UPSC CSE Prelims
Non-Constitutional Bodies Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Non-Constitutional Bodies
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With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details:
| Sl. No. | Organisation | Function | Controlling Union Ministry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) | To coordinate between various law enforcement agencies | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| 2. | Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) | To investigate complex corporate frauds | Ministry of Finance |
| 3. | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | To preserve values in public life and ensure the health of the national economy | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension |
In how many of the above rows are the given details correctly matched ?
Detailed Explanation:
Row 1 — Incorrect. CEIB functions under Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) — NOT Ministry of Home Affairs. It is the nodal agency for economic intelligence coordination.
Row 2 — Incorrect. SFIO functions under Ministry of Corporate Affairs — NOT Ministry of Finance. It investigates serious and complex corporate frauds (white-collar crimes).
Row 3 — Correct. CBI — mandate to preserve values in public life and ensure health of national economy — correctly placed under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT).
Correct Reference Table:
| Organisation | Function | Correct Ministry |
|---|---|---|
| CEIB | Economic intelligence coordination | Ministry of Finance (Dept. of Revenue) |
| SFIO | Corporate fraud investigation | Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
| CBI | Corruption, economic offences, special crimes | Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions (DoPT) ✅ |
Consider the following statements about Lokpal:
I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India.
II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson.
III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be.
IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides for an anti-corruption ombudsman at the national level. The Lokpal can investigate corruption allegations against public servants, including certain cases involving the Prime Minister.
Only Statement III is correct because a person must be at least 45 years old to become the Chairperson or a Member of the Lokpal.
Why other statements are wrong:
| Statement | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| I | ❌ Incorrect | Lokpal's jurisdiction extends to Indian public servants, including those posted abroad. |
| II | ❌ Incorrect | Chairperson need not be only the Chief Justice of India; former judges or eminent persons can also be appointed. |
| III | ✅ Correct | Minimum age for Chairperson or Member is 45 years. |
| IV | ❌ Incorrect | Lokpal can inquire into allegations against a sitting Prime Minister, subject to specific safeguards. |
📝 Short Notes: Lokpal
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Established Under | Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 |
| Purpose | Anti-corruption ombudsman |
| Minimum Age | 45 years |
| Jurisdiction | Public servants, including certain cases involving PM |
| Chairperson | Former CJI, Supreme Court Judge, or eminent person |
| Members | Judicial and non-judicial members |
Key Fact:
The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and up to eight Members, with at least 50% of the Members being from SC, ST, OBC, minorities, or women.
With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information:
| Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under |
|---|---|---|
| Directorate of Enforcement | Enforcement of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 | Internal Security Division-I, Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Directorate of Revenue Intelligence | Enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 | Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance |
| Directorate General of Systems and Data Management | Carrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evaders | Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance |
In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Row 1 is Incorrect: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) enforces the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, but it works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.
✅ Row 2 is Correct: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) enforces provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
❌ Row 3 is Incorrect: The Directorate General of Systems and Data Management (DGSDM) mainly manages and maintains IT systems of CBIC. Big data analytics and risk assessment to detect tax evasion are performed by DGARM (Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management).
Therefore, only one row is correctly matched.
Why other rows are incorrect:
| Row | Issue |
|---|---|
| Row 1 | ED works under the Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Row 3 | Big data analytics is the function of DGARM, not DGSDM |
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Consider the following activities:
I. Production of crude oil
II. Refining, storage and distribution of petroleum products
III. Marketing and sale of petroleum products
IV. Production of natural gas
How many of the above activities are regulated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board in our country?
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ Option 2 (Only two)
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) regulates mainly the downstream petroleum and natural gas sector. It does not regulate upstream activities such as exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas.
❌ Activity I: Production of crude oil – Not Regulated by PNGRB
Production of crude oil is an upstream activity regulated by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons.
✅ Activity II: Refining, storage and distribution of petroleum products – Regulated
PNGRB regulates aspects of storage, transportation, distribution, and common carrier access in the downstream sector.
✅ Activity III: Marketing and sale of petroleum products – Regulated
PNGRB authorizes entities for marketing notified petroleum products and natural gas and promotes fair competition.
❌ Activity IV: Production of natural gas – Not Regulated by PNGRB
Like crude oil production, natural gas production is an upstream activity and falls outside PNGRB's regulatory jurisdiction.
Therefore, only II and III fall under PNGRB regulation.
Short Notes: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
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PNGRB was established under the PNGRB Act, 2006.
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It regulates the downstream petroleum and natural gas sector.
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It ensures fair competition in petroleum and natural gas markets.
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It regulates pipelines, city gas distribution networks, storage, and transportation.
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It does not regulate exploration or production of crude oil and natural gas.
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Upstream activities are overseen by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
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PNGRB helps protect consumer interests and promotes investment in energy infrastructure.
With reference to India, consider the following pairs:
| Organization | Union Ministry |
|---|---|
| I. The National Automotive Board | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| II. The Coir Board | Ministry of Heavy Industries |
| III. The National Centre for Trade Information | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ Option 4 (None)
This question tests knowledge of the ministries under which various statutory and autonomous bodies function. All three pairs are incorrectly matched.
❌ Pair I is Incorrect: National Automotive Board functions under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, not the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
❌ Pair II is Incorrect: Coir Board functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), not the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
❌ Pair III is Incorrect: National Centre for Trade Information is associated with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of MSME.
Short Notes: Important Boards and Organizations
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National Automotive Board (NAB) functions under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
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NAB supports implementation of India's automotive policies and initiatives.
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Coir Board was established under the Coir Industry Act, 1953.
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Coir Board operates under the Ministry of MSME.
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The National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) is linked to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
-
NCTI facilitates access to trade-related information and export promotion.
-
UPSC frequently asks questions on organizations and their parent ministries.
The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members?
- Governor of the Constituent State
- Chief Minister of the Constituent State
- Three Members to be nominated by the President of India
- The Home Minister of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ A. 1, 2 and 3 only
The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. After the 2002 Amendment, the Council's composition was expanded to include the Governors, Chief Ministers of all constituent states, and three members nominated by the President of India. The Union Home Minister was not included as a statutory member under the amendment.
✅ Statement 1 is Correct: Governors of all constituent North-Eastern States are members of the NEC.
✅ Statement 2 is Correct: Chief Ministers of all constituent States are members of the NEC.
✅ Statement 3 is Correct: Three members nominated by the President are included after the 2002 amendment.
❌ Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Home Minister is not a statutory member under the 2002 amendment provisions.
Short Notes: North Eastern Council (NEC)
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NEC was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971.
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It is the regional planning and advisory body for the North-East.
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NEC covers 8 North-Eastern States: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
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The 2002 Amendment strengthened the Council's role in regional development.
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Members include Governors, Chief Ministers, and three Presidential nominees.
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NEC functions under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
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It supports projects related to connectivity, infrastructure, health, education, and economic development.
Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
- The National Commission for Backward Classes
- The National Human Rights Commission
- The National Law Commission
- The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Only one
Among the four bodies mentioned, only the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a constitutional body, having been granted constitutional status through the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, which inserted Article 338B into the Constitution. The remaining three bodies—NHRC, National Law Commission, and NCDRC—are either statutory or executive bodies.
✅ National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) – Constitutional Body: Established under Article 338B by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018.
❌ National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – Not Constitutional: It is a statutory body created under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
❌ National Law Commission – Not Constitutional: It is an executive body formed by a Government of India executive order, not by statute or constitutional provision.
❌ National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) – Not Constitutional: It is a statutory body established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (now governed by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019).
📝 Short Notes: Constitutional vs Statutory vs Executive Bodies
| Body/Commission | Status | Legal Basis | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Commission for SCs | Constitutional | Article 338 | Safeguards for Scheduled Castes |
| National Commission for STs | Constitutional | Article 338A | Safeguards for Scheduled Tribes |
| National Commission for Backward Classes | Constitutional | Article 338B | 102nd Amendment Act, 2018 |
| National Human Rights Commission | Statutory | Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 | Human rights protection |
| National Law Commission | Executive | Government Executive Order | Law reforms and recommendations |
| National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission | Statutory | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Consumer grievance redressal |
| Finance Commission | Constitutional | Article 280 | Distribution of revenues between Centre and States |
| Election Commission | Constitutional | Article 324 | Conduct of free and fair elections |
With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements:
- The Tea Board is a statutory body.
- It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The Tea Board's Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
- The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1 and 4
This question tests knowledge about the Tea Board of India's constitutional status, administrative control, and organizational structure. Statements 1 and 4 are correct, while statements 2 and 3 contain factual errors regarding its ministry affiliation and headquarters location.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Tea Board of India is a statutory body established under the Tea Act, 1953 to regulate the tea industry and promote tea exports.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Tea Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Tea Board's Head Office is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, not Bengaluru.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: The Tea Board maintains overseas offices in Dubai, Moscow, Hamburg, London, and New York to promote Indian tea globally.
📝 Short Notes: Tea Board of India
- Establishment: Statutory body constituted under the Tea Act, 1953
- Administrative Control: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Regional Offices: Seven regional offices across major tea-growing areas in India
- Overseas Offices: Dubai, Moscow, Hamburg, London, and New York
- Main Functions: Regulation of tea cultivation, processing, trade; promotion of tea exports; quality control; research and development; welfare of tea workers
- Composition: Chairman and members representing tea producers, manufacturers, traders, consumers, and government
Consider the following statements
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 consolidated multiple food-related laws including the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, creating a unified regulatory framework for food safety in India. However, FSSAI operates as an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with its own Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, not under the Director General of Health Services.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, establishing FSSAI as the nodal regulatory body for food safety.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: FSSAI is an autonomous statutory authority with its own Chairperson and CEO, not under the charge of the Director General of Health Services, though it functions under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
📝 Short Notes: Food Safety Regulatory Framework in India
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Food Safety and Standards Act | Enacted in 2006; operationalized from 2011 |
| Acts Replaced | Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954), Fruit Products Order (1955), Meat Food Products Order (1973), Vegetable Oil Products Order (1947), Edible Oils Packaging Order (1988), Solvent Extracted Oil Order (1967), Milk and Milk Products Order (1992) |
| FSSAI Status | Autonomous statutory body under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Leadership | Chairperson (part-time) and Chief Executive Officer (full-time) |
| Main Functions | Licensing and registration of food businesses, monitoring and surveillance, setting food safety standards, consumer awareness |
The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the
Detailed Explanation:
NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015 to replace the Planning Commission (established in 1950).
The shift was made to move from a centralized planning model to a more cooperative federalism approach, making policy-making more agile, responsive, and suited to India's economic reforms.
Who among the following constitute the National Development Council?
- The Prime Minister
- The Chairman, Finance Commission
- Ministers of the Union Cabinet
- Chief Ministers of the States
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Prime Minister is the Chairman of the NDC and a core member.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Chairman, Finance Commission is not a member of the NDC; the Finance Commission is a separate constitutional body.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Ministers of the Union Cabinet are members of the NDC.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Chief Ministers of all States (and formerly UTs with legislatures) are members of the NDC.
Therefore, 1, 3 and 4 only constitute the National Development Council.
Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?
- National Development Council
- Planning Commission
- Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The National Development Council (NDC) was established in August 1952 by an executive resolution and is not mentioned in the Constitution.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Planning Commission was set up in March 1950 through an executive resolution; it was a non-constitutional, non-statutory body (replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015).
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Zonal Councils are statutory bodies created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 and are not mentioned in the Constitution.