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18. Previous Years’ Questions
1. The practice of passing of bills without the scrutiny by the parliamentary standing committees undermines their significance and sets a wrong precedent. Discuss.Answer:2. How is structure and electoral process of Rajya Sabha different from Lok Sabha? Do you think Rajya Sabha has been able to perform its envisaged role in recent times?Answer:Structural differences:3. The crucial position accorded to the Speaker in Indian legislatures, makes it imperative to protect them from undue political pressures and incentives. Examine.Answer:4. What are the grounds for disqualification of members of legislatures under the Tenth Schedule of Indian Constitution? Analyse the merits and demerits of having such provisions in a parliamentary democracy like India.Answer:MeritsDemerits5. Vast powers have been vested in the office of the Speaker to strengthen the democratic institutions of the parliamentary system, and not to stifle dissent or protest in the House. Comment in the context of India.Answer:6. Elaborate the process of legislation in the Indian Parliament for an ordinary bill. How is a money bill different from an ordinary bill?Answer:Differences b/w ordinary and money bill:7. Privileges should be defined and delimited for the free and independent functioning of the legislatures. In this context, discuss whether there is a need to re-examine the balance between fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges in India.Answer:However there are some concerns:Way Forward8. The Departmentally-Related Standing Committees have been referred to as mini- parliaments in India. Highlight their relevance in a democratic polity and discuss, with examples, how they improve the overall effectiveness of the Parliament.Answer:Relevance in a democratic polity:Improving overall effectiveness:9. The Rajya Sabha is merely a secondary house rather than a second house in the Indian Parliamentary system. Critically analyze the statement. Also, compare and contrast the position of the Rajya Sabha vis-à-vis the State legislative councils.Answer:Position of the RS vis-à-vis State Legislative Councils (SLCs):10. It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns.Answer:Reasons for decline in parliamentary efficacyFollowing measures are required to restore the credibility of the Parliament:11. Parliamentary committees increase the efficiency and expertise of Parliament. In this context, examine the role played by public accounts committee and suggest measures to further strengthen it.Answer:Role played by Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC)12. List the parliamentary mechanisms available for the scrutiny of regulators. Also, discuss major steps through which parliamentary oversight of regulators can be strengthened.Answer:13. Parliamentary scrutiny over public finance is an important aspect of governmental accountability. In this context, discuss the role, importance and challenges in establishing a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) for effective oversight of budgetary process.Answer:Role:Significance:Challenges:14. Parliamentary privileges are not always used for the aims they were intended to serve. In this context, discuss the need for codification of these privileges in light of recent developments.Answer:
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