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Consider the following statements about the advisory role of Zonal Councils:

  1. Advisors include the Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of each state.

  2. Advisors have the right to vote in council meetings.

  3. The councils provide recommendations on economic and security issues.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A1 and 3 only

B2 and 3 only

C1 only

D1, 2, and 3

Answer:

A. 1 and 3 only

Read Explanation:

Zonal Councils

  • The Zonal Councils are advisory bodies established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

  • They aim to promote cooperation and coordination between the states and the Union Territories within a zone.

  • Statement 1 is correct: Advisors to the Zonal Councils typically include senior state officials such as the Chief Secretary and the Development Commissioner of each constituent state.

  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Advisors are appointed as per the advice of the respective state governments but do not have voting rights in the council meetings. Only the members of the council (Union Ministers and Chief Ministers/Ministers of states) have voting rights.

  • Statement 3 is correct: The Zonal Councils deliberate and make recommendations on a wide range of issues, including matters related to economic and social planning, land reforms, drought or flood-affected areas, urban development, and security.

  • The Union Home Minister acts as the Chairman of each Zonal Council, and the Chief Ministers of the states and Union Territories included in the zone serve as Vice-Chairmen by rotation.

  • There are five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. The North-Eastern Council, though a statutory body, is different and has a broader scope.

Related Questions:

Consider the following statements regarding the CAG’s role in financial oversight:

Statement I: The CAG audits transactions related to the Contingency Fund of India.

Statement II: The CAG audits bodies substantially financed by central or state revenues.

Statement III: The CAG has no role in auditing state public accounts.

Which of the following is correct?

With reference to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), consider the following statements:

  1. The UPSC is directly created by the Constitution as an independent body.

  2. The chairman and members of the UPSC hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.

  3. The expenses of the UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and are not subject to a vote in Parliament.

  4. The UPSC is responsible for cadre management and training of All India Services officers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Match the following All India Services with their respective controlling ministries:
i. Indian Administrative Service (IAS) – a. Ministry of Home Affairs
ii. Indian Police Service (IPS) – b. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
iii. Indian Forest Service (IFS) – c. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Which of the following statements are true about the professional status and limitations of the Attorney General?
(i) The Attorney General is not debarred from private legal practice, distinguishing the office from that of a full-time government counsel.
(ii) The Attorney General cannot advise or hold a brief in cases where he/she is already called upon to appear for the Government of India.
(iii) The Attorney General is forbidden from accepting an appointment as a director in any company, with no exceptions.

With reference to the powers and limitations of the CAG, consider the following statements:

i. The CAG can inspect any office or department subject to its audit and call for any records or documents.
ii. The CAG has control over fund withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India.
iii. The CAG cannot demand details of secret service expenditure and must accept a certificate from the competent authority.
iv. The CAG compiles and maintains the accounts of the Central Government.

Which of the statements given above are correct?