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The Election Commission mandates recognized political parties to conduct regular organizational elections and maintain membership records as per the Election Symbols Order, 1968.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Election Symbols Order, 1968: Recognized parties must: (a) Conduct organizational elections periodically, (b) Maintain membership records, (c) Submit audited accounts to ECI, (d) Follow internal democratic procedures. Non-compliance can lead to derecognition. Aims to promote inner-party democracy, though enforcement remains challenging due to lack of statutory backing.
Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' (simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections) would require constitutional amendments to Articles 83 and 172 regarding tenure of Houses.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Articles 83(2) and 172(1): Lok Sabha/State Assembly term is 5 years unless dissolved earlier. For simultaneous elections: (a) Need to synchronize terms, possibly curtailing/extending tenure, (b) May require amendments to Articles 83, 172, 356 (President's Rule), (c) Requires political consensus and possibly ratification by States if affecting federal provisions. Law Commission (2018) and ECI have recommended exploring feasibility.
Under Section 29B of Representation of People Act, 1951, political parties must disclose donations above ₹20,000 to the Election Commission.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Section 29B, R.P. Act: Political parties can accept donations; donations above ₹20,000 must be reported to ECI with donor details. Electoral Bonds Scheme (2018-2024) allowed anonymous donations via banks, but Supreme Court struck it down in 2024 (ADR case) citing transparency and right to information. Ongoing debate on political funding reforms.
The Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates during elections is a statutory provision enforceable by courts.
- True
- False
Answer: False
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 326 guarantees elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of universal adult suffrage for citizens aged 18 years and above.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 326: Elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies shall be on basis of adult suffrage: every citizen aged 18+ years (reduced from 21 by 61st Amendment, 1988) not disqualified under Constitution or law on grounds of non-residence, unsound mind, crime, or corrupt/illegal practice, is entitled to be registered as voter. Foundation of representative democracy in India.
Rights-based legislations increasingly recognize intersectional vulnerabilities; for example, the NFSA gives priority to women, children, and marginalized groups in identifying beneficiaries.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Intersectionality in rights legislation: Recognizes that disadvantages multiply across identities (gender, caste, disability, location). Examples: (a) NFSA: Priority to women (eldest woman head of household for ration card), children (ICDS, mid-day meals), SC/ST households, (b) RTE: 25% reservation for EWS/disadvantaged groups including SC/ST, (c) RPwD Act: Special provisions for women/girls with disabilities. Holistic approach ensures rights reach most marginalized; requires disaggregated data, targeted outreach, inclusive implementation.
Rights-based legislations typically establish dedicated monitoring bodies; for example, the RTE Act mandates constitution of National/State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights to monitor implementation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rights-based legislations often create monitoring architecture: (a) RTE Act: NCPCR/SCPCRs monitor implementation, inquire into violations, (b) NFSA: State Food Commissions monitor PDS, (c) MGNREGA: Social audits by Gram Sabhas, independent evaluations, (d) RTI Act: Information Commissions adjudicate appeals. These bodies provide: (a) Expert oversight, (b) Grievance redressal, (c) Policy recommendations. Effectiveness depends on independence, capacity, resources, and government responsiveness to recommendations.
Technology platforms like Aadhaar-based authentication, DBT, and mobile apps have improved the delivery of benefits under rights-based legislations by reducing leakages and enhancing transparency.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Technology in rights-based delivery: (a) Aadhaar seeding: Reduces ghost beneficiaries in PDS (NFSA), MGNREGA, (b) Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Ensures wages/subsidies reach beneficiaries directly, (c) Mobile apps: RTI online filing, MGNREGA muster roll access, NFSA ration tracking, (d) GIS mapping: Monitor infrastructure under RTE, MGNREGA. Challenges: Digital divide, privacy concerns, exclusion errors due to authentication failures. Technology is enabler, not substitute for robust institutions and human oversight.
The PC-PNDT Act, 1994 prohibits sex selection before and after conception to prevent female foeticide and improve child sex ratio.
- True
- False
Answer: True
PC-PNDT Act, 1994 (amended 2003): Prohibits: (a) Use of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex selection, (b) Sale/distribution/use of ultrasound machines without registration, (c) Communication of sex of foetus. Provides for: (a) Regulation of genetic counselling centres, laboratories, clinics, (b) Penalties: imprisonment, fine, license cancellation. Implementation challenges: clandestine practices, social son preference, need for community mobilization alongside enforcement. Critical for addressing gender-biased sex selection.
The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for women in establishments with 10 or more employees.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Key changes: (a) Paid maternity leave: 26 weeks (up from 12) for first two children, (b) 12 weeks for adoptive/commissioning mothers, (c) Crèche facility mandatory for establishments with 50+ employees, (d) Work from home option after maternity period. Aims to improve maternal/child health, women's workforce participation. Challenges: potential disincentive for employers to hire women, need for state support for small enterprises.
Rights-based legislations like RTE Act, NFSA, MGNREGA create legally enforceable rights, and citizens can approach courts for their enforcement if the State fails to provide entitled benefits.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rights-based legislations transform policy commitments into justiciable rights: (a) RTE Act: Parents can approach courts if child denied admission, (b) NFSA: Beneficiaries can seek grievance redressal, (c) MGNREGA: Workers can claim unemployment allowance if work not provided. However, enforcement depends on: (a) Awareness of rights, (b) Access to grievance mechanisms, (c) Administrative capacity, (d) Judicial responsiveness. Rights on paper require institutional mechanisms and political will for effective realization.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 overrides the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and no information can be denied solely on grounds of being classified under OSA.
- True
- False
Answer: False
RTI Act, Section 8(1): Lists exemptions including information which would prejudicially affect: (a) Sovereignty/integrity of India, (b) Security, strategic, scientific, economic interests of State, (c) Relation with foreign State, (d) Incitement to offence. Such information may be denied even if not explicitly covered by OSA. However, Section 8(2): Even exempt information must be disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm. Balances transparency with legitimate security concerns; courts decide on case-by-case basis.
The RTE Act, 2009 applies to all States and Union Territories except Jammu and Kashmir (prior to 2019).
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTE Act, 2009: Applies to all India except J&K (which had separate Constitution under Article 370). Post-abrogation of Article 370 (2019), RTE Act extended to J&K. Act mandates: (a) Free education for 6-14 years, (b) 25% reservation in private unaided schools for EWS/disadvantaged groups, (c) No detention policy (modified by 2019 amendment), (d) Teacher qualification standards. Implementation varies across States; challenges include infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, learning outcomes.
Under the Lokpal Act, 2013, NGOs receiving foreign contribution above ₹10 lakh or government funding above ₹1 crore are brought within Lokpal's jurisdiction.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Lokpal Act, 2013, Section 14: Extends jurisdiction to: (a) Public servants as defined in Prevention of Corruption Act, (b) Any person who is/has been Chairperson, member, officer, director of a society/trust/body corporate/NGO: (i) Receiving foreign contribution above ₹10 lakh under FCRA, OR (ii) Receiving government funding above ₹1 crore, OR (iii) Having annual income above ₹1 crore. Ensures accountability of entities handling public resources, but raises concerns about regulatory overreach on civil society.
The Digital India initiative aims to transform governance through technology by ensuring government services are made available to citizens electronically, improving online infrastructure, and increasing internet connectivity.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Digital India (launched 2015): Three vision areas: (1) Digital infrastructure as utility to every citizen, (2) Governance and services on demand, (3) Digital empowerment of citizens. Key components: BharatNet (rural broadband), Common Service Centres, e-Governance platforms (UMANG, DigiLocker), digital payments. Aims to improve transparency, efficiency, accessibility of public services; reduce corruption through technology-enabled accountability.
The National Human Rights Commission has the powers of a civil court while inquiring into complaints, including summoning witnesses and requiring discovery of documents.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, Section 13: NHRC has powers of civil court under Code of Civil Procedure for: (a) Summoning/enforcing attendance of witnesses, (b) Discovering/producing documents, (c) Receiving evidence on affidavits, (d) Requisitioning public records, (e) Issuing commissions for witness examination. However, NHRC recommendations are not binding; implementation depends on government response. Balances investigative powers with executive implementation responsibility.
All States in India have established Lokayuktas with uniform powers and jurisdiction as mandated by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Mandates States to establish Lokayuktas within one year, but States have flexibility in design: powers, jurisdiction, composition vary. Some States had Lokayuktas before 2013 (e.g., Maharashtra, 1971); others enacted laws later. As of 2024, not all States have functional Lokayuktas. Highlights challenges in implementing uniform accountability mechanisms across India's diverse federal structure.
The Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, 2005 mandates social audit of works by Gram Sabhas to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
MGNREGA, Section 17: Mandates social audit of all projects by Gram Sabha. Social audit involves: (a) Public verification of records, expenditure, beneficiary selection, (b) Gram Sabha discussion and approval, (c) Action on findings. Empowers citizens to monitor implementation, detect corruption, ensure accountability. Model extended to other schemes. Foundation of participatory governance at grassroots level.
Under Section 8 of the RTI Act, information relating to cabinet papers including records of Council of Ministers is exempt from disclosure until the decision is implemented and reasons are made public.
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTI Act, Section 8(1)(i): Exempts cabinet papers including records of Council of Ministers, Secretaries, etc., until decision implemented and reasons made public. However, once decision taken and matter complete, exemption ceases. Section 8(2): Even exempt information must be disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm to protected interests. Balances transparency with effective governance and collective responsibility.
The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners at Union and State levels are appointed by the President/Governor on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister/Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and a Union Cabinet Minister/State Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister/Chief Minister.
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTI Act, 2005 (Section 15 for CIC, Section 16 for SICs): Appointment committee: (a) Union: PM (Chairperson), LoP in Lok Sabha, Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM, (b) State: CM (Chairperson), LoP in Assembly, State Cabinet Minister nominated by CM. 2019 Amendment changed tenure and salary conditions to be prescribed by Central Government, raising concerns about executive influence on Information Commissions' independence.