GK Questions

Article 149: CAG audits: (a) Union Government accounts, (b) State Government accounts, (c) Bodies substantially financed by Union/State funds (as Parliament/State Legislature may prescribe). CAG reports on Union accounts submitted to President (laid before Parliament); on State accounts to Governor (laid before State Legislature). Ensures financial accountability at all levels.

Article 148(1): CAG appointed by President. Article 148(1) proviso: CAG can be removed only like Supreme Court Judge (Article 124): Presidential order after Parliament address with special majority on grounds of proved misbehaviour/incapacity. Ensures CAG's independence to audit government accounts without fear or favour.

Article 317: UPSC member can be removed by President on grounds of: (a) insolvency, (b) engaging in paid employment outside duties, (c) infirmity of mind/body, (d) misbehaviour. For misbehaviour, President must refer matter to Supreme Court; removal only if SC upholds charges after inquiry. Ensures due process and protects members from arbitrary removal.

Article 322: UPSC expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India (not subject to annual parliamentary vote). Similar provision for State PSCs (Article 322). Financial insulation protects UPSC from executive pressure, ensuring impartial conduct of recruitment and advisory functions. Critical for merit-based civil services.

Article 320: UPSC functions include: (a) Conduct exams for Union services, (b) Advise on appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary matters, (c) Advise on suitability of candidates. However, appointments to All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) are made by President; UPSC only conducts exams and recommends candidates. Executive makes final appointments.

Article 315(1): UPSC comprises Chairman + members as President determines. Currently, UPSC has 1 Chairman + up to 10 members. Members appointed by President; half should be civil servants with 10+ years experience. Ensures expertise in recruitment while maintaining institutional independence from executive.

MCC is not statutory; it's a set of guidelines evolved by consensus among political parties and enforced by EC under Article 324's plenary powers. Violations can lead to EC actions: censure, campaign ban, derecognition, but not criminal prosecution. Supreme Court has upheld EC's power to enforce MCC as part of 'direction and control' of elections.

Article 324(1): EC has plenary power over: (a) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections, (b) State Legislative Assembly and Council elections, (c) Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. Includes preparation of electoral rolls, conduct of polls, enforcement of model code, recognition of parties. Makes EC one of world's most powerful election authorities.

Article 324(5): CEC can be removed only by Presidential order after Parliament passes address with special majority (majority of total membership + 2/3 present and voting) on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Same procedure as Supreme Court Judge removal (Article 124). Other ECs can be removed only on CEC's recommendation. Ensures EC's independence from executive.

Article 324(2): President appoints CEC and ECs. Conventionally, appointments made based on recommendations of selection committee. 2023 Supreme Court judgment (Anoop Baranwal case) mandated selection committee: PM + Leader of Opposition + CJI. Parliament can make alternative law; as of 2024, new law under consideration. Aims to depoliticize appointments.

Article 324(2): President determines number of Election Commissioners. Currently, EC has CEC + 2 ECs (multi-member body since 1989). President appoints them; CEC can be removed only like Supreme Court Judge; ECs can be removed only on CEC's recommendation. Ensures independence while allowing flexible composition.

73rd/74th Amendments aim to: (a) Decentralize power/functions/funds to local levels, (b) Ensure inclusive participation through reservations, (c) Enhance accountability via Gram Sabha/social audit, (d) Promote participatory planning. Not about creating parallel structures but strengthening federalism's third tier. Realizing this vision requires continuous political will, capacity building, and citizen engagement.

e-GramSwaraj: Web-based platform for Panchayat planning, accounting, monitoring. Integrates with PFMS for direct fund transfers, GIS for asset mapping, and public dashboards for transparency. Part of Digital India initiative to strengthen grassroots governance through technology. Enhances efficiency, accountability, and citizen access to services.

Research (e.g., Chattopadhyay & Duflo, 2004) indicates women leaders in Panchayats prioritize public goods aligned with women's needs: drinking water, sanitation, education, health. Reservation has also increased women's political participation beyond quotas, challenged gender stereotypes, and empowered women at grassroots. Demonstrates transformative potential of inclusive decentralization.

Constitution does not explicitly mandate capacity building; Article 243G/W empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats/Municipalities with powers/functions. Training is typically provided by State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs), National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), and other agencies. Capacity gaps remain a challenge for effective decentralization.

MGNREGA, 2005: Mandates social audit of works by Gram Sabha to ensure transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Social audit involves public verification of records, expenditure, beneficiary selection. Has been extended to other schemes. Strengthens grassroots democracy by empowering citizens to monitor local governance.

While 73rd/74th Amendments institutionalized local self-government, implementation gaps persist: (a) Irregular elections in some States, (b) Inadequate devolution of functions/funds/functionaries (3 Fs), (c) Limited capacity building, (d) Political interference in State Election Commissions. Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) highlighted need for genuine empowerment. Progress is uneven but significant.

PESA Act, 1996: Extends Part IX to Fifth Schedule areas (tribal areas in 10 States) with modifications: (a) Gram Sabha as primary unit, (b) Consultation with Gram Sabha for land acquisition, mining leases, etc., (c) Protection of tribal customs, community resources, traditional management. Empowers tribal self-governance while integrating with constitutional framework.

Article 243L: Part IX (Panchayats) has exceptions: States <20 lakhs population, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, hill areas of Manipur, scheduled areas (Fifth Schedule), Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. Article 243M: Part IXA (Municipalities) applies to UTs as President may specify by notification. Allows tailored decentralization for diverse regions.

Article 243J: State Legislature may make provisions for maintenance/audit of Panchayat/Municipality accounts. CAG audits only if State law so provides. Most States have local fund audit departments. CAG's role is limited to grants/loans from Consolidated Fund. Ensures accountability while respecting State autonomy over local bodies.