Indian Polity - Parliament Part - II

Indian Polity — Parliament (Part-V: Articles 79-122)

Figure 1: Parliament's financial procedures, committees, and privileges are frequently tested in UPSC examinations.

1. Budget Enactment

• Until 2017, the Government of India had two separate budgets: the Railway Budget and the General Budget.
• The Railway Budget was separated from the General Budget in 1924 following the recommendations of the Aaworth Committee Report (1921).

Constitutional Provisions for Budget Enactment

• Presidential Presentation: The President presents the estimated receipts and expenditures for the year to both Houses of Parliament (Article 112). [UPSC 2024]
• Grant Recommendations: No demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President (Article 113).
• Withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund: No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) except under law (Article 114).
• Tax Bills: No money bill imposing tax can be introduced in Parliament without the President's recommendation, and such a bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha (Article 117).
• Authority of Law: No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law (Article 265).
• Tax Reduction: Parliament can reduce or abolish a tax but cannot increase it.
• Demand for Grants: The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to vote on demands for grants; this is the exclusive privilege of the Lok Sabha (Article 113).

Stages in the Enactment of Budget

1. Presentation of Budget
2. General Discussion
3. Scrutiny by Departmental Committees
4. Voting on Demands for Grants
5. Passing of Appropriation Bill
6. Passing of Finance Bill

1. Presentation of Budget

• The budget is traditionally presented to the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister on the last working day of February. Since 2017, this has been advanced to February 1.
• The budget can be presented in two or more parts, each treated as the entire budget.
• There is no discussion on the budget on the day it is presented.

2. General Discussion

• A general discussion on the budget starts a few days after its presentation and usually lasts for three to four days in both Houses of Parliament.
• During this stage, the Lok Sabha can discuss the budget as a whole or on any underlying principles, but no cut motions can be moved, and the budget cannot be voted on.
• The Finance Minister has a right to reply at the end of the discussion.

3. Scrutiny by Departmental Committees

• After the general discussion, both Houses adjourn for about three to four weeks.
• The 24 departmental standing committees examine and discuss the demands for grants in detail and prepare reports.
• These reports are submitted to both Houses for consideration, enhancing parliamentary financial control over ministries.

4. Voting on Demands for Grants

• Based on the reports of the departmental standing committees, the Lok Sabha votes on the demands for grants, presented ministry-wise.
• A demand becomes a grant after being duly voted.
• The Lok Sabha exclusively votes on demands, and the expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India is not submitted to the vote.

Cut Motions

• Each demand is voted on separately, and members can discuss the budget's details and propose cut motions, which are classified as:
  • Policy Cut: Disapproval of the policy underlying the demand, reducing the amount to ₹1.
  • Economy Cut: Reduction of the demand by a specified amount.
  • Token Cut: Ventilation of a specific grievance, reducing the demand by ₹100.

Conditions for Admissibility of Cut Motions

• Pertaining to a single demand.
• Clearly expressed, free from arguments or defamatory statements.
• Focus on one specific matter.
• Not suggest amendments or repeal existing laws.
• Address matters concerning the Union government.
• Not related to expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund.

5. Passing of Appropriation Bill

• After the demands are voted, the Appropriation Bill is introduced to authorise the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• It must be passed before the start of the new financial year.

6. Passing of Finance Bill

• The Finance Bill is introduced annually to implement the financial proposals of the Government of India for the next fiscal year.
• It is treated as a Money Bill and can be subject to amendment related to taxes.
• The Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1931 mandates the Finance Bill's enactment within 75 days.
• The Finance Act finalises the budget process by legislating the income side of the budget.

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2024: The President presents the estimated receipts and expenditures for the year to both Houses of Parliament (Article 112). Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2015: No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except in accordance with a parliamentary law. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2011: All revenues received by the Union Government are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. Answer: True.

2. Vote on Account and Interim Budget

Vote on Account

• To address functional difficulties in passing the Appropriation Bill, the Constitution allows the Lok Sabha to make advance grants for estimated expenditure for part of the financial year.
• This provision, known as the 'Vote on Account', is generally granted for two months for an amount equivalent to one-sixth of the total estimates, passed after the general discussion.
• A vote-on-account can be passed by the Lok Sabha without discussion.
• Vote on Account cannot change the Direct Taxes at any cost.

Comparison: Interim Budget vs Vote on Account

Interim Budget	Vote on Account
- Presented by the government if it does not have the time to present a full budget, or if general elections are approaching. - Requires parliamentary approval for incurring expenditure in the new financial year until a new budget is passed.	- Provision by which the government seeks Parliament's approval for funds sufficient to bear expenditure till formation of a new government. - Lists only the expenditure borne by the government. - Can be passed by the Lok Sabha without discussion. - Cannot change Direct Taxes. - Can be passed through the interim budget. - Only deals with expenditure in the Government's budget. [UPSC 2011]

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2011: A vote-on-account only deals with the expenditure in the Government's budget. Answer: True.

3. Comparison Between Different Types of Funds

Consolidated Fund of India	Public Account of India	Contingency Fund of India
Article 266 - All receipts are credited and all payments are debited. - All legally authorised payments on behalf of the GoI are made out of this fund. - No money out of this fund can be issued except in accordance with a parliamentary law. [UPSC 2015]	Article 266 - All public money other than those which are credited to the CFI shall be credited here. - Includes PF deposits, Judicial deposits, Savings Banks deposits, Departmental deposits, Remittances and so on. - Operated by executive action.	Article 267 - Amounts determined by Parliament by law are paid from time to time into this fund. - Placed at the disposal of the President, and he can make advances out of it to meet unforeseen expenditure. - Held by the finance secretary on behalf of the president. It is operated by executive action.

NOTE

The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from The Parliament of India. All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. [UPSC 2011]

Parliamentary control over public finance in India by:

• Placing Annual Financial Statement before the Parliament
• Withdrawal of money from Consolidated Fund of India only after passing the Appropriation Bill
• Provisions of supplementary grants and vote-on accounts
• Introducing the Finance Bill in the Parliament [UPSC 2012]

4. Various Kinds of Grants

Grant Type	Description
Supplementary Grant (Article 115)	Issued when Budgeted funds are insufficient for a particular service for the year.
Additional Grant (Article 115)	Allocated for new services, unforeseen at the budget's formulation.
Excess Grant (Article 115)	Provided when spending exceeds the budgeted amount; requires Lok Sabha vote post-financial year and approval by the Public Accounts Committee.
Vote of Credit (Article 116)	For unexpected demands, akin to a blank cheque from Lok Sabha to the Executive, due to the service's large scale or indefinite nature.
Exceptional Grant (Article 116)	Given for special purposes outside of the regular services of the financial year.
Token Grant	Approved when the expense on a new service is met through reappropriation; entails voting for a token sum (Re 1) to reallocate funds, without additional spending.

5. Position of Rajya Sabha with Respect to Lok Sabha

Equal Status With Lok Sabha	Unequal Status With Lok Sabha	Special Powers to Rajya Sabha
- Ordinary bills - Constitutional amendment bills [UPSC 2020, 2013] - Financial bills involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India - Election and Impeachment of the President - Recommendation to the President for the removal of Chief Justice and judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, CEC and CAG - Election and removal of the Vice President - Approval of ordinance issued by President	- Money bills can be introduced only in LS. RS has no power to amend/reject the Money Bill. [UPSC 2015] - Lok Sabha can either accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha. - Final power to decide whether a particular bill is a Money Bill or not is vested in the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. - Financial Bill introduced only in LS. - Speaker presides over joint sitting. - RS can only discuss Budget but cannot vote on demand for grants [UPSC 2015] - Resolution for discontinuance of national emergency passed only by LS - No Confidence Motion can only be initiated in LS [UPSC 2022, 2014]	- Article 249: RS can authorise parliament to make law on state list subjects by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting. [UPSC 2016] - Article 312: RS can authorise parliament to create All India Services common to both centre and State. [UPSC 2012] - Article 67: RS alone can initiate a move for the removal of the Vice-President. - Article 352, 356 and 360: Proclamation issued by the President for imposing emergency on the President.

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2015: Money bills can be introduced only in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha has no power to amend/reject the Money Bill. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2015: Rajya Sabha can only discuss Budget but cannot vote on demand for grants. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2016: Article 249 allows Rajya Sabha to authorise Parliament to make law on state list subjects by a special majority. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2012: Article 312 allows Rajya Sabha to authorise Parliament to create All India Services. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2022/2014: No Confidence Motion can only be initiated in Lok Sabha. Answer: True.

6. Parliamentary Privileges

• Parliamentary privileges: special rights, immunities and exemptions enjoyed by the two Houses of Parliament, their committees, and their members.
• The Constitution also extended it to the Attorney General of India, but the parliamentary privileges do not extend to the President who is also an integral part of the Parliament.

Collective Privileges

• Right to publish its reports, debates and proceedings; right to prohibit others from publishing the same.
• Hold secret sittings excluding strangers from its proceedings.
• Make rules to regulate its own procedure and the conduct of its business and to adjudicate upon such matters.
• Punish members as well as outsiders for breach of its privileges or its contempt.
• Right to receive immediate information of the arrest, detention, conviction, imprisonment and release of a member.
• Inquiries and orders the attendance of witnesses and sends for relevant papers and records.
• Courts are prohibited to inquire into the proceedings of a House or its committees.
• No person (either a member or outsider) can be arrested, and no legal process (civil or criminal) can be served within the precincts of the House without the permission of the presiding officer.

Individual Privileges

• Cannot be arrested during the session of Parliament and 40 days before the beginning and 40 days after the end of a session (applicable only in civil cases and not in criminal cases or preventive detention cases).
• Freedom of Speech: No member is liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or its committees.
• Exempted from Jury Service: He/She can refuse to give evidence and appear as a witness in a case pending in a court when Parliament is in session.

Sources of Privileges

• Originally, the Constitution (Article 105) mentioned two privileges: freedom of speech in Parliament & right of publication of its proceedings.
• Till now parliament has not made any special law to exhaustively codify all the privileges.
• They are based on five sources, namely: Constitutional provisions; Various laws made by Parliament; Rules of both the Houses; Parliamentary conventions; and Judicial interpretations.

Breach of Privileges

• When any individual or authority disregards or attacks any of the privileges, rights and immunities, either of the members individually or of the House in its collective capacity, it is punishable by the House.

Sovereignty of Parliament

• Sovereignty: supreme power within the State; no 'legal' restrictions on its authority and jurisdiction.
• The doctrine of 'sovereignty of Parliament' is associated with the British Parliament means supreme power in Great Britain lies with the Parliament.
• Indian Parliament cannot be regarded as a sovereign body in the similar sense as there are 'legal' restrictions on its authority and jurisdiction. [UPSC 2021]

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2021: Indian Parliament cannot be regarded as a sovereign body as there are legal restrictions on its authority and jurisdiction. Answer: True.

7. Parliamentary Committees

• Parliamentary committees are of two kinds:
  • Standing Committees: Permanent (constituted every year or periodically), work on a continuous basis
  • Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary and cease to exist on completion of the task assigned to them. These are of two types: Inquiry Committees and Advisory Committees.

Important Parliamentary Committees

Committee	Description	Composition
Estimates Committee	- Origin traced to standing financial committee set up in 1921. - First Estimates Committee in post-independence era set up in 1950 on recommendation of John Mathai. - Function: To examine the budget and also suggest economies of public expenditure.	30 members all from LS (largest committee). [UPSC 2014] - Elected every year by proportional representation by single transferable vote. - Minister cannot be a member.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)	- Set up first in 1921 under GOI Act 1919. - Function: Examines CAG Audit report and discovers irregularities. [UPSC 2013] - Examines public expenditure from point of view of economy, prudence, wisdom and propriety. [UPSC 2013] - CAG - friend, philosopher, and guide for PAC.	22 = 15(LS) + 7(RS) [UPSC 2013] - Elected for one year by proportional representation by single transferable vote. - Chairman from Opposition (since 1967). - Minister cannot be a member.
Public Undertakings Committee	- Krishna Menon Committee 1964. - Function: To examine reports and accounts of public sector undertakings. - Recommendations are advisory and not binding on the ministries.	- Originally 15 members (10 LS + 5 RS). - In 1974, membership raised to 22 (15 LS + 7 RS). - Minister cannot be a member.
Departmental Standing Committees	- On recommendation of Rules committees of Lok Sabha (1993). - In 2004, number increased from 17 to 24. - Functions: To examine bills, demand of grants and other matters.	31 = 21(LS) + 10(RS) - Members nominated by respective presiding officers. - Term: one year. - Minister not eligible. - 8 under Rajya Sabha, 16 under Lok Sabha.

Other Committees

Committee	Purpose	Composition
Rules Committee	Considers procedural matters and recommends amendments to House rules.	15 members (LS), 16 members (RS)
Business Advisory Committee	Regulates the program and timetable of the House.	15 members (LS), 16 members (RS)
Committee on Government Assurances	Examines assurances given by the government to the House.	15 members (LS), 10 members (RS)
Committee on Subordinate Legislation	Oversees rules and regulations made by authorities under legislative powers. [UPSC 2018]	15 members (LS), 10 members (RS)
Committee on Welfare of SC and ST	Focuses on issues affecting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.	30 members (20 LS + 10 RS)
Committee on Empowerment of Women	Addresses issues related to women's empowerment.	30 members (20 LS + 10 RS)
Ethics Committee	Oversees ethical conduct and behaviour among members.	No fixed strength; separate for both Houses

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2014: Estimates Committee has 30 members all from Lok Sabha (largest committee). Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2013: Public Accounts Committee has 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS). Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2013: PAC examines public expenditure from legal and formal point of view as well as from economy, prudence, wisdom and propriety. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2018: Committee on Subordinate Legislation oversees rules and regulations. Answer: True.

8. Cabinet Committees

• Extra constitutional in emergence. The executive in India works under the Government of India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961.
• These Rules emerge from Article 77(3) of the Constitution, which states: "The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministries of the said business."
• Set up by the Prime Minister (PM); aims to reduce the workload of cabinet; varies membership from 3-8; includes minister in charge; includes senior ministers; and takes decisions which are reviewed by cabinet.
• Two types: Standing committee or Permanent committee and Ad hoc committee or temporary, for a special purpose.
• They are mostly headed by the Prime Minister. Sometimes other senior Cabinet ministers also act as their Chairman. But, in case the Prime Minister is a member of a committee, he/she invariably presides over it.

Important Cabinet Committees

Cabinet Committee	Purpose	Composition
Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs	Addresses policy matters related to foreign and domestic affairs. (Super-Cabinet)	Key cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs	Directs and coordinates governmental activities in the economic sphere.	Ministers responsible for finance, planning, and economic portfolios
Appointment Committee of the Cabinet	Decides higher-level appointments in central secretariat, public enterprises, banks, and financial institutions.	Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs
Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs	Oversees the progress of government business in Parliament.	Ministers from various departments, often led by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
Cabinet Committee on Security	Responsible for national security and defence policy issues.	Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and key security officials
Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth	Promotes investment and fosters economic growth.	Ministers from finance, commerce, and industry sectors
Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development	Enhances employment opportunities and promotes skill development initiatives.	Ministers from labour, skill development, and education
Cabinet Committee on Accommodation	Manages the allocation and maintenance of government accommodation for officials.	Ministers responsible for housing and urban development

Cabinet Secretariat

• The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister.
• The administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. [UPSC 2015]
• The business allocated to Cabinet Secretariat under Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 includes:
  • Secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees
  • Rules of Business
  • Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings & Secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees [UPSC 2014]

Administrative Reforms

• Report on Reorganisation of the Machinery of Central Government (1950): N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar recommended grouping ministries and enhancing personnel capabilities in the O&M Division but did not propose a minister or secretary for administrative reform. [UPSC 2021]
• Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): The 1st ARC recommended designating a minister and secretary specifically for promoting administrative reform. [UPSC 2021]
• Establishment of the Department of Personnel: In 1970, the Department of Personnel was established based on ARC recommendations under the Cabinet Secretariat. In 1985, it came under the Prime Minister's charge, assisted by a Minister of State. [UPSC 2021]

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2015: Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2014: Cabinet Secretariat prepares agenda for Cabinet Meetings and provides secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2021: N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar recommended grouping ministries and enhancing personnel capabilities. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2021: 1st ARC recommended designating a minister and secretary for promoting administrative reform. Answer: True.
• UPSC Prelims 2021: Department of Personnel was established in 1970 based on ARC recommendations. Answer: True.

9. 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinivyam)

Objective

• The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinivyam Act reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the NCT of Delhi, effective after the next delimitation exercise.

Key Provisions

• Amended Articles:
  • Article 239AA: Reserves one-third of seats for women in the NCT of Delhi's Legislative Assembly.
• Inserted Articles:
  • Article 330A: Reserves one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women, including SC/ST seats.
  • Article 332A: Reserves one-third of State Assembly seats for women, including SC/ST seats.
  • Article 334A: Provisions take effect after delimitation, with a 15-year sunset clause for review and extension. [UPSC 2024]

Key Features

• Lok Sabha: One-third of seats reserved for women, including SC/ST allocations, with periodic rotation among states.
• State Assemblies: One-third reservation for women, including in direct elections.
• NCT of Delhi: Specific reservation of one-third of seats for women.
• Review: Reservation provisions to be reviewed after 70 years; can be extended by Parliament.
• Rotation: Seats reserved for women to be periodically rotated after delimitation.

📝 UPSC Previous Year Questions:

• UPSC Prelims 2024: Article 334A provides for a 15-year sunset clause for review and extension of women's reservation. Answer: True.

10. Summary: Parliament (Part 2) at a Glance

Aspect	Key Details
Budget Presentation	Article 112 | Finance Minister | February 1 (since 2017)
Vote on Account	Advance grants for 2 months | Passed without discussion | Cannot change Direct Taxes [UPSC 2011]
Consolidated Fund	Article 266 | All receipts credited | Withdrawal only by parliamentary law [UPSC 2015]
Contingency Fund	Article 267 | President can make advances for unforeseen expenditure
Cut Motions	Policy Cut (₹1), Economy Cut (specified amount), Token Cut (₹100)
Rajya Sabha Special Powers	Article 249 (state list), Article 312 (All India Services), Article 67 (VP removal)
Parliamentary Privileges	Article 105 | Freedom of speech | Publication of proceedings | Sources: Constitutional provisions, laws, rules, conventions, judicial interpretations
Estimates Committee	30 members (all LS) | Largest committee | Examines budget and suggests economies [UPSC 2014]
Public Accounts Committee	22 members (15 LS + 7 RS) | Chairman from Opposition | CAG is friend, philosopher, and guide [UPSC 2013]
Cabinet Committees	Extra constitutional | Article 77(3) | Set up by PM | Reduces workload of cabinet
106th CAA, 2023	Women's Reservation | One-third seats in LS, State Assemblies, NCT Delhi | 15-year sunset clause [UPSC 2024]

Key Takeaways for UPSC

• Budget: Article 112 | Presented by Finance Minister | February 1 (since 2017) [UPSC 2024]
• Vote on Account: Advance grants for 2 months | No discussion | No change in Direct Taxes [UPSC 2011]
• Consolidated Fund: Article 266 | All receipts credited | Withdrawal only by parliamentary law [UPSC 2015]
• Public Account: Article 266 | PF deposits, Judicial deposits, Savings Banks deposits, etc.
• Contingency Fund: Article 267 | President advances for unforeseen expenditure
• Cut Motions: Policy Cut (₹1), Economy Cut, Token Cut (₹100)
• Rajya Sabha Special Powers: Article 249 (state list), Article 312 (All India Services), Article 67 (VP removal) [UPSC 2016, 2012]
• Parliamentary Privileges: Article 105 | Freedom of speech | Publication of proceedings
• Estimates Committee: 30 members (all LS) | Largest committee [UPSC 2014]
• PAC: 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS) | Chairman from Opposition | CAG is friend, philosopher, and guide [UPSC 2013]
• Cabinet Committees: Extra constitutional | Article 77(3) | Set up by PM
• 106th CAA, 2023: Women's Reservation — One-third seats | 15-year sunset clause [UPSC 2024]

High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Parliament - Part 2)

Q1. The budget is presented to Parliament under which Article?

Correct Answer: B. Article 112 provides for the Presidential presentation of the estimated receipts and expenditures for the year to both Houses of Parliament. [UPSC 2024]

Q2. The vote on account is generally granted for how many months?

Correct Answer: B. A vote on account is generally granted for two months for an amount equivalent to one-sixth of the total estimates.

Q3. Which Article deals with the Consolidated Fund of India?

Correct Answer: B. Article 266 deals with the Consolidated Fund of India and the Public Account of India. All receipts are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. [UPSC 2015]

Q4. Which type of cut motion reduces the demand to ₹1?

Correct Answer: B. A Policy Cut expresses disapproval of the policy underlying the demand and reduces the amount to ₹1.

Q5. The Estimates Committee has how many members?

Correct Answer: C. The Estimates Committee has 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha. It is the largest parliamentary committee. [UPSC 2014]

Q6. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has how many members from the Rajya Sabha?

Correct Answer: C. The Public Accounts Committee has 22 members — 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha. [UPSC 2013]

Q7. The Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio Chairman of which board?

Correct Answer: B. The Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. [UPSC 2015]

Q8. Article 249 empowers the Rajya Sabha to authorise Parliament to make laws on which list?

Correct Answer: B. Article 249 empowers the Rajya Sabha to authorise Parliament to make laws on State List subjects by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting. [UPSC 2016]

Q9. The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 reserves what percentage of seats for women in the Lok Sabha?

Correct Answer: C. The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinivyam) reserves one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and the NCT of Delhi. [UPSC 2024]

Q10. Who is referred to as the "friend, philosopher, and guide" of the Public Accounts Committee?

Correct Answer: C. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is referred to as the "friend, philosopher, and guide" of the Public Accounts Committee.

```