50

Question 50

The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through
1. Adjournment motion
2. Question hour
3. Supplementary questions
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

AOptions

A
A) 1 only
B
B) 2 and 3 only
C
C) 1 and 3 only
D
D) 1, 2 and 3

BSolution

The Indian Parliament, particularly the Lok Sabha, exercises control over the Council of Ministers through various mechanisms to ensure their accountability:

1. Adjournment motion: This motion is introduced in the Parliament to draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance. If admitted, it leads to a discussion, often critical of the government's actions or inactions, thus holding the Council of Ministers accountable.

2. Question hour: The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is allotted for Question Hour. During this time, Members of Parliament ask questions to ministers on various administrative aspects, and ministers are obliged to answer. This is a crucial mechanism for accountability.

3. Supplementary questions: When a question is asked during the Question Hour, the minister provides an answer. Members of Parliament can then ask supplementary questions arising out of the original answer, seeking further clarification or information. This deepens the scrutiny and reinforces accountability.

All three are effective tools used by the Parliament to control and hold the Council of Ministers responsible.

Diagram for Q50

CStrategy

For questions on parliamentary procedures, understand the purpose and function of various motions and sessions (e.g., Question Hour, Adjournment Motion, No-confidence motion). These are direct mechanisms of executive accountability to the legislature.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Indian Polity, specifically the functions of Parliament and its control over the Executive.

EQuestion Analysis

Easy to Medium. These are standard tools of parliamentary oversight.