but to make laws for land acquisition for public institutions, organizations and companies. This Act have been replaced by The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Why is land acquisition in India needed?

  • Land is a Scarce Resource: India holds only 2.4% of total land surface but hosts more than 18% of the world population.
  • Urban Expansion and Housing: By 2050, India is likely to have 850-900 million people living in urban spaces. As cities expand and populations grow, land acquisition becomes essential.
  • Economic Growth: Land is required for establishing industries, manufacturing units, etc.
  • Energy Projects: Land acquisition is essential for the development of power plants, renewable energy projects, and other energy-related initiatives such as the Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat, etc

30. Which of the following labour related Acts have been amalgamated into the 'Code on Wages, 20197. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

I. Minimum Wages Act

II. Payment of Bonus Act

III. The Contract Labour Act

IV. Equal Remuneration Act

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Correct Answer: (c) I, II and IV only
Solution:The Code on Wages, 2019 replaces the following four laws

(i) The Payment of Wages Act, 1936,

(ii) The Minimum Wages Act, 1948,

(iii) The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965,

(iv) The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.