Aecc mid sem

1. Pocket Veto & Vote Value in Presidential Election (1+2+2)

Pocket Veto:

• When the President neither signs nor returns a Bill passed by Parliament, it is kept pending indefinitely.

• India’s Constitution does not set a time limit for the President to act on a Bill—hence the term “Pocket Veto.”

• Example: President Zail Singh used it in 1986 for the Postal Bill.

Value of MLA’s Vote:

Value of MP’s Vote:

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2. Difference Between Council of Ministers and Cabinet

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3. Terms of Reference of the Recently Constituted Finance Commission

(Example: 16th Finance Commission – constituted in 2023)

• Distribution of net tax proceeds between Centre and States.

• Principles governing grants-in-aid to States from the Consolidated Fund of India.

• Measures to augment State Consolidated Funds to supplement resources of Panchayats and Municipalities.

• Review of fiscal consolidation and debt levels of Union and States.

• Examine impact of GST on the finances of the Union and States.

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4. Classification of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

According to scholars (esp. Granville Austin), DPSPs are classified as:

1. Socialistic Principles: Aim at economic and social justice.

   • Art. 38, 39, 39A, 41, 42, 43.

   • Eg. Right to work, equal pay for equal work.

2. Gandhian Principles: Reflect Gandhiji’s ideology.

   • Art. 40, 43, 46, 47, 48.

   • Eg. Village Panchayats, cottage industries, prohibition.

3. Liberal–Intellectual Principles: Aim at establishing a liberal democracy.

   • Art. 44, 45, 48, 50, 51.

   • Eg. Uniform Civil Code, free education, separation of judiciary and executive.

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5. Powers and Functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha

• Presiding Officer: Conducts proceedings and maintains discipline.

• Decision on Bills: Certifies Money Bills (Art. 110).

• Casting Vote: Votes only in case of a tie.

• Administrative Role: Heads Lok Sabha Secretariat.

• Quasi-judicial Role: Decides disqualification under Anti-Defection Law.

• Represents the House: Communicates with President and Rajya Sabha.

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6. Short Note on Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)

• Appointed in 1957 to review Community Development Programme (1952) & National Extension Service (1953).

• Recommended three-tier Panchayati Raj System:

  1. Zila Parishad – District level

  2. Panchayat Samiti – Block level

  3. Gram Panchayat – Village level

• Emphasized “democratic decentralization” and direct elections at the village level.

• Its recommendations led to Panchayati Raj’s introduction in 1959 (Rajasthan first).

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7. Reforms Recommended by the Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Decriminalization of Politics: Disqualify candidates facing serious charges.

• Transparency in Funding: Mandatory disclosure of sources and limits on election expenditure.

• State Funding of Elections (partial).

• Common Electoral Rolls for Parliament and State elections.

• Ban on Misuse of Religion and Caste in campaigns.

• Electronic Voting and VVPAT use for transparency.

• Simultaneous Elections to reduce cost and disruption.

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8. Independence of the Supreme Court of India

Ensured through several provisions:

• Security of Tenure: Judges can be removed only by impeachment.

• Fixed Service Conditions: Salary and allowances charged on Consolidated Fund of India.

• Ban on Practice after Retirement.

• Power of Judicial Review (Art. 32, 136, 142).

• Separation of Judiciary from Executive (Art. 50).

• Appointment Process: Involves President but guided by Collegium System for judicial independence.

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9. Difference Between Fundamental Rights (FR) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

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