BPAC-103 Solved Assignment

1. Describe the Powers and functions of president of India.
2. Explain the organisations and functions of Union Public Service commission.

SOLUTION:

Describe the Powers and functions of president of India.

Answer:

• Appointment of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers: The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, and the rest of the Cabinet ministers. These appointments are made in consultation with the Prime Minister.
• Appointment of Governors: The President appoints the Governors for states, who act as the representatives of the President in the states.
• Control over the administration: The President has the authority to issue executive orders for the effective administration of the country. All executive actions of the government are taken in the name of the President.
• Other Appointments: The President appoints other key officials such as the Chief Justice of India, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, the Attorney General, and members of various commissions.

• Summoning and Proroguing Parliament: The President has the power to summon or prorogue either house of Parliament and can dissolve the Lok Sabha (the lower house). This power plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Indian parliamentary system.
• Assent to Bills: A bill passed by both houses of Parliament becomes law only when the President gives assent to it. In case the President withholds assent, the bill does not become law. However, this power is rarely used, as the President typically follows the advice of the government.
• Power to Promulgate Ordinances: When Parliament is not in session and there is an urgent need for legislation, the President can promulgate ordinances, which have the force of law. These ordinances must be ratified by Parliament within six weeks of its reassembly.
• Addressing Parliament: The President addresses the joint session of both houses at the beginning of the first session after each general election and the first session of each year. This speech outlines the government’s legislative agenda.

• Appointment of Judges: The President appoints the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. These appointments are made after consultations with the Chief Justice of India and other relevant authorities.
• Pardon, Reprieve, and Commutation: The President has the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or commutations to individuals convicted of crimes. This power is a crucial aspect of the judicial system, offering opportunities for leniency in certain cases.
• Judicial Review: The President has the authority to refer any legal matter to the judiciary for review and interpretation, especially those related to the Constitution.

• Appointing Ambassadors and High Commissioners: The President appoints ambassadors and high commissioners to represent India in foreign countries. The President also receives foreign diplomats accredited to India.
• Treaties and Agreements: The President negotiates and signs treaties and agreements with foreign countries. However, these treaties must be ratified by Parliament.
• Recognition of Foreign States: The President has the authority to recognize foreign states and governments. This diplomatic power reflects India’s standing on the global stage.

• Supreme Command of the Armed Forces: While the President is the ceremonial head, the real control lies with the government. The President represents the Indian military in all matters of national defense.
• War and Peace: The President declares war or peace, but this is done on the advice of the Cabinet. In practice, decisions related to war and peace are made by the government, not the President directly.

• National Emergency: Under Article 352, the President can declare a national emergency if there is a threat to the security of India due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. This has far-reaching implications for civil liberties and governance.
• State Emergency (President’s Rule): Under Article 356, the President can dissolve a state government and take control of a state’s administration if the government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions.
• Financial Emergency: Under Article 360, the President can declare a financial emergency if the country’s financial stability or credit is threatened.

Explain the organisations and functions of Union Public Service commission.

Answer:

• Conducting Transparent Examinations: UPSC exams are known for their transparency. The procedures for registration, examination, and selection are clearly defined, ensuring that every candidate gets an equal opportunity. The results are also made available on the UPSC website, making the process open to scrutiny.
• Examination Process: The examination process conducted by the UPSC is rigorous, ensuring that only the most capable candidates are selected. This includes written examinations, personal interviews, and personality assessments. The various stages of the examination are designed to assess the candidates’ knowledge, skills, and temperament for public service.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: UPSC provides mechanisms for candidates to lodge grievances regarding exam procedures, results, or the conduct of exams. The grievance redressal system helps in maintaining fairness and resolving issues in a transparent manner.

Describe the Salient features of Indian Constitution.

Answer:

1. Federal Structure: The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government, where powers are divided between the central government and state governments. However, it is largely unitary in nature, as the central government has more authority, especially during times of national emergency.
2. Parliamentary System of Government: India follows a parliamentary system of government, where the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is directly accountable to the legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). This system ensures a close relationship between the legislature and executive.
3. Secular State: The Indian Constitution declares India as a secular state, meaning there is no state religion, and all religions are treated equally. The state does not interfere in religious matters, and citizens are free to practice any religion of their choice.
4. Independent Judiciary: The Constitution guarantees an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court being the apex body. It has the authority to review laws, protect fundamental rights, and resolve disputes between the central and state governments.
5. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution provides a comprehensive set of fundamental rights, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination. These rights ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and equally before the law.
6. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to follow in order to achieve social and economic justice. While they are not enforceable by the courts, they serve as a guiding principle for the formulation of policies and laws.

Explain the organisation and functions of Election commission of India.

Answer:

1. Conduct of Elections: The primary function of the Election Commission is to conduct elections for the Lok Sabha (House of the People), Rajya Sabha (Council of States), State Assemblies, and local bodies. It ensures the smooth process of elections through the preparation of voter rolls, setting election schedules, and overseeing polling stations.
2. Representation and Delimitation: The Commission also oversees the allocation of seats in the Legislature and ensures that each constituency is fairly represented. It plays a vital role in delimiting constituencies based on population.
3. Election Laws and Monitoring: The Election Commission is responsible for enforcing the Representation of the People Act and ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct. It monitors political parties’ campaigns, finances, and ensures that the election process is not influenced by corruption or violence.
4. Voter Registration and Education: The Commission is tasked with maintaining accurate voter lists and ensuring voter awareness through various campaigns, encouraging voter participation, and educating the public about their rights and duties.

Describe the organisation and Functions of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Answer:

1. Formulation of Standards: One of the key functions of the FSSAI is to set food safety standards, which cover various aspects of food, including hygiene, safety, nutritional content, labeling, and packaging. These standards are essential to ensure that food products meet the required quality before they reach consumers.
2. Regulation and Monitoring: FSSAI ensures that food businesses, including manufacturers, processors, and importers, comply with food safety regulations. It conducts regular inspections and audits to monitor adherence to safety standards.
3. Licensing and Registration: The Authority issues licenses and registers food businesses to ensure that they meet the required food safety standards. It also maintains a database of licensed food establishments.
4. Food Safety Awareness: FSSAI runs programs and campaigns to educate consumers, food business operators, and the public about food safety and hygiene. This helps improve awareness and compliance with food safety standards.
5. Surveillance and Enforcement: The FSSAI undertakes surveillance of food products in the market and takes enforcement actions against violators. It also provides training and certification to food inspectors and handlers.

Describe the Salient features of Indian Administration.

Answer:

1. Centralized System: Although India follows a federal structure, the central government holds significant power, especially in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, and finance.
2. Bureaucratic Structure: The Indian administration operates through a hierarchical bureaucratic system, with civil servants at various levels playing a crucial role in policy implementation.
3. Separation of Powers: The Indian administration functions with a clear distinction between the executive, legislative, and judiciary, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
4. Democratic Framework: India’s administrative system is rooted in democratic principles, ensuring that elected representatives have a say in governance while appointed officials carry out day-to-day administrative functions.
5. Accountability and Transparency: The administration is held accountable through mechanisms like the Right to Information Act and oversight by various statutory bodies.

Discuss the organisation and Functions of cabinet, Secretariat.

Answer:

1. Coordination: The Cabinet Secretariat ensures coordination among various ministries and departments, facilitating the smooth flow of information and policies.
2. Cabinet Support: It assists in the preparation of Cabinet meetings, the formulation of agenda items, and the documentation of decisions.
3. Implementation Monitoring: The Secretariat tracks the implementation of Cabinet decisions, ensuring that policies are carried out efficiently.
4. Liaison Role: It acts as a liaison between the Prime Minister and other ministers, ensuring alignment on key issues.

Describe the organisation and functions of Finance commission of India.

Answer:

1. Revenue Distribution: The primary function of the Finance Commission is to recommend the division of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and State governments, ensuring a fair financial balance.
2. Grants-in-Aid: It determines the grants to be given to states for specific purposes, especially those facing financial challenges.
3. Fiscal Responsibility: The Commission also suggests measures to strengthen the fiscal management and financial stability of both the Union and State governments.
4. Other Financial Matters: The Finance Commission provides recommendations on any other matters related to financial relations between the Center and States as referred by the President.

Elaborate the Role of civil society.

Answer:

1. Advocacy and Awareness: Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a significant role in raising awareness about important issues, such as environmental conservation, gender equality, and human rights. They advocate for policy changes and hold governments accountable.
2. Social Empowerment: Civil society helps empower marginalized groups by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.
3. Providing Services: Many CSOs offer essential services such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation, especially in underserved areas where government resources are limited.
4. Promoting Civic Engagement: Civil society encourages active participation in public life, fostering a culture of responsible citizenship and strengthening democratic institutions.

Discuss the organisation and Functions of Telecom Regularity Authority of India.

Answer:

1. Regulation of Telecom Services: TRAI regulates the tariffs for telecom services, ensuring that service providers offer competitive pricing and maintain service quality.
2. Licensing and Compliance: TRAI issues licenses to telecom operators and ensures compliance with the prescribed standards and norms.
3. Consumer Protection: It safeguards consumer interests by addressing grievances related to telecom services, including issues with billing, service quality, and customer care.
4. Promoting Competition: TRAI promotes fair competition in the telecom market by preventing monopolistic practices and encouraging innovation.