Table of Contents

Chapter. Topic Page

No. No.
Indian polity
1. The Constitution 1
2. Salient Features of the Constitution 5
3. Citizenship 14
4. Fundamental rights 18
5. Fundamental Duties 25
6. The directive principles of state 27
policy
7. The President 32
8. Vice-President 40
9. The Parliament 43
10. The Supreme Court 61
11. State Executive 68
12. State Legislature 73
13. High Court 80
14. Emergency Provisions 84
15. Prime Minister 93
16. Central Council of Ministers 98
17. Chief Minister 105
18. State Council of Ministers 111
19. Panchayati Raj 118
20. Municipalities 126
21. Election Commission 134
22. Union Public Service Commission 140
23. Finance Commission 147
24. Comptroller and Auditor General of 150
India
Government Schemes
1. Ministry of Agriculture 157
2. Ministry of Ayush 168
3. Ministry of Civil Aviation 170
4. Ministry of Commerce and Industry 171
5. Ministry of Communication 174
6. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food 176
and Public Distribution
7. Ministry of Defense 177
8. Ministry of Drinking Water and 178
Sanitation
9. Ministry of Electronics & IT 182
10. Ministry of Environment, Forest and 188
Climate Change (MoEFCC)
11. Ministry of External Affairs 190
12. Ministry of Finance 192
13. Ministry of Food Processing 206
Industries
14. Ministry of Health and Family 207
Welfare
15. Ministry of Heavy Industries and 217
Public Enterprises
16. Ministry of Home Affairs 219
17. Ministry of Housing and Urban 221
Development
18. Ministry of Human Resource 229
Development
19. Ministry of Labour and Employment 234
20. Ministry of Minority Affairs 237
21. Ministry of New and Renewable 242
Energy
22. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural 246
Gas
23. Ministry of Power 248
24. Ministry of Road Transport and 251
Highways
25. Ministry of Rural Development 253
26. Ministry of Science and Technology 259
27. Ministry of Shipping 262
28. Ministry of Skill Development and 264
Entrepreneurship
29. Miscellaneous Schemes 268
 INDIAN POLITY

Chapter 1: The Constitution

The Constitution is a fundamental law of a country which

reflects the fundamental principles on which the
government of that country is based. It lays down the
framework and principal functions of various organs of
the government, as well as the modalities of interaction
between the government and its citizens. With the
exception of Israel, New Zealand and the United
Kingdom, almost all democratic countries possess a
written constitution. India also possesses an elaborate
written constitution which was enacted by a Constituent
Assembly specifically set up for the purpose. In addition,
the historical background also influenced the nature of
the Indian Constitution.
I. Framing of the Constitution
The Constitution of India was framed by a Constituent
Assembly set up under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.
The Assembly held its first meeting on December 9,1946,
and elected Dr Sachhidan and Sinha, the oldest member
of the Assembly as the Provisional President.

1
The Constituent Assembly appointed 22 Committees to
formulate the constitution. Of these 10 Committees were
concerned with procedural matters and 12 Committees
were concerned with the substantive matters. On the
basis of the reports of these committees, a draft of the
Constitution was prepared by a seven-member Drafting
Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr B R Ambedkar.
The draft Constitution was published in January, 1948,
and people were given.
II. Drafting Committee of Constituent Assembly
Chairman: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Members: 1. N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar
2. Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
3. K.M. Munshi
4. Mohammed Saaduliah
5. B.L. Mittar replaced by N.
Madhava Rao following his
resignation on health grounds.
6. Dr. D.P. Khaitan (died in 1948 and
was replaced by T.T.
Krishnamachari)

2
III. Features Borrowed From Different Constitutions
U.K. Parliamentary System
Rule of Law
Law-making Procedure
Single Citizenship
Bi-cameralism
U.S.A Preamble
Independence of Judiciary
Judicial Review
Fundamental Rights
Removal of Judges of Supreme Court
President as Executive Head
Vice-President as ex-officio Chairman
of Upper House
Canada Federal System with a strong centre
Division of Powers and vesting of
residuary Powers with the Centre
Appointment of the State Governors by
the Centre
Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme
Court
Irish Free Directive Principles of State Policy
State (Now Election of President
the Republic Nomination of members to Upper
3
of Ireland) House
Weimar Emergency Provisions
Constitution
of Germany
Australia Concurrent List
Provision regarding trade, commerce
and inter-course.
Union of Amendment of the
South
Constitution
Africa (1910) Election of members of Rajya Sabha
France Republican System
Ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
USSR (now Fundamental Duties
Russia) Ideals of Justice included in the
Preamble
Government Federal Scheme
of India Office of the Governor Powers of
Act,1935 Federal Judiciary
In fact almost two-thirds of the Constitution owes its
origin to the Government of India Act, 1935

4
Chapter 2: Salient Features of the Constitution

a. The Bulkiest Constitution of the World

The Indian Constitution is one of the bulkiest
constitutions of the world. The Constitution, originally,
had 395 articles and eight schedules. Now, with 94
amendments till 2009, it has 22 parts and 12 schedules.
The main factors that contributed to the bulk of the
constitution were:
i. incorporation of good provisions of the Constitu-
tions of other countries to avoid future loopholes
ii. absence of separate constitutions for the states
and provision of both central and state structure in
the Constitution
iii. incorporation of Fundamental Rights, Fundamental
Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy
iv. provisions regarding peculiar problems facing the
country, such as problem of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, official
language etc.

5
 v. inclusion of emergency provisions in the
Constitution for the protection of the interests of
the country and the people
vi. detailed provisions regarding the organisation of
the judiciary, the services, elections and other
transitory-provisions
vii. codification of details regarding centre-state
relations to prevent future conflicts
viii. enumeration of certain practices, which in other
countries operate on the basis of conventions.
b. Combination of Rigidity and Flexibility
The Indian Constitution is a combination of rigidity and
flexibility. While some provisions of the Constitution can
be amended by the Parliament by a simple majority,
others require a two-thirds majority of the members of
the Parliament as well as ratification of not less than
one-half of the state legislatures. (Article 368) Again,
some provisions of the Constitution can be amended by
the Parliament alone by a two-third majority. Further
flexibility is introduced in the Constitution by the
provisions which permit the Parliament to supplement
the provisions of the Constitution by legislation.

6
c. Parliamentary System of Government
The Constitution provides for a parliamentary system of
government under which the real executive power rests
with the council of ministers and the President is only a
nominal ruler. The council of ministers stay in office as
long as they enjoy the confidence of the Parliament. The
framers of the Constitution decided to adopt a
parliamentary system of government for several reasons.
Firstly, the system was already in existence in India and
people were well acquainted with its working. Secondly,
the vast size of the country and the diversity of its
culture necessitated the adoption of a parliamentary
form of government. Thirdly, the desire to avoid conflicts
between the executive and the legislature, which was a
common features in America, also induced the members
of the Constituent Assembly to opt for a parliamentary
system.
d. Federal System with a Unitary Bias
The India Constitution provides for a federation with a
strong centre. It is noteworthy that the Constitution has
not used the word 'federation', anywhere, and has
described India as a 'Union of States', which implies that
the Indian federation is not the result of any agreement

7
among the units and the units cannot secede from it.
India possesses most of the federal features but also
several of the unitary features. The Indian federal
structure acquires a unitary character during emergency,
when the normal distribution of powers between the
centre 2nd the states undergoes vital changes.
e. Fundamental Rights
The Constitution contains an elaborate list of
Fundamental Rights. The state cannot make laws which
take away or abridge any of the fundamental rights of the
citizens. If it does so, the courts can declare such a law
as unconstitutional. It may be noted that the
fundamental rights granted by the Constitution are not
absolute and are subject to certain restrictions. In other
words, the Constitution seeks to strike a balance
between individual liberty and social interests.
f. Fundamental Duties
The Constitution also contains a list of 11 fundamental
duties of the citizens. While ten of these duties were
added to the Constitution by the forty-second
amendment in 1976, the eleventh duty was added by the
86th Constitutional Amendment Act (2002). This
fundamental duty is to provide educational opportunities
8
for every child between the age of six and fourteen. It is
now obligatory of parents to send their children to
school. These duties serve as constant reminders to the
citizens that they have to observe certain basic norms of
democratic conduct.
g. Directive Principles of State Policy
The Constitution outlines certain Directive Principles of
State Policy which the government has to keep in mind
while formulating any policy. These principles seek to
provide social and economic basis for democracy and
the establishment of a welfare state. Unlike the
Fundamental Rights, the Directive Principles of State
Policy are non-justiciable, which implies that no action
can be brought against the state before a court of law for
its failure to implement the Directive Principles. However,
in actuality the government has accorded due
importance to the Directive Principles in the formulation
of its policies.
h. Secular State
The Constitution makes India a secular state. This
means that there is no state religion and the state
iscompletely detached from religious dogmas. It also
implies that citizens are free to profess, practise and
9
propagate any religion. However, freedom of religion is
not absolute and the same can be regulated in the
interest of the public.
i. Independent judiciary
The Constitution provides an independent judiciary
which ensures that the government is carried on in
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. It
acts as the guardian of the liberties and fundamental
rights of the citizens. It also determines the limits of the
powers of the centre and the states.
j. People as Source of Authority
The Constitution draws its authority from the people and
has been promulgated in the name of the people. This is
evident from the preamble which states 'We, the people
of India ... do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves
this Constitution.
k. Universal Adult Franchise
The Constitution introduces universal adult franchise
and accords the right to vote to all citizens above 18
years of age without discrimination. However, it makes
reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes to provide them adequate representation.

10
l. Emergency Powers
The Constitution vests extraordinary powers in the
President during emergencies arising out of armed
rebellion or external aggression; emergency due to the
breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state; and
financial emergency when the credit of the country is
threatened. In fact, during emergency the federal
Constitution can virtually be converted into a unitary
Constitution.
m. Single Citizenship
It provides single citizenship. All persons residing in
different parts of the country are treated as Indian
citizens and are entitled to the same rights of citizenship.
There is no separate citizenship of different states.
n. Bicameral Legislature
It provides a bicameral legislature at the centre
consisting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The
former contains representatives of the people, while the
latter contains representatives of the states.
o. Special Provision for Minorities
The Constitution makes special provision for minorities,
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, etc. It not only
11
reserves seats for them in the Parliament and state
legislatures, but also grants them certain special rights
and privileges.
II. Preamble
The Constitution of India is preceded by a preamble
which (i) indicates the source from which it derives
authority; and (ii) states the objective which the
constitution seeks to achieve. It reads:
We, the people of India having solemnly resolved to
constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular*
democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens.
JUSTICE social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity and to promote
among them all;
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and
the unity and integrity of the nation*
In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of
November, 1949 we do hereby adopt, enact and give to
ourselves this Constitution.
The word sovereign means that India is both internally as
well as externally free and is not dependent upon any
12
outside authority. The term 'socialist' in the Preamble
(inserted by the 42nd Amendment) refers to some form
of ownership of means of production and distribution by
the state. However, the Indian brand of socialism is quite
different and holds faith in a mixed economy. Secularism
implies that the state is only concerned with relations
between various citizens and is not concerned with
relations of man with God. Further, it means that the
state has no religion of its own. The term Democratic
implies that the government draws its authority from the
people. The rulers are elected by the people and are
accountable to them. The word republic 1 implies that the
head of the state in India shall be an elected person and
shall hold office for a fixed term. The President I of India
is the chief executive head of India.
The Preamble has great value and has been described as
the 'key to the Constitution'. It has helped courts resolve
various ambiguous points of the Constitution and
interpret it in the true spirit in which it was enacted by
the framers.

13
Chapter 3: Citizenship

I. Who is a Citizen?
The Constitution of India provides for single citizenship.
All persons residing in different parts of the country
enjoy Indian citizenship (Article 5). There is no separate
citizenship of states. According to the Constitution, the
following three categories of persons are entitled to
citizenship:
1. Person domiciled in India
2. Refugees who migrated to India from Pakistan
3. Indians living in other countries.
Domiciled persons include those with permanent homes
in India, persons born in India, persons either of whose
parents was born in Indian territory, and persons
ordinarily residing in India for at least five years before
the commencement of the Constitution, provided they
had not voluntarily acquired the citizenship of some
foreign country.
II. Acquisition and Termination of Citizenship
A person can acquire citizenship of India in five ways.

14
1. Citizenship by Birth
A person born in India on or after January 1950 is treated
as citizen of India by birth.
2. Citizenship by Descent
A person who was residing outside India on or after 26
January 1950 is treated as a citizen of India by descent if
his father was citizen of India at the time of his birth.
3. Citizenship by Registration
The following categories of persons can be registered as
citizens of India on application by the prescribed
authority: (a) persons of Indian origin who are ordinarily
resident in India for five years before filing of application
for registration; (b) persons of Indian origin who are
ordinarily resident in any country or place outside India;
(c) women who are married to citizens of India; (d) minor
children of persons who are citizens of India; and (e)
persons of full age and capacity who are citizens of
Commonwealth countries or the Republic of Ireland.
4. Citizenship by Naturalisation
A person can acquire citizenship of India through
naturalisation if they (a) belong to a country where the
citizens of India are allowed to become subjects or
15
citizens of that country by naturalisation; (b) renounces
the citizenship of their country and intimates the
renunciation to the government of India; (c) has been
residing in India or serving the government for 12 months
before the date of making application for naturalisation;
(d) possesses a good character; (e) possesses workable
knowledge of an Indian language; (f) intends to reside in
India or to serve under the Government of India after
naturalisation. However, the Government of India can
waive any or all of the above conditions in case of a
person who has rendered distinguished service in the
cause of philosophy, science, art, literature, world peace
and the like.
5. By Incorporation of Territory
If any new territory is added to India, the Government of
India can specify the persons of the territory who shall be
citizens of India by reasons of their connection with that
territory. Citizenship can be terminated in three ways:
III. Termination of Citizenship
a. A citizen may voluntarily renounce their citizenship
by making necessary declaration to this effect in the
prescribed form. Usually citizenship is renounced by a

16
citizen who wants to become the national to another
country.
b. The citizenship can be terminated if a person volun-
tarily acquires the citizenship of any other country by
naturalisation, registration or otherwise.
c. The Central Government can deprive a naturalised
citizen of their citizenship, if it is satisfied that the
citizenship was acquired by fraud, false representation or
concealment of material facts; or if the person shows
disloyalty towards the Indian Constitution or indulges in
trade with enemy countries during war; or if the person
has been sentenced to imprisonment for a period of two
years or more within five years of their registration of
naturalisation; or if they have been continuously residing
out of India for more than seven years.

17
Chapter 4: Fundamental Rights

I. Introduction
The Constitution guarantees elaborate Fundamental
Rights to Indian citizens. These are contained in Part III
of the Constitution. These rights are vital for the
development of the individual and promote his dignity
and welfare. The rights are justiciable and can be
enforced through courts. As these rights are guaranteed
by the Constitution, the government can change them
only through constitutional amendment. However, the
government is authorised to impose reasonable
restrictions on the rights. But whether these restrictions
are reasonable or not is to be decided by the courts.
II. Classification of Fundamental Rights:
Originally, the Constitution classified the Fundamental
Rights into seven categories, but with the elimination of
right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights by
the 44th Amendment in 1978, there are now six
categories of rights. These are:

18
a. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18):
Every citizen is assured equality before law and equal
protection of law within the territory of India (Article 14).
It also implies absence of special privileges by reasons
of birth, creed or the like in favour of any individual. The
state cannot make any discrimination on grounds of
religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15). In
matters of public employment also, all citizens are
assured equality of opportunity and no person can be
denied employment on grounds only of religion, race,
caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence or any of
them (Article 16). To ensure genuine equality,
untouchability has been abolished and its practice in any
form has been made an offence punishable in
accordance with law (Article 17). Article 18 abolishes all
titles, except military and academic. However, the right to
equality is not absolute and the state is free to make
special provisions for women and children and take
special steps for the advancement of the socially and
educationally backward classes of citizens.
b. Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22):
The Constitution guarantees the citizens six fundamental
freedoms under Article 19 of the Constitution. These

19
include freedom of speech and expression; freedom of
peaceful assembly without arms; freedom to form
association; freedom of movement throughout the
territory of India; freedom to reside and settle in any part
of India; and freedom to practise any profession and
carry on any occupation, trade or business. The original
Constitution also guaranteed the Indian citizens freedom
to acquire, hold and dispose of their property. However,
this freedom was dropped by the Forty-fourth
Amendment.
However, this right is not absolute and reasonable
restrictions can be imposed on the exercise of this right
in the interest or on the grounds of security of the state;
friendly relations with foreign countries; public order,
decency and morality; contempt of court; defamation;
incitement to offence against sovereign integrity of India.
The Constitution guards the citizens right to freedom by
providing that no person shall be convicted of an offence
except for the violation of law in force at the time of the
commission of the act charged as an offence (Article
20). It further provides that no person shall be punished
for the same offence more than once and no person shall
be compelled to be a witness against themselves. The
Constitution guarantees protection of life and personal
20
liberty except according to procedure established by law
(Article 21). Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory
education to all children of the age of six to fourteen
years. Citizens are assured protection against arrest and
detention. A citizen arrested under any law has to be
informed of the grounds for their arrest, and has the right
to consult and to be defended by a legal practitioner of
his choice. Each detained person has to be produced
before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours
of such an arrest and cannot be kept in police custody
beyond that period without the authority of the
magistrate. However, under exceptional circumstances
the state can curb the right to freedom and detain a
person under the Preventive Detention Act on the
grounds of suspicion of committing anti-national
activities.
c. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24):
This right seeks to protect the weaker sections against
exploitation by unscrupulous persons or even the state.
It prohibits traffic in human beings and begar (making a
person work without wages or adequate compensation)
(Article 23) and imposes restrictions on the employment
of children below the age of 14 in factories, mines and
other hazardous jobs (Article 24).
21
d. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
Every citizen is free to profess, practise and propagate
any religion (Article 25). The state can neither patronise
any particular religion nor ask any citizen to pay taxes for
the promotion of any religion (Article 27). No religious
instructions can be imparted in educational institutions
maintained by the state or receiving aid from it (Article
28). The right to freedom of religion is not absolute and
can be restricted on the grounds of public order, morality
and health,
e. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30)
The Constitution permits the minorities to conserve their
language, script and culture, and establish and
administer educational institutions for this purpose
(Article 29). The state does not discriminate about
providing aid to educational institutions on ground of
religion or language. No citizen can be denied admission
to any educational institution maintained or aided by the
state on grounds only of religion, race, caste or language
(Article 30).

22
f. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32-35)
This right was described by Dr B R Ambedkar as 'the
heart and soul of the Constitution'. This right gives every
citizen the right to approach the Supreme Court for the
enforcement of his/her Fundamental Rights (Article 32).
The Supreme Court can issue writs in the nature of
habeas corpus, mandamus prohibition, quo waranto and
certiorari. The Parliament can also empower any other
court to exercise the right to enforce Fundamental Rights
within its jurisdiction. Even the state High Courts can
issue various writs for the enforcement of the
Fundamental Rights. Thus, both the Supreme Court and
the High Court's enjoy concurrent jurisdiction and an
affected person can approach either for the enforcement
of Fundamental Rights.
III. Suspension of Fundamental Rights
When the President makes a proclamation of emergency
under Article 352, the freedoms guaranteed under
Article19 are automatically suspended. During the
proclamation of emergency no law or executive order
issued by the state can be challenged on the ground that
it is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by Article 19.
The President can suspend other Fundamental Rights

23
through specific orders but these orders must be
approved by the Parliament. It may be observed that
such orders of the President may extend to the whole or
any part of the territory of India. The provisions regarding
suspension of Fundamental Rights have been severely
criticised by some, but the general view has been that
the interests of the country, must get precedence over
the interests of the individual.

24
Chapter 5: Fundamental Duties

The Constitution outlines the Fundamental Duties of the

Indian citizens, which were incorporated in the
Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976.
These duties have been specified in Article 51A and
include the following:
1. to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
and institutions, the National Flag and the National
Anthem;
2. to cherish and follow the noble ideals which in
spired our national struggle for freedom;
3. to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and
integrity of India;
4. to defend the country and render national service
when called upon to do so;
5. to promote harmony and the spirit of common
brotherhood among all the people of India tran-
scending religious, linguistic and regional or sec-
tional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory
to the dignity of women;

25
6. to value and preserve the rich heritage of our
composite culture;
7. to protect and improve the natural environment
including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to
have compassion for living creatures;
8. to develop a scientific temper; humanism and the
spirit of inquiry and reform;
9. to safeguard public property and to abjure
violence; and;
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of
individual and collective activity so that the nation
constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and
achievement.
11. A new fundamental duty was added to the
constitution by the 86th Amendment Act, which
added right to education with a view to provide
individual rights a sense of social responsibility.

26
Chapter 6: The directive principles of state policy

I. Introduction
The Directive Principles of State Policy, which embody
the ambitions and aspirations of the framers of the
Constitution, are contained in Part IV of the Constitution.
In addition, several other Articles of the Constitution viz.
Art. 350 A, Art. 351 and Art. 335 also deal with Directive
Principles. The Directive Principles aim at providing the
social and economic base of a genuine democracy.
These principles are not enforceable through courts and
are merely directives which the government has to keep
in mind while framing policy.
II. Important Directive Principles:
Broadly speaking, there are three types of Directive
Principles:
a. Economic or Socialist:
These principles aim at providing social and economic
justice and ushering in a welfare state. They require the
state, under Article 39, (a) to provide adequate means of
livelihood to all citizens;(b) to prevent concentration of
wealth and means of production and ensure equitable

27
distribution of wealth and material resources; (c) to
secure equal pay for equal work to men as well as
women; (d) to ensure a decent standard of living and
leisure for all workers; (e) to provide necessary
opportunities and facilities to children and youth to
prevent their exploitation; and (f) to make efforts to
secure the right to work, education and public assistance
in case of unemployment, sickness, old age, etc. (Article
40)
b. Relation between Directive Principles and
Fundamental Rights
The Constitution has made the Directive Principles of
State Policy subordinate to the Fundamental Rights
insofar as they are not enforceable and have to conform
and run subsidiary to the Fundamental Rights. In case of
conflict between the two, the Fundamental Rights
prevail. It is true that the Directive Principles cannot
override the Fundamental Rights, yet the courts have not
completely ignored them and tried to give effect to both
by adopting the principle of 'harmonious construction'.
They have taken the view that both directive principles
and Fundamental Rights aim at bringing about social
revolution and establishment of a welfare state. The

28
government tried to enhance the importance of Directive
Principles by carrying out the 25th Amendment in 1971
and provided that no law which is intended to give effect
to Directive Principles contained in Articles 39 (b) and (c)
shall be deemed to be void on the ground that it is
inconsistent with or abridges any of the rights conferred
by Articles 14 or 19. The 42nd Amendment of 1976 tried
to further widen the scope of the above provisions and
tried to accord precedence to all the Directive Principles
over Fundamental Rights guaranteed in Articles 14 or 19
and 31 of the Constitution. This was done to restore
primacy to Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights.
However, the Supreme Court struck down these
provisions on the ground that it destroyed the basic
structure of the Constitution (Minerva Mills v. Union of
India). The majority opinion was that the Constitution
exists on the balance between Part III and Part IV. To
give absolute primacy to one over the other is to disturb
the harmony of the Constitution which is the essential
feature of its basic structure. In short, the Court took the
view that there is no conflict between the Directive
Principles and the Fundamental Rights. They are
complementary to each other and there is no need to
sacrifice one for the sake of the other.

29
 c. Gandhian Principles
These principles are the embodiment of the Gandhian
programme for reconstruction. These include; (a) the
establishment of village panchayats powerful enough to
function as units of self-governance; (Article 41); (b) the
promotion of educational and economic interests of
weaker sections of society; (Article 46); (c) the promotion
of cottage industries; (Article 43); (d) the prohibition of
intoxicating drugs and drinks; and (Article 47); (e)
prevention of the slaughter of cows, calves and other
milch cattle, etc. (Article 48)
d. Liberal Principles
These principles are based on liberal thinking and
emphasise the need for:
1. a uniform civil code for the country; (Article 44)
2. free and compulsory education for all children up to
the age of 14 years; (Article 45)
3. separation of the judiciary and executive; (Article 47)
4. provision of free legal aid to economically backward
classes, to ensure that opportunities for securing
justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of
economic to other disabilities; (Article 39A)
30
5. organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
along scientific lines; (Article 48)
6. securing the participation of workers in the man
agement of industries; (Article 43 A)
7. protection and improvement of environment; safe
guarding the forests and wildlife of the country;
(Article 48A) and
8. protecting monuments and places of artistic or
historical importance (Article 49).
In the foreign sphere, these principles lay emphasis on
the promotion of international peace and security;
maintenance of just and honourable relations between
nations; fostering of respect for international law and
treaty obligations; and encouraging the settlement of
international dispurts through arbitration, etc. (see
Article 51)

31
Chapter 7: The President

The President is the executive head of the state. The

Constitution vests all the executive powers of the Union
Government in him. He exercises these powers either
directly himself or through officers subordinate to him.
I. Qualifications
A candidate for the office of the President:
(a) must be a citizen of India; (b) should have completed
35 years of age; (c) must possess qualifications required
for member ship of the Lok Sabha; (d) must not hold any
office of profit under the Government of India, state
government or local authority.
However, the following offices are not considered as
offices of profit (a) President and Vice-President (b) the
governor of a state; (c) minister of union or state.
The name of a candidate for the post of President must
be proposed by 50 electors and seconded by atleast 50
electors. He has also to deposit a security of Rs 15,000
for contesting elections.

32
II. Election
The President is indirectly elected through an electoral
college consisting of the elected members of both the
houses of the Parliament and elected members of all
the state legislative assemblies. The Constitution
provides that as far as practicable there shall be
uniformity in the scale of representation among the
states as a whole and the Union. This is sought to be
achieved by providing that every elected member of the
legislative assembly of a state shall have as many
votes as there are multiples of 1000 in the quotient
obtained by dividing the population of the state by the
total number of elected members of the assembly.
This can be explained in the form of the following
formula
Population of the State
Elected members of State  1000
Legislative Assemblies
If by this division the remainder is 500 or more, it will be
counted as one and the vote of each member is
increased by one. Likewise, the number of votes which
each elected member of Parliament shall be entitled to
cast shall be determined by dividing the total number
33
of votes of the legislative assemblies of all the states
by the total number of elected members of both the
houses of Parliament. This can be explained in the form
of following formula
Total number of votes assigned to all the elected MLAs
Total number of elected MPs
If in this division the remainder exceeds one-half, it will
be counted as one. The election is held through the
system of proportional representation by means of a
single transferable vote. The candidate receiving
absolute majority of the first preference votes is
declared elected. However, if no candidate receives an
absolute majority of first preference votes, the ballots of
the candidate securing the least number of first
preference votes are cancelled and his second
preference votes transferred. This process is followed
till some candidate secures an absolute majority of
votes.
III. Disputes Regarding Presidential Election
All disputes in connection with the election of the
President are inquired into and decided by the Supreme
Court, and its decision is final. It is noteworthy that the
election of the President or the Vice-President cannot be
34
challenged on the ground of existence of any vacancy on
whatever reason in the electoral college electing him.
IV. Impeachment
The President can be removed from office before expiry
of his term through impeachment. Impeachment
proceedings can be initiated by either house of
Parliament on the grounds of violation of the
Constitution.
After impeachment charges have been framed by one
house, the charges are investigated by the other house. If
the other house, after due investigation, passes a
resolution by a two-third majority that the charges have
been sustained, the President stands impeached.
V. Vacancy
In case the office falls vacant due to the death,
resignation or removal of the incumbent, the Vice-
President acts as President. In case the Vice-President is
also not available to discharge the duties of the office of
the President, the Chief Justice of India acts as
President. Thus Chief Justice M. Hidayatullah acted as
President of India from 20 July 1969 to 24 August 1969
because V.V. Giri, the then acting President, tendered his
resignation to contest presidential election. In the
35
absence of the Chief Justice, the seniormost judge of the
Supreme Court acts as President. A person who acts as
President is entitled to all the powers and privileges of
the President. Fresh elections for the office of the
President must be held within six months of the
occurrence of vacancy.
VII. Powers of the President
The powers of the President may be studied under the
following heads:
a. Executive Powers
The President is the executive head of the state (Article
53) and all executive actions of the Union Government
are taken in his name (Article 77). All important officials
of the Union Government are appointed by the President.
Some important officials appointed by the President
include the Prime Minister, the members of the council of
ministers, the Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme
Court and High Courts, Chairman and members of the
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Comptroller
and Auditor General of India, Attorney General of India,
governors of states, members of the finance
commission, ambassadors and so forth.

36
b. Legislative Powers
As an integral part of the Parliament under Article 79, the
President enjoys important legislative powers. He can
summon and prorogue the sessions of the two houses
and can dissolve the Lok Sabha (Article 85). He can
address both the houses separately or jointly (Article 86).
He addresses the first session of the Parliament after the
general election (Article 87). He nominates 12 members
to the Rajya Sabha from persons who have distinguished
themselves in fine arts, literature, social service and so
on. He nominates two members from the Anglo-Indian
community to the Lok Sabha if this community has not
received adequate representation. All the bills passed by
Parliament must receive his assent before they become
law. The President can ask the Parliament to reconsider
a bill (Article 111). If on reconsideration, the Parliament
repasses the bill, the President has to give his signature
(Article 111).
c. Financial Powers
All money bills can originate in the Lok Sabha only on the
recommendations of the President. The Contingency
Fund of India has been placed at the disposal of the
President. He can advance money out of this fund to

37
meet unforeseen expenses and recover the same after
due authorization by the Parliament. The President
appoints a finance commission (Article 280) every five
years to recommend distribution of taxes between the
union and state governments.
d. Judicial Powers
The President appoints the Chief Justice and judges of
the Supreme Court and state High Courts (Articles 124,
217). He can grant pardon, reprieve, respite or remission
of punishment, or commute the sentence of any person
punished under the union law (Article 72). The President
enjoys legal immunity and is not accountable to any
court of law for anything done in the exercise of his
official duties.
e. Emergency Powers
The Constitution vests extraordinary powers in the
President to deal with three types of emergencies: (a)
emergency due to war or external aggression or armed
rebellion (Article 352). (b) emergency arising out of
failure of constitutional machinery in the state (Article
356); and (c) emergency arising from threat to the
financial stability or credit of the country (Article 360).
During emergencies, the President comes to wield such
38
extensive powers that critics of the Constitution describe
them as a threat to the democratic system of
government.

39
Chapter 8: Vice-President

The Constitution provides for a Vice-President who is

elected by members of the two houses of Parliament in
accordance with the system of proportional
representation by means of a single transferable vote. A
candidate for the office of the Vice-President must be
proposed and seconded by at least 25 members. He is
also required to deposit a security of Rs 15,000. Election
disputes regarding the Vice-President are decided by the
Supreme Court.
I. Qualifications
A candidate for the office of Vice-President must
1. be a citizen of India
2. be more than 35 years of age
3. possess the qualifications prescribed for member
ship of the Rajya Sabha
4. not be a member of either house of the Parliament or
state legislature
5. not be a person of unsound mind or insolvent

40
6. not hold any office of profit under the union or state
government or local authority.
II. Term and Emoluments
The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years
from the date on which he enters office. He is eligible for
re-election. His term can be cut short if he submits his
resignation to the President or is removed by the Rajya
Sabha through a resolution passed by a two-third
majority of its members and likewise agreed to by the
Lok Sabha. The Vice-President draws a monthly salary of
Rs 1,25,000. In addition he enjoys several benefits, like
free residence, free travel, medical facilities etc. On
retirement he is entitled to monthly pension.
III. Oath of Office
Before entering upon his office the Vice-President has to
take an oath before the President or some other person
appointed by him.
IV. Powers
The Vice-President is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya
Sabha (Article 64) and presides over its meetings. All
bills, resolutions, motions or questions can be taken up
by the Rajya Sabha only with his consent. He is the chief

41
spokesman of the Rajya Sabha before the President as
well as the Lok Sabha.
He discharges the functions of the office of the President
in case that post falls vacant on account of the death,
resignation or removal of the President (Article 65). The
Vice-President can act as President for a maximum
period of six months because fresh elections for the
office of President must be held within six months of the
occurrence of vacancy. Similarly, if the President is
unable to discharge his functions for some reason, the
Vice-President discharges all his functions.

42
Chapter 9: The Parliament

The parliament is the union legislature of India. It

consists of the President and the two houses – the Lok
Sabha (House of People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of
States).
I. Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha is the popular house of the Indian
Parliament. It consists of representatives elected by the
people on the basis of universal adult franchise through
secret ballot. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha
has been fixed at 550, out of which 530 represent the
states and 20 represent the union territories. The
President can nominate two members of the Anglo-
Indian community if, in his opinion, this community is not
adequately represented in the Lok Sabha. The strength of
the Lok Sabha was fixed at 543 (plus two nominated
members of the Anglo-Indian community) in 1976.
To be eligible for membership of the Lok Sabha a person,
1. Must be a citizen of India,
2. Should be at least 25 years of age,

43
3. Should possess such other qualifications as may be
prescribed by Parliament,
4. Must not hold any office of profit under the union or
state government,
5. Must not be of unsound mind or declared insolvent
A person is disqualified from becoming a member of
Parliament,
1. If they are not a citizen of India or has voluntarily ac-
quired the citizenship of a foreign state, and
2. If they are disqualified under any law made by the Par-
liament.
Under the anti-defection law, a member is disqualified
from being member of either house of Parliament (i) if
they voluntarily give up the membership of the political
party on whose ticket he is elected to the house; or (ii) if
they vote or abstain from voting in the house against any
direction given by his political party.
Oath Before taking seat in the house, every member of
Parliament has to take an oath and affirmation before
the President or some person appointed by the President
for this purpose. Unless a member takes the oath, he
cannot sit in this house. If a person sits in the house
44
without taking oath, he is liable to pay a penalty of Rs
500 for each day he sits or votes in the house.
Vacation of Seat A member of Parliament can vacate his
eat before the expiry of his term by writing to the
Chairman or the Speaker as the case may be. The seat of
a member can also be declared vacant if he absents
himself from the meetings of the house for 60 days
without intimation.
Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a term of five
years but the term can be cut short if the President
dissolves the House earlier on the recommendation of
the Prime Minister.
Leader of Opposition The original constitution did not
provide for the office of Opposition Leader. This post was
created through an Act of Parliament in 1977. The Act
provided that the leader of the party (other than the
ruling party) with the largest number of members in the
Parliament shall be recognised as Leader of Opposition,
provided his party has captured atleast 10 percent of the
total Lok Sabha seats. The Leader of the Opposition
enjoys Cabinet rank under the Act.

45
II. Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament. It
consists of representatives of the states. The maximum
strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250. Of these, 238
represent the states and union territories and the rest are
nominated by the President. The nominees are persons
who have distinguished themselves in the field of
literature, art, science, social service and so on.
Representatives of the states are elected by members of
state legislative assemblies on (the basis of proportional
representation through a single transferable vote. It is
noteworthy that in the Rajya Sabha, the states have been
provided representation on the basis of their population.
As regards qualifications for membership of the Rajya
Sabha, the candidate must
1. Be a citizen of India
2. Be 30 years of age or more
3. Be a parliamentary elector in the state in which he is
seeking election
4. Possess such other qualifications as may be pre
scribed by the Parliament from time to time.

46
The candidates seeking membership to the Rajya Sabha
must not have any of the disqualifications listed for the
members of the Lok Sabha.
The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term
of six years. Even though the Rajya Sabha is a
permanent house, one-third of the members retire every
two years. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of
the Rajya Sabha. In addition, the Rajya Sabha elects a
Deputy Chairman from its members, who presides over
the meetings in the absence of the Vice-President.
III. Sessions of Parliament
The sessions of Parliament are convened at the
discretion of the President. However, there should not be
a gap of more than six months between two sessions.
Adjournment
Adjournment is a short recess within the session of the
Parliament ordered by the Presiding Officer of the House.
The duration of adjournment can be few minutes or days.
The adjournment does not bring the session to an end. It
merely postpones the proceedings of the House to a
future date and time. Sometime the Presiding Officer
adjourns to house without fixing any date or time of the

47
next meeting. This is known in Parliamentary language
as adjournment sine die.
Prorogation of House
The Constitution vests the power to prorogue the House
in the President who uses it on the advice of the council
of ministers. Prorogation of House only ends the session
of the House and not its life. It merely implies that the
house ceases to do its business at a particular time. It
may be noted that unlike England, where prorogation
brings to an end all bills or business pending before the
House, in India the pending bills or business do not lapse
on the prorogation of a session. The House takes up
pending business for consideration when it meets after
prorogation.
Dissolution of House
Dissolution ends the life of the House and a fresh House
has to be reconstituted thereafter. In India, only the Lok
Sabha is subject to dissolution before the expiry of its
normal term. The Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, is a
permanent house and is not subject to dissolution. The
power to dissolve the Lok Sabha vests in the President,
who generally takes this action on the advice of the
Prime Minister. In the event of the dissolution of the
48
House, any Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses. Any bill
passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha
also lapses, unless the President indicates his intention
to call a joint sitting of the two houses. However, in the
event of dissolution of the Lok Sabha, any bill pending in
the Rajva Sabha, but not passed by the Lok Sabha, does
not lapse.
IV. a. Powers of Parliament
1. The Parliament legislates on subjects included in the
union and concurrent lists. It can also legislate on
subjects included in the state list,
a) if the Rajya Sabha passess a resolution by two-
third majority that it is in the national interest that
Parliament should legislate on the state subject;
(Article 249)
b) if the legislatures of two or more states
recommend to Parliament to legislate; (Article 252)
c) for the implementation of treaties and agreements
with foreign powers; (Article 253) and
d) during the proclamation of emergency on account
of threat to the security of India or a breakdown of
constitutional machinery in the state. (Article 250)
49
 The power to legislate on residuary subjects also
vests with Parliament. (Article 248)
2. The Parliament exercises completed control over
the union finances. No taxes can be levied or
expenditure incurred without its approval.
3. The Parliament exercises completed control over
the executive. The council of ministers, which is
the real executive, is accountable to Parliament
and stays in office as long as it enjoys the
confidence of Parliament. If the Parliament espe-
cially the Lok Sabha expresses lack of confidence
in the council of ministers, it has to resign. The
Parliament exercises control over government in
numerous ways through questions, supplementary
questions, resolutions and adjournment motions,
and so on. Actually, on account of rigid party
discipline, the members of Parliament do not
exercise any real control over the council of
ministers as they readily endorse its policies and
actions.
4. The Parliament plays a major role in the
amendment of the Constitution (Article 368). Major
portions of the Constitution can be amended by the

50
 Parliament alone by a simple or two-third majority.
Only in respect of a limited numbers of provision
can the amendments be carried out by Parliament
with the approval of the legislatures of not less
than one-half of the states.
5. The Parliament elects the Vice-President and can
initiate impeachment proceedings against the
President of India. (Articles 66, 61)
b. Special Powers of Lok Sabha
Being a popularly elected house the Lok Sabha has been
vested with certain special powers, which are as under:
1. All money bills can originate only in the Lok Sabha.
2. The final authority with regard to passage of a money
bill rests with the Lok Sabha. No doubt, the Rajya
Sabha can make certain recommendations with
regard to money bill, but it is upto the Lok Sabha to
accept the same or not. Hence it can be said that Lok
Sabha enjoys exclusive power with regard to money
bill.
3. The Lok Sabha enjoys exclusive power to pass a no
confidence against the Council of Ministers and oust
it from office before the expiry of its term. (Article 75)

51
c. Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
The Constitution has vested several special powers in
the Rajya Sabha. These are as under:
(i) Resolution for the removal of the Vice-President of
India can originate only in the Rajya Sabha. After the
resolution is passed by majority of the members of Rajya
Sabha it is sent to the Lok Sabha for approval. (Article
67)
(ii) The resolution for the creation of new All India Ser-
vices can be initiated only in the Rajya Sabha (Article
312). Only after the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution to
this effect by a special majority, viz two-thirds majority of
members present and voting, the Parliament can enact
necessary law to this effect,
(iii) Legislationm on any subject of the State list can
originate only in the Rajya Sabha. However, before doing
so the Rajya Sabha has to satisfy itself that it is
necessary or expedient in national interest to do so.
(Article 249)
V. Legislative Procedure
The legislative procedure in India is quite elaborate. A bill
has to pass through numerous stages before it becomes

52
law. There is a slightly different procedure for the
passage of ordinary bills and money bills.
a. Ordinary Bill An ordinary bill can be introduced in
either house of the Parliament and has to pass
through the following stages in each house, before it
is submitted to the President for his assent.
First Reading At this stage the title of the bill is read and
a brief speech regarding the aims and objective of the bill
is made. Opponents of the bill also make a brief speech
at this stage and after a formal vote, the bill is published
in gazette.
Second Reading At this stage the general principles of
the bill as a whole are discussed and decision regarding
reference of the bill to the appropriate committee is
taken. No amendments are possible at this stage.
Committee Stage After the second reading, the bill is
referred to the appropriate committee where its
provisions are thoroughly discussed. The committee can
also make suitable suggestions for improvement of the
bill and suggest necessary amendments.

53
Report Stage The committee submits its report to the
House, where it is thoroughly discussed. The members of
the House hold a clause-by-clause discussion and vote
thereon. At this stage, they can also propose fresh
amendments, which are accepted by majority vote.
Third Reading A general discussion on the bill takes
place and formal voting for the acceptance or rejection
of the bill is held. No amendments can be proposed at
this stage.
After a bill has been passed by one house it is
transmitted to the other house, where it goes through all
these stages once again. After the bill has been passed
by the other house, it is sent to the President for assent.
However, if the other house proposes certain
amendments which are not acceptable to the originating
house, it may lead to a deadlock. The deadlock is
resolved by convening a joint-sitting of the two houses
where the decision is taken by majority vote.
The President can either accord his assent or return the
bill for reconsideration of the Parliament. But if the
Parliament repasses the bill, the President has to accord
assent to it.

54
b. Money Bill
A money bill deals with the imposition or abolition of tax,
borrowing of money by the Government of India, custody
and maintenance of the Consolidated Fund or
Contingency Fund or the Public Accounts of India and
the audit of the accounts of the union and state. The
final decision, whether a bill is a money bill or not, rests
with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The procedure for the passage of a money bill is quite
different from the procedure for enactment of an ordinary
bill. A money bill can originate only in the Lok Sabha on
the recommendation of the President. After a money bill
has been passed by the Lok Sabha, it is transmitted to
the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha is given 14 days to
make its recommendations. If it fails to make
recommendations within this period, the bill is
considered to have been passed by both houses and is
transmitted to the President for his assent. If the Rajya
Sabha returns the bill within 14 days with its
recommendations, it is up to the Lok Sabha to accept or
reject the recommendations. Even if the Lok Sabha does
not accept the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha, the
bill is deemed to have been passed by both houses in the
form in which it was transmitted to the Rajya Sabha.
55
Thus, with regard to money bills, the final authority rests
with the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha can delay its
enactment for a maximum period of 14 days.
VI. Parliamentary Terms
It shall be desirable to know the meaning of the various
parliamentary terms connected with Parliamentary
procedure.
a. Question Hour
The first hour of every sitting in the two Houses of
Parliament is devoted to asking and answering of
questions and is popularly known as Question Hour.
During this hour, matters concerning government are
raised and the problems facing the country are brought
to the notice of the government with a view to seek the
redress or to expose the administrative excesses. The
questions are generally addressed to the ministers and
are of three categories, viz., starred questions, unstarred
questions, and short notice questions. The starred
questions are to be answered orally on the floor of the
House and are generally distinguished by an asterisk.
The answers to starred questions can be followed by
supplementary questions by members. The unstarred
questions, on the other hand, do not carry any asterisk
56
mark and are answered in written form. Naturally, no
supplementary questions can be asked on these
questions. Short notice question are generally asked on
matters of urgent public importance and do not need ten
days notice as prescribed for the ordinary questions.
b. Zero Hour
There is no mention of zero hour in the rules of
Parliamentary Procedure, and the term was coined by the
press in the early 1960s. The hour after the Question
Hour in the two Houses of Parliament is known as zero
hour. During this hour, the members raise matters which,
they feel, cannot brook any delay. It is noteworthy that
since the matters are raised without any permission or
prior notice, it results in loss of precious time of the
House and encroaches on the legislative, financial and
other regular business of the House.
c. Adjournment Motion
Adjournment motion is moved to draw the attention of
the House to a recent matter of urgent public importance
having serious consequences. The adjournment motion
can be moved by any member if 50 members support it
and the Speaker grants permission for the motion. Notice
for adjournment motion has to be giver before the
57
commencement of the sitting of the House. The Speaker
admits the adjournment motion only if it relates to a
definite matter of public importance, which has a factual
basis and is of an urgent nature. General issues like
political situation in the country, railway accidents,
closure of mills international situation in general, etc.,
cannot be subject matters of adjournment motion.
d. No Confidence Motion
The council of ministers remains in office as long as it
enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The moment the
Lok Sabha expresses lack of confidence in the council of
ministers, it has to tender resignation. To ascertain the
confidence of the house in the council of ministers, the
rules provide for 'no confidence motion'. According to the
rules, a notice of motion of no confidence has to be given
before the commencement of the sitting on the day it is
proposed to be raised. No specific grounds have to be
given for moving such a motion and it is for the Speaker
to decide whether the motion is in order or not. If the
Speaker feels that the motion is in order, he reads the
motion in the House. If at least 50 members of Lok
Sabha support the motion, the Speaker admits the no
confidence motion. The motion must be taken up for
discussion within 10 days of the leave being granted. The
58
time for the discussion is usually decided on the advice
of the Business Advisory Committee. If the government
so desires, the discussion can even be taken up
forthwith. After the members have spoken on the motion,
the Prime Minister replies to the charges levelled against
the government. The mover of the motion has the right of
reply. After the conclusion of the debate, the Speaker
puts the question to the vote of the House. It may be
noted that the Rajya Sabha has no power to entertain a
motion of no confidence, because the government is
collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha.
e. Censure Motion
Censure motion is moved with a view to censure the
government for certain policies and actions. It differs
from the no confidence motion insofar as specific
grounds or charges have to be made against the
government. Further, unlike no confidence motion which
can be moved against the council of ministers alone, the
censure motion can be moved against individual
ministers or a group of ministers for the failure to act or
not to act on their policy. The motion must precisely and
briefly record the reasons for the censure and must be
supported by at least 50 members. The decision whether
the motion is in order or not, rests with the Speaker. If
59
the censure motion is admitted by the Speaker, it is the
discretion of the government to find time and to fix a
date for its discussion. If the motion is passed in the Lok
Sabha, the council of ministers has to tender its
resignation.

60
Chapter 10: The Supreme Court

Introduction
The Supreme Court stands at the apex of the judicial
system of India. It consists of Chief Justice and 30 other
judges (2008). The strength of the Supreme Court was
raised from 26 to 31 in February 2009 on the plea that
this would enable the Supreme Court to function more
efficiently and effectively. It was further argued that the
increase in the number of judges would help in attaining
the ultimate goal of rendering speedy justice. The Chief
Justice is appointed by the President in consultation
with such judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
as he deems necessary. The other judges of the Supreme
Court are appointed by the President in consultation with
the Chief Justice. However, he may also consult other
judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts while
appointing a judge of the Supreme Court.
The position is this regard underwent a drastic change
following Supreme Court Judgment of 1993 in S.C.
Advocates on-Record Association vs. Union of India case.
The Court held that in the matter of appointment of the
judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, the

61
President is bound to act in accordance with the opinion
of the Chief Justice of India, who would tender his
opinion on the matter after consulting his a collegium of
four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court (see the
third Judges case, 1998). Thus, the discretion of the
Prime Minister and the President regarding the
appointment o1 judges has been reduced. In the
selection of candidate; for appointment as judges of
Supreme Court and High Courts, the judiciary plays a
major role and the executive merely acts as a check on
the exercise of power by the Chief Justice.
I. Conditions of Service
a. Qualifications
To be appointed judge of the Supreme Court, a person
(a) must be a citizen of India
(b) must have been a judge of a High Court or of two
such courts in succession for a period of five years;
or an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years; or
is, in the view of the President, a distinguished
jurist of the country.

62
 It may be observed that so far no non-practising person
has been appointed as judge of the Supreme Court in
India.
b. Term and Salary
The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme
Court hold office till they attain the age of 65 years.
They can relinquish office earlier by addressing their
resignation to the President. They can be removed
from office before the age of retirement by the
President on the basis of a resolution passed by the
Parliament on grounds of proved misbehaviour or
incapacity. So far no judge of Supreme Court has
been removed from office through impeachment.
II. Independence of Judges
The Constitution has made elaborate provisions to
ensure the independence of judges.
1. The salaries and allowances of judges have been
charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and are
not subject to a vote of Parliament.
2. The salaries and other service conditions of judges
cannot be changed to their disadvantage during
their tenure.

63
3. The removal of the judges has been made quite dif-
ficult. They can be removed from office by the
President only on grounds of proved misbehaviour
or incapacity on the basis of a resolution passed
by the I two houses of Parliament by two-third
majority.
4. Judges are barred from carrying on any practice
before any court in India after their retirement.
5. The decisions and actions of judges cannot be
criticised and a person can be punished for
contempt of the court.
6. The conduct of judges cannot be discussed in the
Parliament or the state legislature.
7. The appointment of judges of Supreme Court does
not depend on the discretion of the President. The
President has to consult the judges of the Supreme
Court and such other courts as he may deem fit,
while appointing the judges.
8. The court enjoys complete freedom with regard to
appointment of officers and servants of the court.

64
III. Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court enjoys three types of jurisdictions.
a. Original Jurisdiction
This means that certain types of cases can
originate with the Supreme Court alone. The
Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in
(a) disputes between the Centre and one or more states
(Article 131)
(b) disputes between the Centre and any state or states
on the one hand and one or more states on the other
(Article 131)
(c) disputes between two or more states (Article 131)
(d) disputes regarding the enforcement of Fundamental
Rights. (Article 32)
b. Appellate Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal and its
writs and decrees run throughout the country. All cases
that come to the Supreme Court in the form of appeals
against judgments of lower courts fall in the appellate
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (Articles 132, 133, 134).
Three types of cases fall within the appellate jurisdiction

65
of the Supreme Court—constitutional, civil, criminal. An
appeal can be made to the Supreme Court against any
judgment, decree or final order of a High Court if the High
Court certifies that the case involves substantial
question of law as to the interpretation of the
Constitution. An appeal can be made to Supreme Court
in civil cases against judgement, decree or final order in a
civil proceeding of a High Court only if the High Court
certifies (a) that the case involves a substantial question
of law of general importance; and (b) that in the opinion
of the High Court, the said question needs to be decided
by the Supreme Court. An appeal can be made to the
Supreme Court against the judgment, final order or
sentence in a criminal proceeding of a High Court if the
High Court certifies that it is a fit case for appeal to the
Supreme Court. Without the certificate of the High Court
also an appeal can be made to the Supreme Court if the
High Court (a) has on appeal reversed an order of
acquittal of an accused person and sentenced him to
death; (b) has withdrawn for trial before itself any case
from any court subordinate to its authority and has in
such trial convicted the accused person and sentenced
him to death. It may be observed that if the High Court
has reversed the order of conviction and has ordered the

66
acquittal of an accused, no appeal would lie to the
Supreme Court.
c. Advisory Jurisdiction
If the President feels that a question of law or fact has
arisen or is likely to arise, and the question is of such a
nature and of such public importance that it is expedient
to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he
can refer the same to the Supreme Court for advisory
opinion (Article 143). The Supreme Court is duty bound
to give its opinion on the matter referred to it by the
President. However, the opinion of the Supreme Court is
not binding on the President.

67
Chapter 11: State Executive

Introduction
The executive at the state level has been modelled on the
central pattern. It consists of the governor, the council of
ministers and the chief minister.
I. The Governor
The governor is the nominal executive head of the state.
All the executive authority of the state is vested in him
and is exercised by him either directly or through officers
subordinate to him.
The governor is appointed by the President and holds
office during his pleasure. As a matter of convention, the
President sounds the chief minister of the concerned
state while appointing the governor.
Before entering upon his office, the governor is to take an
oath or affirmation before the Chief Justice of the High
Court of that state. In case the Chief Justice of the High
Court is not available, the oath is to be conducted by the
senior most judge of the court available.
To be eligible for appointment as governor, a person
1. must be a citizen of India;
68
 2. must have completed 35 years of age;
3. should not be a member of either House of Parlia-
ment or the state legislature;
4. must possess the qualifications prescribed for
membership of the state legislature;
5. must not hold any office of profit.
Why an Appointed Governor?
The question is often raised as to why the Constituent
Assembly of India preferred an appointed Governor over
an elected Governor. In the main, four considerations
were taken into account for this decision. Firstly, election
would have been an expensive proposition. Secondly,
election would have been fought on personal issues.
Thirdly, an elected Governor would have considered
himself superior to the Chief Minister. This would have
given rise to mutual bickering. Fourthly, an appointed
Governor could more effectively check separatist
tendencies and provide stability.
Term and Salary
The governor is appointed for a term of five years.
However, he can relinquish his office earlier by tendering
his resignation to the President. The President can also
69
remove him from office before expiry of his term. The
term of the Governor gets automatically extended if his
successor does not assume office on the expiry of his
term. The governor draws a monthly salary of Rs
1,10,000. In addition he is entitled to free residence,
medical facilities, and certain other allowances. The
salary and allowances of the governor are charged to the
Consolidated Fund of the state and are not subject to the
vote of the state legislature.
II. Powers of the Governor
The Constitution vests quite extensive powers in the
governor, though he is expected to exercise his powers
on the advice of the council of ministers. In addition, he
also enjoys certain discretionary powers that he
exercises on his own. He enjoys the following powers:
a. Executive Powers
The governor is the executive head of the state and all
executive actions of the state are taken in his name. He
also appoints all important officials of the state including
the chief minister, ministers, advocate general, chairman
and members of the state public service commission and
so forth. The governor also reserves the "right to
recommend to the President that the government of the
70
state is not being carried on in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution and Presidential rule be
imposed in the state. When the state is placed under
President's rule, the governor acts as the representative
of the President in the state and assumes extensive
powers.
b. Legislative Powers
These powers include the right to
(a) summon or prorogue either house of the state legis-
lature and dissolve the state legislative assembly;
(b) address the first session of the state legislature
after the general elections;
(c) send messages to the state legislature on bills
pending before it;
(d) appoint one-sixth members of the legislative
council;
(e) nominates one member of the Anglo-Indian com-
munity to the legislative assembly if it does not get
representation otherwise;
(f) give assent to the bills passed by the state
legislature;

71
 (g) reserve certain types of bills passed by the legisla-
ture for the assent of the President;
(h) make laws through ordinances during the recess of
the state legislature.
c. Financial Powers
He ensures that the budget of the state is laid before the
state legislature every year. All money bills can be
introduced in the state legislature only on the
recommendation of the governor. The governor
administers the contingency fund of the state and can
advance money out of it to meet unforeseen expenditure.
However, the money must be recouped with the authority
of the state legislature.
d. Judicial Powers
The governor is consulted by the President while
appointing the Chief Justice and judges of the state High
Court. He appoints judges of courts below the High
Court. He can grant pardon, reprieve, respite or remission
of punishments to persons convicted of an offence
against state laws.

72
Chapter 12: State Legislature

The state legislature consists of the governor and one or

two houses. If the state has only one house, it is known
as legislative assembly. The other is the legislative
council. At present, only six states have a bicameral
legislature— Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and
Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. All
other states have only one house. Legislative councils
can be created or abolished in a state on the
recommendation of the legislative assembly
I. Legislative Assembly
This is the popular house of the state legislature and
consists of directly elected representatives of the people.
The strength of the legislative assembly varies from 60
to 500 in different states according to population.
However, the legislative assembly of Sikkim has only 32
members. The assembly enjoys a term of five years but
can be dissolved earlier by the governor. Likewise, its
term can be extended by one year at a time by the
Parliament during national emergency.
A person can become a member of the legislative
assembly only if he

73
 1. is a citizen of India;
2. is more than 25 years of age;
3. possesses such other qualifications as may be
pre scribed by or under the law enacted by the
Parliament.
On the other hand, a person is disqualified to be a
member of state legislature (i) if he holds any office of
profit under the central or state government; (ii) if he is of
unsound mind; (iii) if he is an undischarged insolvent; (iv)
if he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign
state; (v) if he is disqualified by or under any law of
Parliament. The question whether a member of a house
of legislature of a state has become subject to any of the
said disqualifications, shall be referred to the governor
and his decision shall be final. However, before giving his
decision on such a question, the governor is expected to
obtain the opinion of the election commission.
Presiding Officer
The presiding officer of the legislative assembly is known
as Speaker. He is elected by the members of the
assembly from among themselves. In addition the
assembly also elects a Deputy Speaker, who performs
the duties of the speaker in his absence. In case the
74
office of the deputy speaker is vacant, the duties of the
office of the speaker are performed by such members of
the assembly as the government may appoint for the
purpose.
II. Legislative Council
It is the upper house of the state legislature and contains
various categories of members. It has members elected
by the legislative assembly (one-third) members elected
by local bodies (one-third), members elected by teachers
(one-twelfth), members elected by university graduates
(one-twelfth), members nominated by the governor (one-
sixth). The maximum strength of the legislative council
can be one-third the total membership of the legislative
assembly, but in no case less than 40. The legislative
council enjoys a term of six years with one-third from its
members retiring every two years. The council elects a
chairman and a vice-chairman from among its members.
At present, legislative council exists in Andhra Pradesh,
Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and
Uttar Pradesh. To be eligible for membership of the
legislative council, a person
1. must be a citizen of India;
2. must be more than 30 years of age;
75
 3. must possess such other qualifications as may be
prescribed by Parliament from time to time.
Like the members of legislative assembly, the members
of the legislative council must not suffer from any of the
prescribed disqualifications, viz. he should not hold any
office of profit under the central or state government; he
should not be of unsound mind; he should not be an
undischarged insolvent; he should not have voluntarily
acquired the citizenship of a foreign state; and he should
not be disqualified by or under any law of Parliament.
Presiding Officer
The presiding officer of the legislative council is known
as Chairman. He is elected by the members of the
legislative council from amongst its members. In
addition the council elects a deputy chairman who
discharges the duties of the Chairman in his absence.
III. Legislative Procedure
The legislative procedure followed in the state legislature
is similar to the one followed by the Parliament at the
Centre.
A money bill can be introduced only in the state
legislative assembly. After it is passed by the assembly it

76
is sent to the legislative council, if there is one in the
state. The council can at the most delay the passage of
the money bill by 14 days. However, if there is only one
house in the state, the bill after it is passed by the
assembly is sent to the governor for his assent.
The non-money or ordinary bills can originate in either of
the two houses of state legislature. The legislative
council can delay an ordinary bill for a maximum period
of three months. Unlike at the Centre, at the state level
there is no provision for a joint sitting of the two houses
of the state legislature. If an ordinary bill originates in the
council, the assembly can reject it and put an end to it.
Governor's Assent
After the bill is passed by the state legislature it is
presented to the governor of the state. The governor can:
(i) give an assent to the bill and it becomes a law; (ii)
withhold his assent; (iii) return the bill (provided it is not
a money bill) with a message; (iv) reserve the bill for the
consideration of the President. It may be noted that if the
bill is reserved for the consideration of the President, the
final authority to enact the bill shifts to President and the
governor cannot play any role in this regard.

77
If a money bill is reserved for the consideration of the
President, he can either give his assent or withhold it.
The President can also direct the Governor of the state to
send back the bill to the state legislature for
reconsideration. In such an eventuality, the state
legislature has to reconsider the bill within six months. If
the state legislature repasses the bill, it is directly
presented to the President for his assent. In this case,
the President is not obliged to give his assent. The
President can also refer the bill to the Supreme Court for
its opinion.
IV. Powers of the State Legislature
The state legislature enjoys the following powers:
1. It can legislate on subjects contained in the state
list as well as the concurrent list. However, its laws
on concurrent subjects must not conflict with the
laws enacted by the Parliament on the same
subject.
2. The state legislature exercises complete control
over state finances. No taxes can be levied or ex-
penditure incurred by the state government without
its approval.

78
3. The state legislature exercises control over the
state council of ministers through questions,
supplementary questions, by seeking information,
by moving adjournment or censure motions and so
on. It can even oust the council of ministers by
passing a vote of no-confidence.
4. The state legislature participates in the election of
the President.
5. It has a share in the amendment of the
Constitution insofar as certain provisions of the
Constitution can be amended only after ratification
by the legislatures of the majority of states.
6. The state legislature considers reports of the Pub-
lic Service Commission, Comptroller and Auditor
General, etc. pertaining to the state.

79
Chapter 13: High Court

Introduction
Each state has a High Court, which is the highest judicial
organ of the state. However, there can be a common
High Court for two or more states. Punjab, Haryana and
the Union Territory of Chandigarh have a common High
Court. A union territory can also have a separate High
Court. Thus, the National Capital Territory of Delhi has a
separate High Court. The other union territories come
under the jurisdiction of various High Courts. At present
there are 24 High Courts.
The High Court consists of a chief justice and such other
judges as the President may determine from time to
time. The strength of the various High Courts is not
identical. For example, the Allahabad High Court has 37
judges as against five in the Jammu and Kashmir High
Court. The Chief Justice of High Court is appointed by
the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of
India and the governor of the concerned state. However,
in the appointment of judges of the High Court, the
President also consults the Chief Justice of the High
Court.

80
I. Conditions of Service
1. Qualifications
To qualify for appointment as a judge of the High Court, a
person
(a) must be a citizen of India;
(b) should have been an advocate of a High Court or of
two or more such courts in succession for at least
10 years; or should have held judicial office in
Indian territory for a period of at least 10 years.
2. Oath
Before entering office the judge of a High Court has to
take an oath in the prescribed form before the governor
of that state or some person appointed for that purpose,
affirming that he will bear true faith and allegiance to the
Constitution of India and will perform the duties of his
office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and will
uphold the Constitution and the laws
3. Term and Salary
The judges of the High Court hold office till they attain
the age of 62 years. Their term can be cut short due to
resignation or removal by the President on grounds of
proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The President can
81
remove a judge of the High Court from his office only if
the Parliament passes a resolution by a two-third
majority of its members present and voting in each
house, requesting him to remove the judge. At present
the Chief Justice and other judges of the High Court draw
a monthly salary of Rs 90,000 and Rs 80,000
respectively. In addition they are entitled to pension,
death-cum-retirement gratuity and benefits of deposit
linked insurance scheme. The salary and service
conditions of the judges of High Court cannot be
changed to their disadvantage during their tenure. The
expenditure in respect of the judges of the High Courts
and other staff is charged on the consolidated fund of
the states.
II. Jurisdiction of High Court
1. The High Court enjoys the same powers which it
enjoyed immediately before the commencement of
the Constitution.
2. The High Court is a court of record and has all the
powers of such a court, including the power to pun-
ish for its contempt.

82
3. Cases relating to admiralty, matrimonial matters and
issues concerning contempt of court are directly
taken to the High Court.
4. The High Court can issue directions, orders or writs
to any person or authority within its jurisdiction. The
writs which the High Court can issue for the enforce-
ment of Fundamental Rights or other purpose, in-
clude habeas corpus, mandamus, pro-hibition, quo
warranto, and certaiorari.
5. The High Court exercises supervision over the
working of courts and tribunals within its jurisdic-
tion, and ensures that the lower courts discharge
their duties properly.
6. The High Court can withdraw a case pending before
a subordinate court and may itself dispose of the
case, or determine the question of law involved in
the case and return the case together with its
judgment on the question, to the said court for
disposal in conformity with its judgment.
7. The Parliament can further extend the jurisdiction of
the High Court.

83
Chapter 14: Emergency Provisions

The emergency provisions are contained in Part XVIII of

the Constitution, from Articles 352 to 360. These
provisions enable the Central government to meet any
abnormal situation effectively. The rationality behind the
incorporation of these provisions in the Constitution is to
safeguard the sovereignty, unit, integrity and security of
the country, the country, the democratic political system,
and the Constitution.
During an Emergency, the Central government becomes
all powerful and the states go into the total control of the
Centre. It converts the federal structure into a unitary one
without a formal amendment of the Constitution. This
kind kind of transformation of the political system from
federal during normal times to unitary during Emergency
is a unique feature of the J Indian Constitution. In this
context, Dr. B R Ambedkar observed in the Constituent
Assembly that:
The Constitution stipulates three types of emergencies:
1. An emergency due to war, external aggression or
armed rebellion (Article 352). This is popularly known as
'National Emergency'. However, the Constitution employs

84
the expression 'proclamation of emergency' to denote an
emergency of this type.
2. An Emergency due to the failure of the constitutional
machinery in the states (Article-356). This is popularly
known as 'President's Rule'. It is also known by two other
names—'State Emergency' or 'constitutional Emergency'.
However, the Constitution does not use the word
'emergency' for this situation.
3. Financial Emergency due to a threat to the financial
stability or credit of India (Article 360).
I. National Emergency
Under Article 352, the President can declare a national
emergency when the security of India or a part of it is
threatened by war or external aggression or armed
rebellion.
When a national emergency is declared on the ground of
‘war’ or ‘external aggression’, it is known as ‘External
Emergency’ o n the other hand, when it is declared on the
ground of ‘armed rebellion’, it is known as ‘Internal
Emergency’.
Originally, the Constitution mentioned internal
disturbance' as the third ground for the proclamation of a

85
National Emergency, but the expression was too vague
and had a wider connotation. Hence, the 44th
Amendment Act of 1978 substituted the words ‘armed
rebellion’ for ‘internal disturbance’.
The President, however, can proclaim a national
emergency only after receiving a written
3
recommendation from the cabinet . This means that the
"emergency can be declared only on the concurrence of
the cabinet and not merely on the advice of the prime
minister. In 1975, the then Prime Minister.
a. Parliamentry Approval and Duration
The proclamation of Emergency must be approved by
both the Houses of Parliament within one month from
the date of its issue. Originally, the period allowed for
approval by the Parliament was two months, but was
reduced by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. However, if
the proclamation of emergency is issued at a time when
the Lok Sabha has been dissolved or the dissolution of
the Lok Sabha takes place during the period of one
month without approving the proclamation, then the
proclamation survives until 30 days from the first sitting
of the Lok Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the

86
Rajya Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the Rajya
Sabha has in the meantime approved it.
If approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the
emergency continues for six months, and can be
extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the
Parliament for every six months.
Every resolution approving |he proclamation of
emergency or its continuance must be passed by either
House of Parliament by a special 'majority, that is, (a) a
majority of the total membership of that house, and (b) a
majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of
that house present and voting". This special majority
provision was introduced by the 44th Amendment Act of
1978. Previously, such resolution could be passed by a
simple majority of the Parliament.
II. President’s Rule
Grounds of Imposition
Article 355 imposes a duty on the Centre to ensure that
the government of every state is carried on in accordance
with the provisions of the Constitution. It is this duty in the
performance of which the Centre takes over the
government of a state under Article 356 in case of failure

87
of constitutional 'machinery in state. This is popularly
known as 'President's Rule'.
1. Article 356 empowers the President to issue a
proclamation, if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen
in which the government of a state cannot be carried on in
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Notably, the president can act either on a report of the
governor of the state or otherwise too (ie, even without the
governor's report
a. Parliamentary Approval and Duration
A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must be
approved by both the House of Parliament within two
months from the date of its issue. However, if the
proclamation of President’s Rule is issued at a time when
the Lok Sabha has been dissolved or the dissolution of the
Lok Sabha takes place during the period of two months
without approving the proclamation, then the
proclamation survives until 30 days from the first sitting of
the Lok Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the Rajya
Sabha approves it in the mean time.
If approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the
President's Rule continues for six months. It can be

88
extended for a maximum period of three years with the
approval of the Parliament, every six months.
Every resolution approving the proclamation of Presidents
Rule or its continuation can be passed by either House of
Parliament only by" a simple majority, that is, a majority of
the members of that House present and voting.
A proclamation of President's Rule may be revoked by the
President at any time by a subsequent proclamation. Such
a proclamation does not require the parliamentary
approval.
b. Consequences of President's Rule
The President acquire the following extraordinary powers
when the President’s Rule is imposed in a state.;
1. He can take up the functions of the state government
and powers vested in the governor or any other executive
authority in the state.
2. He can declare that the powers of the state legislature
are to be exercised by the Parliament.
3. He can take all other necessary steps including the
suspension of the" constitutional provisions relating to
anybody or authority in the state.

89
Therefore, when the President’s Rule is imposed in a state,
the President dismisses the state council of ministers
headed by the chief minister. The state governor, on behalf
of the President, carries on the state administration with
the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors
appointed by the President. This is the reason why a
proclamation under Article 356 is popularly known as the
imposition of 'President's Rule' in a state. Further, the
President either suspends or dissolves the state legislative
assembly. The Parliament passes the state legislative bills
and the state budget.
A law made by the Parliament or president or any other
specified “authority" continues to be operative even after
the President's Rule.
III. Financial Emergency
Grounds of Declaration
Article 360 empowers the president to proclaim a financial
Emergency if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen
due to which the financial stability or credit of India or any
part of its territory is threatened.
a. Parliamentary Approval and Duration

90
A proclamation declaring financial emergency must be
approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two
months from the date of its issue. However, if the
proclamation of Financial Emergency is issued at a time
when the Lok Sabha has been dissolved or the dissolution
of the Lok Sabha takes place during the period of two
months without approving the proclamation, then the
proclamation survives until 30 days from the first sitting of
the Lok Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the Rajya
Sabha has in the meantime approved it.
Once approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the
Financial Emergency continues indefinitely till it is
revoked. This implies two things:
1. There is no maximum period prescribed for its
operation; and
2. Repeated parliamentary approval is not required for its
continuation
A resolution approving the proclamation of financial
emergency can be passed by either House of Parliament
only by a simple majority, that is, a majority of the
members of that house present and voting.

91
 b. Effects of Financial Emergency
The consequences of the proclamation of a Financial
Emergency are as follows:
1. The executive authority of the Centre extends (a) to
directing any state to observe such canons of financial
propriety as are specified by it; and (b) to directions as the
President may deem necessary and adequate for the
purpose.
2. Any such direction may include a provision requiring (a)
the reduction of salaries and allowances of all or any class
of persons serving in the state; and (b) the reservation of
all money bills or other financial bills for the consideration
of the President after they are passed by the legislature of
the state.
3. The President may issue directions for the reduction of
salaries and allowances of (a) all or any class of persons
serving the Union; and (b) the judges of the Supreme Court
and the high court.

92
Chapter 15: Prime Minister

In the scheme of parliamentary system of government

provided by the constitution, the President A- is the
nominal executive authority (de jure executive) and Prime
Minister is the real executive authority (de facto executive).
In other words, president is the head of the State while
Prime Minister is the head of the government.
I. Appointment of the Prime Minister
The Constitution does not contain any specific procedure
for the selection and appointment of the Prime Minister.
Article 75 says only that the Prime Minister shall be
appointed by the president. However, this does not imply
that the president is free to appoint any one as the Prime
Minister. In accordance with the conventions of the
parliamentary system of government, the President has to
appoint the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha
as the Prime Minister. But, when no party has a clear
majority in the Lok Sabha, then the President may exercise
his personal discretion in the selection and appointment of
the Prime Minister. In such a situation, the President
usually appoints the leader of the largest party or coalition
in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister and asks him to
seek a vote of confidence in the House within a month.
93
This discretion was exercised by the President, for the first
time in 1979, when Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (the then
President) appointed Charan Singh (the coalition leader)
as the Prime Minister after the fall of the Janata Party
government headed by Morarji Desai.
In 1997, the Supreme Court held that a person who is not a
member of either House of Parliament can be appointed
as Prime Minister for six months, within which, he should
become a member of either House of Parliament;
otherwise, he ceases to be the Prime Minister.
II. Oath, Term and Salary
Before the Prime Minister enters upon his office, the
president administers to him the oaths of office and
secrecy. In his oath of office, the Prime Minister swears:
1. to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution
of India,
2. to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
3. to faithfully and conscientiously discharge the
duties of his office, and
4. to do right to all manner of people in accordance
with the Constitution and the law, without fear or
favour, affection or ill will.
94
In his oath of secrecy, the Prime Minister swears that he
will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any
person(s) any matter that is brought under his
consideration or becomes known to him as a Union
Minister except as may be required for the due discharge
of his duties as such minister.
The term of the Prime Minister is not fixed and he holds
office during the pleasure of the president. However, this
does not mean that the president can dismiss the Prime
Minister at any time. So long as the Prime Minister enjoys
the majority support in the Lok Sabha, he cannot be
dismissed by the President. However, if he loses the
confidence of the Lok Sabha, he must resign or the
President can dismiss him.
The salary and allowances of the Prime Minister are
determined by the Parliament from time to time. He gets
the salary and allowances that are payable to a Member of
Parliament.
III. Powers and Functions of the Prime
The powers and functions of Prime Minister can be 3
studied under the following heads:
a. In Relation to Council of Ministers

95
The Prime Minister enjoys the following powers as head of
the Union council of ministers:
1. He recommends persons who can be appointed as
ministers by the president. The President can appoint
only those persons as ministers who are
recommended by the Prime Minister.
2. He allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among
the ministers.
3. He can ask a minister to resign or advise the
President to dismiss him in case of difference of
opinion.
4. He presides over the meeting of council of ministers
and influences its decisions.
5. He guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the
activities of all the ministers.
6. He can bring about the collapse of the council of
ministers by resigning from office
b. In Relation to the President
The Prime Minister enjoys the following powers in relation
to the President:

96
1. He is the principal channel of communication between
the President and the council of ministers. It is the duty of
the prime minister:
(a) to communicate to the President all decisions of the
council of ministers relating to the administration of
the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation;
(b) to furnish such information relating to the
administration of the affairs of the Union and
proposals for legislation as the President may call
for; and
(c) if the President so requires, to submit for the
consideration of the council of ministers any matter
on which a decision has been taken by a minister
but which has not been considered by the council.
c. In Relation to Parliament
The Prime Minister is the leader of the Lower House. In
this capacity, he enjoys the following powers:
1. He advises the President with regard to summoning
and proroguing of the sessions of the Parliament.
2. He can recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha to
President at any time.
3. He announces government policies on the floor of
the House.
97
Chapter 16: Central Council of Ministers

The principles of parliamentary system of government are

not detailed in the Constitution, but two Articles (74 and
75) deal with them in a broad, sketchy and general
manner. Article 74 deals with the status of the council of
ministers while Article 75 deals with the appointment,
tenure, responsibility, qualification, oath and salaries and
allowances of the ministers.
I. Constitutional Provisions
a. Article 74—Council of Ministers to aid and advise
President
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime
Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who
shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance
with such advice. However, the President may require the
Council of Ministers to reconsider such advice and the
President shall act in accordance with the advice tendered
after such reconsideration.
2. The advice tendered by Ministers to the President shall
not be inquired into in any court.

98
b. Article 75—Other Provisions as to Ministers
1. The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President
and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the
President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
2. The total number of ministers, including the Prime
Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15%
of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. The provision was
added by the 91st Amendment Act of 2003.
3. A member of either house of Parliament be longing to
any political party who is disqualified on the ground of
defection shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a
minister. This provision was also added by the 91st
Amendment Act of 2003.
4. The ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the
President.
5. The council of ministers shall be collectively responsible
to the Lok Sabha.
6. The President shall administer the oaths of office and
secrecy to a minister.
7. A minister who is not a member of the Parliament
(either house) for any period of six consecutive months
shall cease to be a minister.
99
8. The salaries and allowances of ministers shall be
determined by the Parliament.
c. Article 77— Conduct of Business of the Government
of India.
1. All executive action of the Government of India shall be
expressed to be taken in the name of the President.
2. Orders and other instruments made and executed in the
name of the President shall be authenticated in such
manner as may be specified in rules to be made by the
President. Further, the validity of an order or instrument
which is so authenticated shall not be called in question
on the ground that it is not an order or instrument made or
executed by the President.
3. The President shall make rules for the more convenient
transaction of the business of the Government of India,
and for the allocation among Ministers of the said
business.
d. Article 78—Duties of Prime Minister
It shall be the duty of the Prime Minister

100
1. To communicate to the President all decisions of the
Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the
affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation
2. To furnish such information relating to the
administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals
for legislation as the President may call for
3. If the President so requires, to submit for the
consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on
which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which
has not been considered by the Council.
II. Nature of Advice by Ministers
Article 74 provides for a council of ministers with the
Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President
in the exercise of his functions. The 42nd and 44th
Constitutional Amendment Acts have made the advice
binding on the President. Further, the nature of advice
tendered by ministers to the President cannot be enquired
by any court. This pro vision emphasises the intimate and
the confidential relationship between the President and
the ministers. In 1971, the Supreme Court held that 'even
after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, the council of
ministers does not cease to hold office. Article 74 is
mandatory and, therefore, the president cannot exercise
101
the executive power without the aid and advise of the
council of ministers. Any exercise of executive power
without the aid and advice will be unconstitutional as
being violative of Article 74.
III. Council of Ministers Vs Cabinet
The words 'council of' ministers' and cabinet' are often
used interchangeably though there is a definite distinction
between them. They differ from each other in
respects of composition, functions, and role.
Table 20.1 Distinction between Council of Ministers and
Cabinet
Council of ministers Cabinet
1. It is a wider body 1. It is a smaller body
consisting of 60 to 70 consisting of 15 to 20
ministers. ministers

2. It includes all the three 2. It included the cabinet

categories of ministers,
that is, cabinet ministers,
minister's of state, and
deputy ministers.
3. It does not meet, as a
body, to transact
ministers only. Thus, it is a
part .of the council of
ministers.
3. It meets, as a body,
frequently and usually once

102
government business. It in a week to deliberate and
has no collective functions. take decisions regarding the
"transaction of government
business. Thus, it has
collective functions.
4. It is vested with all 4. It exercises/in practice,
powers but in theory the powers of the council of
ministers and thus, acts for
the latter.
5. Its functions are 5. It directs the council of
determined by the cabinet. ministers by taking policy
decisions which are binding
on all ministers.
6. It implements the 6. It supervises the
decisions taken by the implementation of its
cabinet. decisions by
the council of ministers
7. It is a constitutional 7. It was inserted in Article
body, dealt in detail by the 352 of the Constitution in
Articles 74 and 75 of the 1978 by the 44th
Constitution, Its size and Constitutional Amendment
classification are, however, Act.
not mentioned in the
Constitution. Its size is Thus, it did not find a place

103
determined by the prime
minister according to the
exigencies of the time and
requirements of the
situation. Its classification
into a three-tier body is
based on the conventions
of parliamentary
government as developed
in Britain. It has, however,
got a legislative sanction.
Thus, the Salaries and
Allowances Act of 1952
defines a 'minister' as a
'member of the council of
ministers, by whatever
name called, and includes a
deputy minister'.
8. It is collectively
responsible to the Lower
House of the Parliament.
in the original text of
the Constitution. Now also,
Article 352 only defines
the cabinet saying that it is
'the council consisting of
the prime minister and other
ministers of cabinet rank
appointed under Article 75'
and does not describe its
powers and functions. In
other words, its role in our
politico-administrative
system is based on the con
vention's of parliamentary
government as developed
in Britain.
8. It enforces the collective
responsibility of the council
of ministers to the Lower
House of Parliament.
104
Chapter 17: Chief Minister

In the scheme of parliamentary system of government

provided by the Constitution, the governor is the nominal
executive authority (de jure executive) and the Chief
Minister is the real executive authority (de facto executive).
In other words, the governor is the head of the state while
the Chief Minister is the head of the government. Thus
the position of the Chief Minister at the state level is
analogous to the position of prime minister at the
Centre.
I. Appointment of Chief Minister
The Constitution does not contain any specific procedure
for the selection and appointment of the Chief Minister.
Article 164 only says that the Chief Minister shall be
appointed by the governor. However, this does not imply
that the governor is free to appoint any one as the Chief
Minister. In accordance with the convections of the
parliamentary system of government, the governor has to
appoint the leader of the majority party in the state
legislative assembly as the Chief Minister. But, when no
party has a clear majority in the assembly, then the
governor may exercise his personal discretion in the

105
selection and appointment of the Chief Minister. In such a
situation, the governor usually appoints the leader of the
largest party or coalition in the assembly as the Chief
Minister and ask him to seek a vote of confidence in the
House within a month.
The governor may have to exercise his individual
judgement in the selection and appointed of the Chief
Minister when the Chief Minister in office dies suddenly
only and there is no obvious successor. However, on the
death of a Chief Minister, the ruling party usually elects a
new leader and the governor has no choice but to appoint
him as Chief Minister.
II. Oath, Term and Salary
Before the Chief Minister enters his office, the governor
administers to him the oaths of office and secrecy. In his
oath, of office, the Chief Minister swears:
1. to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of
India,
2. to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
3. to faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of
his office, and

106
4. to do right to all manner of people in accordance with
the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour,
affection or ill-will.
In his oath of secrecy, the Chief Minister swears that he
will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any
person(s) any matter that is brought under his
consideration or becomes known to him as a state
minister except as may be required for the due discharge
of his duties as such minister.
The term of the Chief Minister is not fixed and he holds
office during the pleasure of the governor. However, this
does not mean that the governor can dismiss him at any
time. He cannot be dismissed by the governor as long as
he enjoys the majority support in the legislative assembly.
But, if he loses the confidence of the assembly, he must
resign or the governor can dismiss him.
The salary and allowances of the Chief Minister are
determined by the state legislature. In addition to the
salary and allowances, which are payable to a member of
the state legislature, he gets a sumptuary allowance, free
accommodation, travelling allowance, medical facilities,
etc.

107
III. Powers and Functions of Chief Minister
The powers and functions of the Chief Minister can be
studied under the following heads:
a. In Relation to Council of Ministers
The Chief Minister enjoys the following powers as head of
the state council of ministers:
i. The governor appoints only those persons as ministers
who are recommended by the Chief Minister.
ii. He allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among
ministers.
iii. He can ask a minister to resign or advise the governor
to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion.
iv. He presides over the meetings of the council of
ministers and influences its decisions.
v. He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the
activities of all the ministers.
vi. He can bring about the collapse of the council of
ministers by resigning from office. Since the Chief Minister
is the head of the council of ministers, his resignation or
death automatically dissolves the council of ministers.
The resignation or death of any other minister, on the other

108
hand, merely creates a vacancy, which the Chief Minister
may or may not like to fill.
b. In Relation to the Governor
The Chief Minister enjoys the following powers in relation
to the governor:
 He is the principal channel of communication between
the governor and the council of ministers. It is the duty
of the Chief Minister:
(i) to communicate to the Governor of the state all
decisions of the council of ministers relating to the
administration of the affairs of the state and proposals for
legislation;
(ii) to furnish such information relating to the
administration of the affairs of the state and proposals for
legislation as the governor may call for; and
(iii) if the governor so requires, to submit for the
consideration of the council of ministers any matter on
which a decision has been taken by a minister but which
has not been considered by the council.
 He advises the governor with regard to the ap-
pointment of important officials like advocate general,

109
 chairman and members of the state public service
commission, state election commissioner, and so on.
 In Relation to State Legislature
The Chief Minister enjoys the following powers as the
leader of the house:
(a) He advises the governor with regard to the summoning
and proroguing of the sessions of the state legislature.
(b) He can recommend the dissolution of the legislative
assembly to the governor at any time.
(c) He announces the government policies cm the floor of
the house.

110
Chapter 18: State Council of Ministers
The principles of parliamentary system of government
are not detailed in the Constitution; but two Articles (163
and 164) deal with them in a broad, sketchy and general
manner. Article 163 deals with the status of the council
of ministers while Article 164 deals with the
appointment, tenure, responsibility, qualifications, oath
and salaries and allowances of the ministers.
a. Article 163—Council of Ministers to aid and advise
Governor
1. There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief
Minister as the head to aid and advise the Governor in
the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is
required to exercise, is functions in his discretion.
2. If any question arises whether a matter falls within the
Governor's discretion or not, decision of the Governor
shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the
Governor shall not be called in question on the ground
that he ought or ought not to have acted in his
discretion.
3. The advice tendered by Ministers to the Governor shall
not be inquired into in any court.

111
 b. Article 164—Other Provisions as to Ministers
1. The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor
and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the
Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. However, in
the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh
and Odisha, there shall be a Minister in charge of tribal
welfare who may in addition be in charge of the welfare
of the scheduled castes and backward classes or any
other work. The state of Bihar was excluded from this
provision by the 94th Amendment Act of 2006.
2. The total number of ministers, including the chief
minister, in the council of ministers in a state shall not
exceed 15 per cent of the total strength of the legislative
assembly of that state. But, the number of ministers,
including the chief minister, in a state shall not be less
than 12. This provision was added by the 91st
Amendment Act of 2003.
3. A member of either House of state legislature
belonging to any political party who is disqualified on the
ground of defection shall also be disqualified to be
appointed as a minister. The provision was also added by
the 91st Amendment Act of 2003.

112
4. The ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of
the Governor.
5. The council of ministers shall be collectively
responsible to the state Legislative Assembly.
6. The Governor shall administer the oaths of office and
secrecy to a minister.
7. A minister who is not a member of the state legislature
for any period of six consecutive months shall cease to
be a minister.
8. The salaries and allowances of ministers shall be
determined by the state legislature.
c. Article 166—Conduct of Business of the
Government of a State
1. All executive action of the Government of a State shall
be expressed to be taken in the name of the Governor.
2. Orders and other instruments made and executed in
the name of the Governor shall be authenticated in such
manner as may be specified in rules to be made by the
Governor. Further, the validity of an order or instrument
which is so authenticated shall not be called in question
on the ground that it is not an order or instrument made
or executed by the Governor.
113
3. The Governor shall make rules for the more convenient
transaction of the business of the government of the
state, and for the allocation among ministers of the said
business in so far as it is not business with respect to
which the Governor is required to act in his discretion.
d. Article 167—Duties of Chief Minister
It shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each state
1. To communicate to the governor of the state all
decisions of the council of ministers relating to the
administration of the affairs of the state and proposals
for legislation
2. To furnish such information relating to the
administration of the affairs of the state and proposals
for legislation as the governor may call for
3. If the governor so requires, to submit for the
consideration of the council of ministers any matter on
which a decision has been taken by a minister but which
has not been considered by the council.
I. Nature of Advice by Ministers
Article 163 provides for a council of ministers with the
chief minister at the head to aid and advise the governor
in the exercise of his functions except the discretionary
114
ones. If any question arises whether a matter falls within
the governor's discretion or not, the decision of the
governor is final and the validity of anything done by him
cannot be called in question on the ground that he ought
or ought not to have acted in his discretion. Further, the
nature of advice tendered by ministers to the governor
cannot be enquired by any court. This provision
emphasizes the intimate and the confidential
relationship between the governor and the ministers.
In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled that a council of
ministers must always exist to advise the governor, even
after the dissolution of the state legislative assembly or
resignation of a council of ministers. Hence, the existing
ministry may continue in the office until its successor as-
sumes charge.
II. Appointment of Ministers
The chief minister is appointed by the governor. The
other ministers are appointed by the governor on the
advice of the chief minister. This means that the
governor can appoint only those persons as ministers
who are recommended by the chief minister. But, there
should be a tribal welfare minister in Chhattisgarh,

115
Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Originally, this
provision was applicable to Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
Usually, the members of the state legislature, either the
legislative assembly or the legislative council, are
appointed as ministers. A person who is not a member of
either House of the state legislature can also be
appointed as a minister. But, within six months, he must
become a member (either by election or by nomination)
of either House of the state legislature, otherwise, he
ceases to be a minister.
III. Oath and Salary of Ministers
Before a minister enters upon his office, the governor
administers to him the oaths of office and secrecy. In his
oath of office, the minister swears:
1. to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution
of India,
2. to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
3. to faithfully and conscientiously discharge the
duties of his office, and
4. to do right to all manner of people in accordance
with the Constitution and the law, without fear or
favour, affection or ill-will.
116
In his oath of secrecy, the minister swears that he will
not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any
person(s) any matter that is brought under his
consideration or becomes known to him as a state
minister except as may be required for the due discharge
of his duties as such minister.

117
Chapter 19: Panchayati Raj

The term Panchayati Raj in India signifies the system of

rural local self-government. It has been established in all
the states of India by the Acts of the state legislatures to
build democracy at the grass root level. It is entrusted
with rural development. It was constitutionalised through
the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
I. 73rd Amendment Act of 1992
This act has added a new Part-IX to the Constitution of
India. It is entitled as 'The Panchayats' and consists of
provisions from Articles 243 to 243-O. In addition, the act
has also added a new Eleventh Schedule to the
Constitution. This schedule contains 29 functional items
of the panchayats. It deals with Article 243-G.
The act has given a practical shape to Article 40 of the
Constitution which says that, "The State shall take steps
to organise village panchayats and endow them with
such powers and authority as may be necessary to
enable them to function as units of self-government."
This article forms a part of the Directive Principles of
State Policy.

118
The act gives a constitutional status to the panchayati
raj institutions. It has brought them under the purview of
the justiciable part of the Constitution. In other words,
the state governments are under constitutional
obligation to adopt the new panchayati raj system in
accordance with the provisions of the act. Consequently,
neither the formation of panchayats nor the holding of
elections at regular intervals depend on the will of the
state government any more.
II. Salient Features
The salient features of the act are:
a. Gram Sabha
The act provides for a Gram Sabha as the foundation of
the panchayati raj system. It is a body consisting of
persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village
comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village
level. Thus, it is a village assembly consisting of all the
registered voters in the area of a panchayat. It may
exercise such powers and perform such functions at the
village level as the legislature of a state determines.
b. Three-Tier System

119
The act provides for a three-tier system of panchayati raj
in every state, that is, panchayats at the village,
intermediate, and district levels. Thus, the act brings
about uniformity in the structure of panchayati raj
throughout the country. However, a state having a
population not exceeding 20 lakh may not constitute
panchayats at the intermediate level.
c. Election of Members and Chairpersons
All the members of panchayats at the village,
intermediate and district levels shall be elected directly
by the people. Further, the chairperson of panchayats at
the intermediate and district levels shall be elected
indirectly—by and from amongst the elected members
thereof. However, the chairperson of a panchayat at the
village level shall be elected in such manner as the state
legislature determines.
d. Reservation of Seats
The act provides for the reservation of seats for
scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in every
panchayat (i.e., at all the three levels) in proportion of
their population to the total population in the panchayat
area. Further, the state legislature shall provide for the

120
reservation of offices of chairperson in the panchayat at
the village or any other level for the SCs and STs.
The act provides for the reservation of not less than one-
third of the total number of seats for women (including
the number of seats reserved for women belonging the
SCs and STs). Further, not less than one-third of the total
number of offices of chairpersons in the panchayats at
each level shall be reserved for women.
The act also authorises the legislature of a state to make
any provision for reservation of seats in any panchayat
or offices of chairperson in the panchayat at any level in
favour of backward classes.
e. Duration of Panchayats
The act provides for a five-year term of office to the
panchayat at every level. However, it can be dissolved
before the completion of its term. Further, fresh elections
to constitute a panchayat shall be completed (a) before
the expiry of its duration of five years; or (b) in case of
dissolution, before the expiry of a period of six months
from the date of its dissolution.
f. Disqualifications

121
A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as or for
being a member of panchayat if he is so disqualified, (a)
under any law for the time being in force for the purpose
of elections to the legislature of the state concerned, or
(b) under any law made by the state legislature. However,
no person shall be disqualified on the ground that he is
less than 25 years of age if he has attained the age of 21
years. Further, all questions of disqualifications shall be
referred to such authority as the state legislature
determines.
g. State Election Commission
The superintendence, direction and control of the
preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all
elections to the panchayats shall be vested in the state
election commission. It consists of a state election
commissioner to be appointed by the governor. His
conditions of service and tenure of office shall also be
determined by the governor. He shall not be removed
from the office except in the manner and on the grounds
prescribed for the removal of a judge of the state high
court. His conditions of service shall not be varied to his
disadvantage after his appointment. The state legislature
may make provision with respect to all matters relating
to elections to the panchayats.
122
h. Powers and Functions
The state legislature may endow the Panchayats with
such powers and authority as may be necessary to
enable them to function as institutions of self-
government. Such a scheme may contain provisions for
the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon
Panchayats at the appropriate level with respect to (a)
the preparation of plans for economic development and
social justice; (b) the implementation of schemes for
economic development and social justice as may be
entrusted to them, including those in relation to the 29
matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
i. Finances
The state legislature may (a) authorise a panchayat to
levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees;
(b) assign to a panchayat taxes, duties, tolls and fees
levied and collected by the state government; (c) provide
for making grants-in-aid to the panchayats from the
consolidated fund of the state; and (d) provide for
constitution of funds for crediting all moneys of the
panchayats.

123
j. Finance Commission
The governor of a state shall, after every five years,
constitute a finance commission to review the financial
position of the panchayats.
It shall make the following recommendations to the
Governor:
1. The principles that should govern:
(a) The distribution between the state and the
panchayats of the net proceeds of the taxes,
duties, tolls and fees levied by the state.
(b) The determination of taxes, duties, tolls and
fees that may be assigned to the panchayats.
(c) The grants-in-aid to the panchayats from the
consolidated fund of the state.
2. The measures needed to improve the financial
position of the panchayats.
3. Any other matter referred to it by the governor in
the interests of sound finance of the panchayats.

124
The state legislature may provide for the composition of
the commission, the required qualifications of its
members and the manner of their selection.
The governor shall place the recommendations of the
commission along with the action taken report before the
state legislature.
The Central Finance Commission shall also suggest the
measures needed to augment the consolidated fund of a
state to supplement the resources of the panchayats in
the states (on the basis of the recommendations made
by the finance commission of the state.

125
Chapter 20 : Municipalities

The term 'Urban Local Government' in India signifies the

governance of an urban area by the people through their
elected representatives. The jurisdiction of an urban
local government is limited to a specific urban area
which is demarcated for this purpose by the state
government.
There are eight types of urban local governments in India
Municipal Corporation, municipality, notified area
committee, town area committee, cantonment board,
township, port trust and special purpose agency.
I. 74th Amendment Act of 1992
This Act has added a new Part IX-A to the Constitution of
India. It is entitled 'The Municipalities' and consists of
provisions from Articles 243-P to 243-ZG. In addition, the
act has also added a new Twelfth Schedule to the
Constitution. This schedule contains 18 functional items
of municipalities. It deals with Article 243-W.
The act gave constitutional status to the municipalities.
It has brought them under the purview of justiciable part
of the Constitution. In other words, state governments
are under constitutional obligation to adopt the new
126
system of municipalities in accordance with the
provisions of the act.
The act aims at revitalising and strengthening the urban
governments so that they function effectively as units of
local governments so that they function effectively as
units of local governments.
II. Salient Features
The salient features of the act are:
a. Three Types of Municipalities
The act provides for the constitution of the following
three types of municipalities in every state.
1. A nagar panchayat (by whatever name called)
for a transitional area, that is, an area in
transition from a rural area to an urban area.
2. A municipal council for a smaller urban area.
3. A municipal corporation for a larger urban area
b. Composition
All the members of a municipality shall be elected
directly by the people of the municipal area. For this
purpose, each municipal area shall be divided into
territorial constituencies to be known as wards. The
127
state legislature may provide the manner of election of
the chairperson of a municipality. It may also provide for
the representation of the following persons in a
municipality.
1. Persons having special knowledge or experience in
municipal administration without the right to vote
in the meetings of municipality.
2. The members of the Lok Sabha and the state
legislative assembly representing constituencies
that comprise wholly or partly the municipal area.
3. The members of the Rajya Sabha and the state
legislative council registered as electors within the
municipal area.
4. The chairpersons of committees (other than wards
committees).
c. Wards Committees
There shall be constituted a wards committee, consisting
of one or more wards, within the territorial area of a
municipality having population of three lakh or more. The
state legislature may make provision with respect to the
composition and the territorial area of a wards
committee and the manner in which the seats in a wards

128
committee shall be filled. It may also make any provision
for the constitution of committees in addition to the
wards committees.
d. Reservation of Seats
The act provides for the reservation of seats for the
scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes in every
municipality in proportion of their population to the total
population in the municipal area. Further, it provides for
the reservation of not less than one-third of the total
number of seats for women (including the number of
seats reserved for woman belonging to the SCs and the
STs).
The state legislature may provide for the manner of
reservation of offices of chairpersons in the
municipalities for SCs, STs and women. It may also make
any provision for the reservation of seats in any
municipality or offices of chairpersons in municipalities
in favour of backward classes.
e. Duration of Municipalities
The act provides for a five-year term of office for every
municipality. However, it can be dissolved before the
completion of its term. Further, the fresh elections to
constitute a municipality shall be completed (a) before
129
the expiry of its duration of five years; or (b) in case of
dissolution, before the expiry of a period of six months
from the date of its dissolution.
f. Disqualifications
A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as or for
being a member of a municipality if he is so disqualified
(a) under any law for the time being in force for the
purposes of elections to the legislature of the state
concerned; or (b) under any law made by the state
legislature. However, no person shall be disqualified on
the ground that he is less than 25 years of age if he has
attained the age of 21 years. Further, all questions of
disqualifications shall be referred to such authority as
the state legislature determines.
g. State Election Commission
The superintendence, direction and control of the
preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all
elections to the municipalities shall be vested in the
state election commission. The state legislature may
make provision with respect to all matters relating to
elections to the municipalities

130
 h. Powers and Functions
The state legislature may endow the municipalities with
such powers and authority as may be necessary to
enable them to function as institutions of self-
government. Such a scheme may contain provisions for
the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon
municipalities at the appropriate level with respect to (a)
the preparation of plans for economic development and
social justice; (b) the implementation of schemes for
economic development and social justice as may be
entrusted to them, including those in relation to the
eighteen matters listed in the Twelfth Schedule.
i. Finances
The state legislature may (a) authorise a municipality to
levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees;
(b) assign to a municipality taxes, duties, tolls and fees
levied and collected by state government; (c) provide for
making grants-in-aid to the municipalities from the
consolidated fund of the state; and (d) provide for
constitution of funds for crediting all moneys of the
municipalities.

131
j. Finance Commission
The finance commission (which is constituted for the
panchayats) shall also, for every five years, review the
financial position of municipalities and make
recommendation to the governor as to:
1. The principles that should govern:
(a) The distribution between the state and the
municipalities, the net proceeds of the taxes,-
duties, tolls and fees levied by the state.
(b) The determination of the taxes," duties, tolls
and fees that may be assigned to the
municipalities.
(c) The grants-in-aid to the municipalities from the
consolidated fund of the state.
2. The measures needed to improve the financial
position of the municipalities.
3. Any other matter referred to it by the governor in the
interests of sound finance of municipalities.
The governor shall place the recommendations of the
commission along with the action taken report before the
state legislature.

132
The central finance commission shall also suggest the
measures needed to augment the consolidated fund of a
state to supplement the resources of the municipalities
in the state (on the basis of the recommendations made
by the finance commission of the state.

133
Chapter 21: Election Commission

The Election Commission is a permanent and an

independent body established by the Constitution of
India directly to ensure free and fair elections in the
country. Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the
power of superintendence, direction and control of
elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of
president of India and the office of vice-president of India
shall be vested in the election commission. Thus, the
Election Commission is an all-India body in the sense
that it is common to both the Central government and
the state governments.
I. Composition
Article 324 of the Constitution has made the following
provisions with regard to the composition of election
commission:
a. The Election Commission shall consist of the chief
election commissioner and such number of other
election commissioners, if any, as the president
may from time to time fix.

134
 b. The appointment of the chief election commis-
sioner and other election commissioners shall be
made by the president.
c. When any other election commissioner is so
appointed, the chief election commissioner shall
act as the chairman of the election commission.
d. The president may also appoint after consultation
with the election commission such regional
commissioners as he may consider necessary to
assist the election commission.
e. The conditions of service and tenure of office of
the election commissioners and the regional
commissioners shall be determined by the
president.
The chief election commissioner and the two other
election commissioners have equal powers and receive
equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are
similar to those of a judge of the Supreme Court.3 In case
of difference of opinion amongst the Chief Election
Commissioner and or two other election commissioners,
the matter is decided by the Commission by majority.

135
They hold office for a term of six years or until they attain
the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They can resign
at any time or can also be removed before the expiry of
their term.
II. Independence
Article 324 of the Constitution has made the following
provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and
impartial functioning of the Election Commission:
1. The chief election commissioner is provided with the
security of tenure. He cannot be removed from his office
except in same manner and on the same grounds as a
judge of the Supreme Court. In other words, he can be
removed by the president on the basis of a resolution
passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament
with special majority, either on the ground of proved
misbehavior or incapacity. Thus, he does not hold his
office till the pleasure of the president, though he is
appointed by him.
2. The service conditions of the chief election
commissioner cannot be varied to his disadvantage after
his appointment.

136
3. Any other election commissioner or a regional
commissioner cannot be removed from office except on
the recommendation of the chief election commissioner.
III. Powers and functions
The powers and functions of the Election Commission
with regard to elections to the Parliament, state
legislatures and offices of President and Vice-President
can be classified into three categories, viz,
1. Administrative
2. Advisory
3. Quasi-Judicial
In details, these powers and functions are:
a. To determine the territorial areas of the electoral
constituencies throughout the country on the basis
of the Delimitation Commission Act of Parliament.
b. To prepare and periodically revise electoral rolls and
to register all eligible voters.
c. To notify the dates and schedules of elections and
to scrutinize nomination papers.
d. To grant recognition to political parties and allot
election symbols to them.
137
e. To act as a court for settling disputes related to
granting of recognition to political parties and
allotment of election symbols to them.
f. To appoint officers for inquiring into disputes
relating to electoral arrangements.
g. To determine the code of conduct to be observed by
the parties and the candidates at the time of
elections.
h. To prepare a roster for publicity of the policies of the
political parties on radio and TV in times of
elections.
i. To advise the president on matters relating to the
disqualifications of the members of Parliament.
j. To advise the governor on matters relating to the
disqualifications of the members of state legislature.
k. To cancel polls in the event of rigging, booth
capturing, violence and other irregularities.
l. To request the president or the governor for
requisitioning the staff necessary for conducting
elections.
m. To supervise the machinery of elections throughout
the country to ensure free and fair elections.
138
n. To advise the president whether elections can be
held in a state under president's rule in order to
extend the period of emergency after one year.
o. To register political parties for the purpose of
elections and grant them the status of national or
state parties on the basis of their poll performance

139
Chapter 22: Union Public Service Commission

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the

central recruiting agency in India. It is an independent
constitutional body in the sense that it has been directly
created by the Constitution. Articles 315 to 323 in Part
XIV of the Constitution contain elaborate provisions
regarding the composition, appointment and removal of
members along with the independence, powers and
functions of the UPSC.
I. Composition
The UPSC consists of a chairman and other members
appointed by the president of India. The Constitution,
without specifying the strength of the Commission has
left the matter to the discretion of the president, who
determines its composition. Usually, the Commission
consists of nine to eleven members including the
chairman. Further, no qualifications are prescribed for
the Commission's membership except that one-half of
the members of the Commission should be such persons
who have held office for at least ten years either under
the Government of India or under the government of a
state. The Constitution also authorises the president to

140
determine the conditions of service of the chairman and
other members of the Commission.
The chairman and members of the Commission hold
office for a term of six years or until they attain the age
of 65 years, whichever is earlier. However, they can
relinquish their offices at any time by addressing their
resignation to the president. They can also be removed
before the expiry of their term by the president in the
manner as provided in the Constitution.
The President can appoint one of the members of the
UPSC as an acting chairman in the following two
circumstances:
(a) When the office of the chairman falls vacant; or
(b)When the chairman is unable to perform his
functions due to absence or some other reason
II. Removal
The President can remove the chairman or any other
member of UPSC from the office under the following
circumstances:
(a) If he is adjudged an insolvent (that is, has gone
bankrupt);

141
(b) If he engages, during his term of office, in any paid
employment outside the duties of his office; or
(c) If he is, in the opinion of the president, unfit to
continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or
body.
In addition to these, the president can also remove the
chairman or any other member of UPSC for
misbehaviour. However, in this case, the president has to
refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an enquiry. If
the Supreme Court, after the enquiry, upholds the cause
of removal and advises so, the president can remove the
chairman or a member.
III. Independence
The Constitution has made the following provisions to
safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial
functioning of the UPSC:
(a) The chairman or a member of the UPSC can be
removed from office by the president only in the
manner and on the grounds mentioned in the
Constitution. Therefore, they enjoy security of
tenure.

142
(b) The conditions of service of the chairman or a
member, though determined by the president,
cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his
appointment.
(c) The entire expenses including the salaries,
allowances and pensions of the chairman and
members of the UPSC are charged on the
Consolidated Fund of India. Thus, they are not
subject to vote of Parliament.
(d) The chairman of UPSC (on ceasing to hold office)
is not eligible for further employment in the
Government of India or a state.
(e) A member of UPSC (on ceasing to hold office) is
eligible for appointment as the chairman of UPSC
or a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), but
not for any other employment in the Government of
India or a state.
(f) The chairman or a member or UPSC is (after having
completed his first term) not eligible.

143
Functions
The UPSC performs the following functions:
(a) It conducts examinations for appointments to the
all-India services, Central services and public
services of the centrally administered territories.
(b) It assists the states (if requested by two or more
states to do so) in framing and operating schemes
of joint recruitment for any services for which
candidates possessing special qualifications are
required.
(c) It serves all or any of the needs of a state on the
request of the state governor and with the approval
of the president of India.
(d) It is consulted on the following matters related to
personnel management:
(i) All matters relating to methods of recruitment to
civil services and for civil posts.
(ii) The principles to be followed in making
appointments to civil services and posts and in
making promotions and transfers from one
service to another.

144
 (iii) The suitability of candidates for appointments to
civil services and posts; for promotions and
transfers from one service to another; and
appointments by transfer or deputation. The
concerned departments make
recommendations for promotions and request
the UPSC to ratify them.
(iv) All disciplinary matters affecting a person
serving under the Government of India in a civil
capacity including memorials or petitions
relating to such matters. These include:
 Censure (Severe disapproval)
 Withholding of increments
 Withholding of promotions
 Recovery of pecuniary loss
 Reduction to lower service or rank (Demotion)
 Compulsory retirement
 Removal from service
 Dismissal from service
(v) Any claim for reimbursement of legal expenses
incurred by a civil servant in defending legal
145
 proceedings instituted against him in respect of
acts done in the execution of his official duties
(vi) Any claim for the award of a pension in respect
of injuries sustained by a person while serving
under the Government of India and any question
as to the amount of any such award.
(vii) Matters of temporary appointments for period
exceeding one year and on regularization of
appointments,
(viii) Matters related to grant of extension of service
and re-employment of certain retired civil
servants
(ix) Any other matter related to personnel
management.

146
Chapter 23: Finance Commission

Article 280 of the Constitution of India provides for a

Finance Commission as a quasi judicial body. It is
constituted by the president of India every fifth year or at
such earlier time as he considers necessary.
I. Composition
The Finance Commission consists of a chairman and
four other members to be appointed by the president.
They hold office for such period as specified by the
president in his order. They are eligible for
reappointment.
The Constitution authorizes the Parliament to determine
the qualifications of members of the commission and the
manner in which they should be selected. Accordingly,
the Parliament has specified the qualifications of the
chairman and members of the commission. The
chairman should be a person having experience in public
affairs and the four other members should be selected
from amongst the following:
1. A judge of high court or one qualified to be appointed
as one.

147
2. A person who has specialised knowledge of finance
and accounts of the government.
3. A person who has wide experience in financial matters
and in administration.
4. A person who has special knowledge of economics.
II. Functions
The Finance Commission is required to make recom-
mendations to the president of India on the following
matters:
a. The distribution of the net proceeds of taxes to be
shared between the Centre and the states, and the
allocation between the states of the respective
shares of such proceeds.
b. The principles that should govern the grants-in-aid
to the states by the Centre (i.e., out of the
consolidated fund of India).
c. The measures needed to augment the consolidated
fund of a state to supplement the resources of the
panchayats and the municipalities in the state on
the basis of the recommendations made by the
state finance commission.

148
d. Any other matter referred to it by the president in
the interests of sound finance
The commission submits its report to the president. He
lays it before both the Houses of Parliament along with
an explanatory memorandum as to the action taken on
its recommendations.
III. Advisory Role
It must be clarified here that the recommendations made
by the Finance Commission are only of advisory nature
and hence, not binding on the government. It is up to the
Union government to implement its recommendations on
granting money to the states.
To put it in other words, 'It is nowhere laid down in the
Constitution that the recommendations of the
commission shall be binding upon the Government of
India or that it would give rise to a legal right in favour of
the beneficiary states to receive the money
recommended to be offered to them by the Commission.

149
Chapter 24: Comptroller and Auditor General of
India

The Constitution of India (Article 148) provides for an

independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG). He is the head of the Indian Audit
and Accounts Department. He is the guardian of the
public purse and controls the entire financial system of
the country at both the levels the Centre and the state.
His duty is to uphold the Constitution of India and laws
of Parliament in the field of financial administration.
I. Appointment and Term
The CAG is appointed by the president of India by a
warrant under his hand and seal.
The CAG, before taking over his office, makes and
subscribes before the president an oath or affirmation:
1. to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution
of India;
2. to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India;
3. to duly and faithfully and to the best of his ability,
knowledge and judgement perform the duties of

150
 his office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will;
and
4. to uphold the Constitution and the laws.
He holds office for a period of six years or upto the age
of 65 years, whichever is earlier. He can resign any time
from his office by addressing the resignation letter to the
president. He can also be removed by the president on
same grounds and in the same manner as a judge of the
Supreme Court.
II. Independence
The Constitution has made the following provisions to
safeguard and ensure the independence of CAG:
a. He is provided with the security of tenure. He can
be removed by the president only in accordance
with the procedure mentioned in the Constitution.
Thus, he does not hold his office till the pleasure of
the president, though he is appointed by him.
b. He is not eligible for further office, either under the
Government of India or of any state, after he
ceases to hold his office.

151
 c. His salary and other service conditions are de-
termined by the Parliament. His salary is equal to
that of a judge of the Supreme Court.
d. Neither his salary nor his rights in respect of leave
of absence, pension or age of retirement can be
altered to his disadvantage after his appointment.
e. The conditions of service of persons serving in the
Indian Audit and Accounts Department and the
administrative powers of the CAG are prescribed by
the president after consultation with the CAG.
f. The administrative expenses of the office of the
CAG, including all salaries, allowances and
pensions of persons serving in that office are
charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.
Thus, {hey are not subject to the vote of Parliament
III. Duties and Powers
The Constitution (Article 149) authorises the Parliament
to prescribe the duties and powers of the CAG in relation
to the accounts of the Union and of the states and of any
other authority or body. Accordingly, the Parliament
enacted the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of
Service) act, 1971. This Act was 'amended in 1976 to
separate accounts from audit in the Central government.
152
The duties and functions of the CAG as laid down by the
Parliament and the Constitution are:
a. He audits the accounts related to all expenditure
from the Consolidated Fund of India, consolidated
fund of each state and consolidated fund of each
union territory having a Legislative Assembly.
b. He audits all expenditure from the Contingency
Fund of India and the Public Account of India as
well as the contingency fund of each state and the
public account of each state.
c. He audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss
accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary
accounts kept by any department of the Central
Government and state governments.
d. He audits the receipts and expenditure of the
Centre and each state to satisfy himself that the
rules and procedures in that behalf are designed to
secure an effective check on the assessment,
collection and proper allocation of revenue.
e. He audits the receipts and expenditure of the
following:

153
  All bodies and authorities substantially financed
from the Central or state revenues;
 Government companies; and
 Other corporations and bodies, when so
required by related laws.
f. He audits all transactions of the Central and state
governments related to debt, sinking funds,
deposits, advances, suspense accounts and
remittance business. He also audits receipts, stock
accounts and others, with approval of the
President, or when required by the President.
g. He audits the accounts of any other authority when
requested by the President or Governor. For
example, the audit of local bodies.
h. He advises the President with regard to prescrip-
tion of the form in which the accounts of the
Centre and the states shall be kept Article 150.
i. He submits his audit reports relating to the ac-
counts of the Centre to President, who shall, in
turn, place them before both the Houses of
Parliament Article 151.

154
 j. He submits his audit reports relating to the ac-
counts of a state to governor, who shall, in turn,
place them before the state legislature Article 151.
k. He ascertains and certifies the net proceeds of any
tax or duty Article 279. His certificate is final. The
'net proceeds' means the proceeds of a tax or a
duty minus the cost of collection.
l. He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the
Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
m. He compiles and maintains the accounts of state
governments. In 1976, he was relieved of his
responsibilities with regard to the compilation and
maintenance of accounts of the Central
Government due to the separation of accounts
from audit, that is, departmentalisation of
accounts.
The CAG submits three audit reports to the President—
audit report on appropriation accounts, audit report on
finance accounts, and audit report on public
undertakings. The President lays these reports before
both the Houses of Parliament. After this, the Public
Accounts Committee examines them and reports its
findings to the Parliament.
155
IV. Role
The role of CAG is to uphold the Constitution of India and
the laws of Parliament in the field of financial
administration. The accountability of the executive (i.e.,
council of ministers) to the Parliament in the sphere of
financial administration is secured through audit reports
of the CAG. The CAG is an agent of the Parliament and
conducts audit of expenditure on behalf of the
Parliament. Therefore, he is responsible only to the
Parliament.
The CAG has 'to ascertain whether money shown in the
accounts as having been disbursed was legally available
for and applicable to the service or the purpose to which
they have been applied or charged and whether the
expenditure conforms to the authority that governs it.

156
 GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

1) Ministry of Agriculture
Hospitality is about serving the guests to provide them
with 'Feel Good effect'. Nowadays the travel and tourism
industry is also included in the hospitality sector. The
boom in the travel and tourism has led to the further
A. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
Objective:
 To provide insurance coverage and financial
support to the farmers in the event of natural
calamities, pests & diseases.
 To stabilize the income of farmers to ensure their
continuance in farming.
 To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and
modern agricultural practices.
 To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
Salient features:
 A uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by the
farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi
crops.

157
  In case of commercial and horticultural crops, the
premium to be paid by farmers will be only 5%.
 There is no upper limit on Government subsidy so
farmers will get claim against full sum insured
without any reduction.
 The difference between the premium paid by
farmers and the actual premium charged was paid
by the Centre and state government in the ratio of
50:50.
 Post-harvest losses are also covered and the use
of technology has been made mandatory.
B. PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Objective:
 To achieve convergence of investments in
irrigation at the field level,
 To enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce
sustainable water conservation practices.
 To explore the feasibility of reusing treated
municipal waste water for peri-urban agriculture
 To attract greater private investments in irrigation

158
  To promote extension activities relating to water
harvesting, water management and crop alignment
for farmers and grass root level field functionaries.
Salient features:
 Water budgeting is done for all sectors namely,
household, agriculture and industries.
 Promotes drip irrigation and efficient water
management techniques.
 Investments will happen at farm level. So, farmers
know what is happening and can provide valuable
feedback.
 Long Term Irrigation Fund has been instituted
under PMKSY in NABARD for funding and fast
tracking the implementation of incomplete major
and medium irrigation projects.
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
 Ministry of Water Resources, River Development &
Ganga Rejuvenation
 Faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium
Irrigation including National Projects

159
PMKSY (Har Khet Ko Paani)
 Ministry of Water Resources, River Development &
Ganga Rejuvenation
 Creation of new water sources through Minor
Irrigation (both surface and ground water)
 Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies;
 Strengthening carrying capacity of traditional
water sources, construction rain water harvesting
structures (Jal Sanchay); Jal Mandir (Gujarat);
Khatri, Kuhl (H.P.); Zabo (Nagaland); Eri, Ooranis
(T.N.); Dongs (Assam); Katas, Bandhas (Odisha
and M.P.)
 Command area development
PMKSY (More crop per Drop) MKSY (Per Drop More
Crop)
 Ministry of Agriculture
 Promoting efficient water conveyance and
precision water application devices like drips,
sprinklers, pivots, rain - guns in the farm (Jal
Sinchan)

160
  Extension activities for promotion of scientific
moisture conservation, Crop combination, crop
alignment etc.,
 (ICT) interventions through NeGP -- precision
irrigation technologies, on farm water
management, crop alignment etc. and also to do
intensive monitoring of the Scheme.
PMKSY (Watershed Development)
 Department of Land resources, Ministry of Rural
development
 Effective management of runoff water and
improved soil & moisture conservation activities
 Converging with MGNREGS
 DPAP, DDP and IWDP were consolidated under this
component
 Cluster Approach in selection and preparation of
projects
C. National Mission On Sustainable Agriculture
Objective:
 To make agriculture more sustainable, productive,
remunerative and climate resilient.
161
  Conserve natural resources through appropriate
soil and moisture conservation measures.
 Adopt comprehensive soil management practices
and optimize utilization of water resources.
Salient features:
 It derives its mandate from Sustainable Agriculture
Mission which is one of the eight missions outlined
under National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC).
 NMSA will cater to key dimensions of ‘Water use
efficiency’, ‘Nutrient Management’ and ‘Livelihood
diversification’ through adoption of sustainable
development pathway.
 Main Components of NMSA are –
 Rain-fed Area Development
 On Farm Water Management
 Soil Health Management
 Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture:
Monitoring, Modeling and Networking

162
D. National Agriculture Market (NAM)
Objective:
 To promote genuine price discovery
 Increases farmers’ options for sale and access to
markets
 Liberal licensing of traders / buyers and
commission agents. One license for a trader valid
across all markets in the State.
 Harmonization of quality standards of agricultural
produce
 Single point levy of market fees, i.e on the first
wholesale purchase from the farmer.
 Provision of Soil Testing Laboratories in/ or near
the selected mandi to facilitate visiting farmers to
access this facility in the mandi itself
Salient features:
 NAM is a pan-India electronic trading portal which
seeks to network the existing APMCs and other
market yards to create a unified national market for
agricultural commodities.

163
  Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)
has been selected as the lead agency to implement
it.
 479 mandis across 14 states have been linked to
national agriculture market.
E. Soil Health Card Scheme
Objective:
 To issue soil health cards every 3 years, to all
farmers of the country, so as to provide a basis to
address nutrient deficiencies in fertilization
practices.
 To diagnose soil fertility related constraints with
standardized procedures for sampling uniformly
across states.
 To build capacities of district and state level staff
and of progressive farmers for promotion of
nutrient management practices.
Salient features:
 It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the
Government of India in 2015.

164
  It is being implemented through the Department of
Agriculture of all the State and Union Territory
Governments.
 Assistance is provided to the State Government to
issue Soil Health Card and also develop a database
to improve service delivery.
 Soil Health Card issued to farmers carry crop-wise
recommendations of nutrients and fertilizers
required for the individual farms.
 The experts will analyze the strength and
weaknesses (micronutrients deficiency) of the soil
collected from farms and suggest measures to
deal with it.
 It will contain the status of his soil with respect to
12 parameters, namely N,P,K (Macro-nutrients); S
(Secondary nutrient);Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro -
nutrients); and pH, EC, OC (Physical parameters).
F. National Food Security Mission
Objective:
 Increasing production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse
cereals and commercial crops through area

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 expansion and productivity enhancement in a
sustainable manner.
 Restore soil fertility and productivity at the
individual farm level.
 Enhancing farm level economy.
Salient features:
 It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which was
launched in 2007.
 The approach of the scheme is to bridge the yield
gap in respect of these crops through
dissemination of improved technologies and farm
management practices while focusing on districts
which have high potential but relatively low level of
productivity at present.
 Major Components – National Food Security
Mission – Rice, National Food Security Mission –
Wheat, National Food Security Mission – Pulses,
National Food Security Mission – Coarse Cereals
and National Food Security Mission – Commercial
Crops.

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G. Kissan Credit Card
Objective:
 To provide adequate and timely credit support from
the banking system under single window.
Salient features:
 The loan disbursed under KCC is broad based and
may be used for short term credit requirements for
cultivation of crops, post-harvest expenses,
produce marketing loan, consumption requirement
of farmer household etc.
 The loans disbursed under KCC Scheme for
notified crops are covered under Crop Insurance
Scheme.
 The KCC has been extended to fisheries and animal
husbandry farmers to help them meet their working
capital needs.
 Scheme covers risk of KCC holders against death
or permanent disability resulting from accidents
caused by external, violent and visible

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2) Ministry of Ayush
I. National Ayush Mission
Objective:
 To provide cost effective AYUSH Services, with a
universal access through upgrading AYUSH
Hospitals and Dispensaries.
 Support cultivation of medicinal plants by adopting
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
 Support setting up of clusters through
convergence of cultivation, warehousing, value
addition and marketing and development of
infrastructure for entrepreneurs.
Salient features:
AYUSH systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga &
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Sowa-Rigpa and
Homoeopathy
Components of the Mission
 Mandatory Components (80% of the Resource
pool)

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  AYUSH Services (including co-location of
AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres
(PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and
District Hospitals(DH)
 AYUSH Educational Institution
 Quality Control of ASU &H Drugs
 Medicinal Plants
 Flexible Components (20% of resource pool)
 AYUSH Wellness Centres including Yoga &
Naturopathy
 IEC activities,
 Tele-medicine
 Crop Insurance for Medicinal Plants
 Public Private Partnership provision and Interest
subsidy component for Private AYUSH
educational Institutions.

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3) Ministry of Civil Aviation
I. Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN)
Objective:
 Providing connectivity to un-served and under-
served airports of the country through revival of
existing air-strips and airports.
 To develop the regional aviation market.
 To make flying affordable.
Salient features:
 UDAN will be applicable on flights which cover
between 200 km and 800 km with no lower limit set
for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive
regions.
 The selected airline operator would have to
provide a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 40
UDAN Seats (subsidized rates) on the UDAN
Flights for operations through fixed wing
aircraft and a minimum of 5 and a maximum of
13 Seats on the Flights for operations through
helicopters.

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  The fare for a one hour journey of approx. 500
km on a fixed wing aircraft or for a 30 minute
journey on a helicopter would now be capped at
Rs. 2,500, with proportionate pricing for routes
of different stage lengths / flight duration.
 A Regional Connectivity Fund would be created
to meet the viability gap funding requirements
under the scheme. The RCF levy per departure
will be applied to certain domestic flights.
 The partner State Governments (other than
North Eastern States and Union Territories
where contribution will be 10 %) would
contribute a 20% share to this fund.
4) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
I. Start Up India
Objective:
 To build a strong ecosystem for nurturing
innovation and startups in the country which will
drive economic growth and generate large scale
employment opportunities.
Simplification and Handholding:

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  Simple Compliance Regime for startups based on
Self-certification
 Launch of Mobile app and Portal for compliance
and information exchange
 Startup India Hub to handhold startups during
various phases of their development.
 Legal support and fast-tracking patent examination
at reduced costs
 Relaxed norms of public procurement for startups
 Faster exit for startups
Funding support and Incentives
 Providing funding support through a Fund of Funds
at Small Industries Development Bank of India with
a corpus of Rupees 10,000 crore
 Credit guarantee fund for startups through Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with
a Corpus of Rs.500 crore per year for the next four
years
 Tax exemption on capital gains invested in Fund of
Funds
 Tax exemption to startups for 3 years
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Industry-Academia Partnership and Incubation
 Organizing Startup Fests to showcase innovations
and providing collaboration platforms
 Launch of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with Self
–Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU)
Program of NITI Aayog
 Harnessing private sector expertise for setting up
incubators
 Setting up of 7 new research parks modeled on the
Research Park at IIT Madras
 Launching of innovation focused programs for
students.
 Annual Incubator Grand Challenge to promote
good practices among incubators.
II. Make in India
Objective:
To transform India into a global design and
manufacturing hub.
Salient features:
 Target an increase in manufacturing sector growth
to 12-14% per annum over the medium term.
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  An increase in the share of manufacturing in the
country’s Gross Domestic Product from 16% to
25% by 2022.
 To create 100 million additional jobs by 2022 in
manufacturing sector.
 Creation of appropriate skill sets among rural
migrants and the urban poor for inclusive growth.
 An increase in domestic value addition and
technological depth in manufacturing.
 Enhancing the global competitiveness of the Indian
manufacturing sector.
 Ensuring sustainability of growth, particularly with
regard to environment.
5) Ministry of Communication
I. Bharat net Project
Objective: To provide broadband connectivity to Gram
Panchayats through optical fibre network.
Salient features:
 It aims to provide a minimum bandwidth of 100
Mbps to each of the 2.5 lakhs GPs.

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 It will facilitate delivery of e-governance, e-health,
e-education, e-banking, public internet access, G2C,
B2B, P2P, B2C etc., weather, agricultural and other
services to rural India.
 It is the new brand name of NOFN (National Optic
Fibre Network) which is being implemented in three
phases.
 First phase – Envisaged to provide one lakh gram
panchayats with broadband connectivity by laying
underground optic fibre cable lines with deadline of
31st December 2017, which was achieved.
 Second Phase – It will provide connectivity to all
2,50,500 Panchayats using an optimal miz of
underground fibre, fibre over powerlines, radio and
satellite media to be completed by March 2019.
 Third Phase – It will be implemented from 2019 to
2023 during which state-of-theart, future-proof
network, including fiber between districts and
blocks, with ring topology would be created.
 It is being funded by the Universal Service
Obligation Fund (USOF)

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6) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution
I. Antyodaya Anna Yojana
Objective: To target poorest of poor population and
provide them relief from hunger.
Salient features:
 It covers poorest of the poor families from
amongst the BPL families covered under Targetted
Public Distribution System within the States and
provides them food grains at a highly subsidized
rate of Rs.1/ per kg coarse grains, Rs.2/ per kg. for
wheat and Rs. 3/ per kg for rice.
 The AAY is part of NFSA (National Food Security
Act) and the households under AAY are entitled to
35 Kg of food grains per household per month.
 The States/UTs are required to bear the
distribution cost, including margin to dealers and
retailers as well as the transportation cost.
I. Targeted Public Distribution System
Objective: To identifying the poor households and giving
them a fixed entitlement of food grains, rice and/ or
wheat, at specially subsidized prices.
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Salient features:
 It is operated jointly by the Central and the
State/Union Territory (UT) Governments.
 Central Government is responsible for
procurement, allocation and transportation of food
grains upto the designated depots of the FCI.
 State/UT Governments is responsible for the
allocation and distribution of food grains within the
States/UTs, identification of eligible beneficiaries,
issuance of ration cards to them and supervision
over functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPSs).
 The targeted households are entitled to 5kg food
grains per person per month at rates Rs.1/ per kg
coarse grains, Rs.2/ per kg for wheat and Rs. 3/ per
kg for rice.
7) Ministry of Defense
I. One Rank One Pension
Objective: To provide uniform pension be paid to the
Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with
the same length of service, regardless of their date of
retirement.

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Salient features:
 Under the scheme the benefits will be provided
from 1st July 2014.
 The arrears will be paid in four half-yearly
installments. However all widows, including war
widows will be paid arrears in one installment.
 Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners retiring in
the same rank and with the same length of service
as the average of minimum and maximum pension
in 2013.
 Personnel who opt for voluntarily retirement will
not be covered under the OROP scheme.
 In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5
years.
8) Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
I. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)
Objective:
 Bring about an improvement in the general quality
of life in the rural areas, by promoting cleanliness,
hygiene and eliminating open defecation.

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  Accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas to
achieve the vision of Swachh Bharat by 2nd
October 2019
 Motivate communities and Panchayati Raj
Institutions to adopt sustainable sanitation
practices and facilities through awareness creation
and health education
 Encourage cost effective and appropriate
technologies for ecologically safe and sustainable
sanitation
 Develop, wherever required, community managed
sanitation systems focusing on scientific Solid &
Liquid Waste Management systems for overall
cleanliness in the rural areas
 Create significant positive impact on gender and
promote social inclusion by improving sanitation
especially in marginalized communities.
Salient features:
 Capacity Building
 Construction of Individual Household Latrines -
While selecting eligible households for providing

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 incentive under SBM(G), order of preference shall
be –BPL followed by SC/SC APL households
 Availability of Sanitary Material - through Rural
Sanitary Marts (RSM), Production Centers (PC),
Self Help Groups (SHG) and Community Sanitary
Complex (CSC).
 Provision of Revolving Fund at the District - can
also be accessed by APL households not covered
by incentives under the guidelines.
 Equity and inclusion – This also includes raise
awareness and skills on Menstrual Hygiene
Management (MHM), specifically amongst
adolescent girls in schools.
 Solid and Liquid Resource Management
 Administrative Charges - States shall be permitted
to utilize funds under this component as per
requirement
 The monitoring also uses a robust community led
system, like Social Audit. Community-based
monitoring and vigilance committees will help in
creating peer pressure.

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  Foot soldiers of Swachh Bharat: An army of ‘foot
soldiers’ or ‘Swachhagrahis’, earlier known as
‘Swachhata Doots’ is developed.
II. National Rural Drinking Water Program
Objective:
 Ensuring sustainability (source) of water
availability in terms of potability, adequacy,
convenience, affordability and equity.
 To realise 'Har Ghar Jal' by 2030-a component of
SDG. Also, access to safe and adequate drinking
water within reasonable distance
 Provide drinking water facility, especially piped
water supply, to Gram Panchayats that have
achieved open defecation free status on priority
basis;
 Ensure all government schools and anganwadis
have access to safe drinking water;
 Provide access to information through online
reporting mechanism with information placed in
public domain to bring in transparency and
informed decision making.

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Salient features:
 It is a centrally sponsored scheme (50:50), started
in 2009.
 The restructured scheme has provided more
flexibility to the states release of fund under
various components.
 The scheme is to be continued co-terminus with
the 14th Finance Commission cycle i.e. from 2017-
18 to 2019-2020..
 National Water Quality Sub Mission (NWQSM) on
Arsenic and Fluoride has been started to provide
safe drinking water to about 28,000 affected
habitations in the country by March 2021.
9) Ministry of Electronics & IT
I. Digital India
Objective: To transform India into a digitally empowered
society and knowledge economy.
Salient features:
 The Digital India program is centered on three key
vision areas: Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to

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 Every Citizen, Governance & Services on Demand,
Digital Empowerment of Citizens.
 It aims to provide the much needed thrust to the
nine pillars of growth areas, namely: Broadband
Highways, Universal Access to Mobile
Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, e-
Governance: Reforming Government through
Technology, e-Kranti: NeGP 2.0, Information for All,
Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, Early
Harvest Programs.
 Public Private Partnerships would be preferred
wherever feasible to implement e-Governance
projects
 For effective management of the Digital India
program, the program management structure
would consists of a Monitoring Committee on
Digital India headed by the Prime Minister, a Digital
India Advisory Group chaired by the Minister of
Communications and IT and an Apex Committee
chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
 The positions of Chief Information Officers (CIO)
would be created in at least 10 key Ministries so

183
 that various e-Governance projects could be
designed, developed and implemented faster.
II. Jeevan Praman
Objective: To facilitate online submission of Life
Certificate by pensioners and streamline the process of
getting Life certificate.
Salient features:
 It is AADHAR Biometric Authentication based
digital life certificates (DLCs) for Pensioners.
 DLC can be obtained through various Jeevan
Pramaan Centres which are being operated by
CSCs, Banks, Government offices or by using the
client application on any PC/mobile/tablet.
 It will do away with the requirement of a pensioner
having to submit a physical Life Certificate in
November each year, in order to ensure continuity
of pension being credited into their account.
III. Cyber Swachhta Kendra
Objective: To enhance the cyber security of Digital
India’s IT infrastructure by providing information on
botnet/ malware threats and suggesting remedial
measures.
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Salient features:
 They are also known as Botnet Cleaning and
Malware Analysis Centre.
 It is part of Digital India initiative and is being
operated by Indian Computer Emergency Response
Team (CERT-In) under provisions of Section 70B of
the IT Act, 2000.
 It is set up in accordance with the objectives of the
‘National Cyber Security Policy’ which envisages
creating a secure cyber ecosystem in the country.
 This centre works in coordination with the
Department of Telecommunications, Internet
service providers (ISPs), Antivirus companies and
Industry to notify the end users regarding infection
of their system and providing them assistance to
clean their system through free e-tools.
 It will also enhance awareness among citizens
regarding botnet and malware infection along with
measures to be taken to secure their devices.

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IV. Bharat Interface Money (BHIM)
Objective: To enable fast, secure, reliable cashless
payments through your mobile phone.
Salient features:
 It is an app that makes payment transactions
simple, easy and quick using Unified Payments
Interface (UPI). It enables direct bank to bank
payments instantly and collect money using a
Mobile number or Payment address.
 It is developed by the National Payment
Corporation of India (NPCI), a not-for-profit
company for providing retail payment systems in
India under guidance from RBI
 It is interoperable with other Unified Payment
Interface (UPI) applications, and bank accounts.
 Any Indian citizen can pay digitally using their
biometric data like their thumb imprint on a
merchants’ biometric enabled device which could
be smart phone having a biometric reader.
 The users need to have an Aadhaar linked bank
account and mobile number / credit /debit card.
Any citizen without access to smart phones,
186
 internet, debit or credit cards will be able to
transact digitally through the BHIM Aadhaar
platform.
V. Software Technology Park Scheme
Objective: For the development and export of computer
software, including export of professional services using
communication links or physical media.
Salient features:
 It is a 100% export-oriented scheme which
integrates concept of 100 percent Export Oriented
Units (EOU) and Export Processing Zones (EPZ)
and the concept of Science Parks / Technology
Parks.
 It is unique in its nature as it focuses on one
product / sector, i.e. computer software.
 Provisioning of single-point contact services for
member units.
 A company can set up STP unit anywhere in India.
 100 Percent Foreign Equity is permitted.

187
  All the imports of Hardware & Software in the STP
units are completely duty free, import of second
hand capital goods also permitted.
 Re-Export of capital goods is also permitted.
 The sales in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) shall
be permissible up to 50 Percent of the export in
value terms.
10) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC)
I. National Action Plan On Climate Change (NAPCC)
Objective:
 To achieve a sustainable development path that
simultaneously advances economic and
environmental objectives.
 To fulfill India's Intended Nationally Determined
Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC under Paris
Agreement
 To protect the vulnerable and poor sections of
society through inclusive and sustainable
development strategy, sensitive to climate change
 To devise efficient and cost effective strategies.

188
Salient features:
It is a policy document prepared by the Prime Minister's
Council on Climate Change. The NAPCC is guided by the
principles of –
 Protection - of the poor and vulnerable sections of
society through inclusive development strategy
 Achieving national growth - through a qualitative
change and economic direction that enhances
ecological sustainability
 Demand side management
 Better technology - that looks into aspects of
mitigation or adaptation,
 Market mechanism - that rewards sustainable
development,
 Inclusivity- that invites linkups with civil society
and local government institutions
 Many of the sectors most at risk from climate
change - such as water and agriculture - are the
responsibility of state governments, so all states
have to develop a SAPCC which implements the
national policy framework taking into account their
own unique vulnerabilities.
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  GoI is also implementing a dedicated National
Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) to
implement adaptation actions in vulnerable sectors
across the country.
11) Ministry of External Affairs
I. Know India Program
Objective: To familiarize Indian origin youth (18-30years)
with their Indian roots and contemporary India.
Salient features:
 It is a three-week orientation program for Diaspora
youth conducted with a view to promote
awareness on different facets of life in India and
the progress made by the country in various fields
e.g. economic, industrial, education, science &
technology, communication & information
Technology, culture.
 It provides a unique forum for students & young
professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share
their views, expectations & experiences and to
develop closer bonds with the contemporary India.

190
II. Students and MEA Engagement Program
(SAMEEP)
Objective:
 To take Indian foreign policy and its global
engagements to students across the country.
 To drive interest in diplomacy as a career option.
Salient features:
 All the ministry officers - under-secretary and
above - will be asked to go to their hometowns,
particularly their alma maters.
 They will be expected to interact with the students
about the way the MEA works, basic elements of
its policies, how diplomacy is conducted, and
generally give students an idea of what a career in
the MEA would look like.
III. Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Objective: Training and certification of Indian workforce
keen on overseas employment in select sectors and job
roles, in line with international standards, to facilitate
overseas employment opportunities.

191
Salient features:
 It is a skill development initiative of the MEA in
partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development
& Entrepreneurship which will be implemented by
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
 The short-term program (of 2 weeks to one month)
will prepare the candidates holistically in taking up
challenging assignments in different countries with
confidence and meet transnational skill
requirements.
 It involves training them in suitable skill sets which
address the requirements in communication, trade
specific knowledge and skills along with cultural
orientation. These will be in line with international
standards.
12) Ministry of Finance
I. National Pension Scheme
Objective:
 To provide retirement income to all the citizens
 To institute pension reforms and to inculcate the
habit of saving for retirement amongst the citizens.

192
Salient features:
 It is administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority.
 Under the NPS, the individual contributes to his
retirement account and his employer can also co-
contribute.
 It is designed on defined contribution basis
wherein the subscriber contributes to his account,
there is no defined benefit that would be available
at the time of exit from the system and the
accumulated wealth depends on the contributions
made and the income generated from investment
of such wealth.
 The recordkeeping, administration and customer
service functions for all subscribers of the NPS are
being handled by the National Securities
Depository Limited (NSDL), which is acting as the
Central Record keeper for the NPS.
 The subscriber will be allotted a unique Permanent
Retirement Account Number (PRAN) which is
portable and can be used from any location in
India.

193
 PRAN will provide access to two personal
accounts:
 Tier I Account: This is a non-withdrawal account
meant for savings for retirement. The tax treatment
for contribution made in Tier I account is
Exempted-Exempted-Taxed (EET).
 Tier II Account: This is simply a voluntary savings
facility. The subscriber is free to withdraw savings
from this account whenever subscriber wishes. No
tax benefit is available on this account.
 All existing members of the government's
'Swavalamban Yojana NPS lite' will automatically
be migrated to the Atal pension Yojana. It will now
replace the Swavalamban scheme, NPS returns are
market linked. It offers 3 funds to subscribers:
 Equities, Corporate Bonds, Government Securities.
 Subscriber can exit from NPS after 10 years of
account opening or attaining 60 years of age
whichever is early. Only up to 40% of Corpus
withdrawn in lump sum is exempt from tax.

194
II. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
Objective: Increasing access of finance to the unbanked
but also bring down the cost of finance from the last Mile
Financers to the micro/small enterprises, most of which
are in the informal sector.
Salient features:
 MUDRA loans are extended by banks, NBFCs, MFIs
and other eligible financial intermediaries as
notified by MUDRA Ltd.
 MUDRA Bank would be responsible for refinancing
all Last Mile Financiers such as Non-Banking
Finance Companies, Societies, Trusts, Section 8
Companies, Co-operative Societies, Small Banks,
Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural
Banks which are in the business of lending to
micro/small business entities engaged in
manufacturing, trading and services activities.
 A refinance corpus for MUDRA at 20000 crores, to
be allocated by RBI from the Priority Sector lending
shortfall has also be formed.
 3 types of loans to be allotted by micro units’
development and refinance agency bank are:

195
  Shishu: covering loans upto Rs. 50,000
 Kishor: covering loans above Rs. 50,000 and upto 5
lakhs
 Tarun: covering loans above Rs. 5 lakh and upto 10
lakhs
 There is no subsidy for the loan given under
PMMY. However, at present, MUDRA extends a
reduction of 25bps in its interest rates to MFIs /
NBFCs, who are providing loans to women
entrepreneurs.
 Banks have been mandated by RBI not to insist for
collateral security in the case of loans upto 10 lakh
extended to the units in the Micro Small
Enterprises sector.
 The overdraft amount of 5000 sanctioned under
PM Jan Dhan Yojana has been also classified as
MUDRA loans under Prime Minister MUDRA Yojana
(PMMY)
III. Atal Pension Yojana
Objective: The subscribers would receive the fixed
minimum pension at the age of 60 years, depending on
their contributions.
196
Salient features:
 The Central Government co-contribute 50% of the
total contribution or Rs. 1000 per annum,
whichever is lower, to each eligible subscriber
account, for a period of 5 years, who join the NPS
between the period 1st June, 2015 and 31st
December, 2015 and who are not members of any
statutory social security scheme and who are not
income tax payers.
 It has replaced the Swavalamban scheme.
 The beneficiaries will not be able to exit the
scheme before the age of 60
 The minimum period of contribution by the
subscriber under this would be 20 years or more.
 In case of death of subscriber, the spouse of the
subscriber shall be entitled for the same amount of
pension till his or her death.
 After the death of both the subscriber and the
spouse, the nominee of the subscriber shall be
entitled to receive the pension wealth, as
accumulated till age of 60 years of the subscribe

197
  It is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory
and Development Authority. The Institutional
Architecture of NPS would be utilized to enroll
subscribers under APY.
IV. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
Objective: A one year cover Personal Accident Insurance
Scheme, renewable from year to year, offering protection
against death or disability due to accident.
Salient features:
 Premium payable is Rs.12/- per annum per
member.
 Risk coverage available will be Rs. 2 lakhs for
accidental death and permanent total disability
 Rs. 1 lakhs for permanent partial disability
 Individuals who exit the scheme at any point may
re-join the scheme in future years by paying the
annual premium
 The scheme is offered/administered through
Public Sector General Insurance Companies
(PSGICs) and other general insurance companies.

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V. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
Objective:
 A one year life insurance scheme
 Renewable from year to year
 Offering coverage for death due to any reason
Salient features:
 It provides coverage of Rs. 2 lakh in case of death
due to any reason.
 It charges an annual premium of Rs. 330.
 It is offered / administered through LIC and other
Indian private Life Insurance companies.
VI. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Objective:
To ensure comprehensive financial inclusion of all the
households in the country by providing universal access
to banking facilities with at least one basic bank account
to every household, financial literacy, access to credit,
insurance, remittance and pension facility.

199
Salient features:
 Account can be opened in any bank branch or
Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet.
Special Benefits under PMJDY Scheme include:
 RuPay debit card, with inbuilt accident insurance
cover of Rs. 1 lakh No minimum balance required.
 The scheme provides life cover of Rs. 30,000/-
payable on death of the beneficiary, subject to
fulfillment of the eligibility condition.
 Beneficiaries of Government Schemes will get
Direct Benefit Transfer in these accounts.
 Overdraft facility upto Rs.5000/- is available in only
one account per household, preferably lady of the
household after satisfactory operation of the
account for 6 months.
VII. Stand Up India Scheme
Objective: The Stand up India scheme aims at promoting
entrepreneurship among women and scheduled castes
and tribes.

200
Salient features:
 It facilitates bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs
1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or
Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one
woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a
greenfield enterprise. This enterprise may be in
manufacturing, services or the trading sector.
 In case of non-individual enterprises at least 51%
of the shareholding and controlling stake should be
held by either an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
 Borrower should not be in default to any
bank/financial institution.
 It covers all Scheduled Commercial banks.
 Borrower shall be required to bring in minimum of
10% of the project cost as own contribution.
 The rate of interest would be lowest applicable rate
of the bank for that category (rating category) not
to exceed (base rate (MCLR) +3%+ tenor premium).
 Besides primary security, the loan may be secured
by collateral security or guarantee of Credit
Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India Loans
(CGFSIL) as decided by the banks.
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  The loan is repayable in 7 years with a maximum
moratorium period of 18 months.
 Rupay debit card to be issued for convenience of
the borrower.
VIII. Gold Monetization Scheme
Objective:
 To mobilize gold held by households and
institutions of the country and facilitate its use for
productive purposes.
 In the long run, to reduce country’s reliance on the
import of gold.
 To provide a fillip to the gems and jewelery sector
in the country by making gold available as raw
material on loan from the banks.
Salient features:
 It provides different options to the people to
monetize the gold, by modifying the already
existing two schemes, namely 'Revamped Gold
Deposit Scheme' and the 'Revamped Gold Metal
Loan' scheme.

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  All scheduled commercial banks (excluding RRBs)
have been allowed to implement the scheme.
 Revamped Gold Deposit Scheme (R-GDS): It will
provide the depositors of gold, improved
infrastructure (in terms of ease of depositing,
faster processing' transparency) and greater
flexibility in the terms and tenure of deposits.
 The minimum deposit at any one time shall be 30
grams of raw gold (bars, coins, jewellery excluding
stones and other metals). There is no maximum
limit for deposit under the scheme.
XI. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
Objective: To develop a financial asset as an alternative
to purchasing metal gold.
Salient features:
 Sovereign Gold Bonds will be issued on payment of
rupees and denominated in grams of gold.
 Bonds will be issued on behalf of the Government
of India by the RBI. Thus, the Bonds will have a
sovereign guarantee.
 The bond would be restricted for sale to resident
Indian entities.
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 The investment limit per fiscal year has been
increased to 4 kg for individuals, 4 Kg for Hindu
Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 Kg for Trusts and
similar entities notified by the Government from
time to time.
 The Government will issue bonds with a rate of
interest which will be calculated on the value of the
gold at the time of investment.
 Bonds will be available both in demat and paper
form.
 The tenor of the bond could be for a minimum of 5
to 7 years, so that it would protect investors from
medium term volatility in gold prices. Since the
bond, will be a part of the sovereign borrowing,
these would need to be within the fiscal deficit
target for 2015-16 and onwards.
 Bonds can be used as collateral for loans.
 Bonds to be easily sold and traded on exchanges
to allow early exits for investors who may so
desire.

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  On maturity, the redemption will be in rupee
amount only which would not be a fixed sum, but
linked to the price of gold.
 The deposit will not be hedged and all risks
associated with gold price and currency will be
borne by Gol through the Gold Reserve Fund.
X. Swachha Bharat Kosh
Objective:
To attract Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds
from Corporate Sector and contributions from individuals
and philanthropists to achieve the objective of Clean
India (Swachh Bharat) by the year 2019.
Salient features:
 It would be administered by a Governing Council
chaired by Secretary, Department of Expenditure.
 Donations to the “Swachh Bharat Kosh”, other than
the sums spent for “Corporate Social
Responsibility” are eligible for 100% deduction
under section 80G of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
This is applicable to the assessment year 2015-16
and subsequent years.

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13) Ministry of Food Processing Industries
I. Mega Food Park
Objective:
 To provide modern infrastructure for food
processing units in the country and ensure value
addition of agricultural produce including dairy,
fisheries etc.
 Establish sustainable raw material supply chain in
a cluster.
 Address needs of small and micro food processing
enterprising by providing plug and play facilities.
Salient features:
 It is Based on ‘Cluster’ approach and envisages
creation of state of art support infrastructure in a
well-defined agri/horticulture zone for setting
modern food processing units along with well
established supply chain.
 The supply chain consists of collection centers,
primary centers, central processing centers, cold
chain and around 30- 35 fully developed plots for
entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.

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  Funding – Grant in aid of 50% of eligible cost in
general and 75% in north-east and difficult areas
subject to a maximum of 50 crore per project.
14) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
I. National Health Mission
Objective:
 Reduction in child and maternal mortality
 Prevention and control of communicable and non-
communicable diseases, including locally endemic
diseases.
 Access to integrated comprehensive primary
health care.
 Revitalize local health traditions & mainstream
AYUSH.
 Universal access to public services for food and
nutrition, sanitation and hygiene and universal
access to public health care services with
emphasis on women and children's health and
universal immunization.

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Salient features:
 It is a major instrument of financing and support to
the States to strengthen public health systems and
healthcare delivery. This financing to the States are
based on the State’s Programme Implementation
Plan (PIP).
2 sub schemes under it
 National Rural Health Mission
 National Urban Health Mission
 States that show improved progress made on key
Outcomes/Outputs such as IMR, MMR,
Immunization, number and proportion of quality
certified health facilities etc. will be able to receive
additional funds as incentives.
 It also focuses on Reproductive Maternal-
Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A)
and Communicable and Non-Communicable
Diseases.

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I. National Rural Health Mission
Objective:
 To provide accessible, affordable, accountable and
effective primary healthcare facilities, especially to
the poor and vulnerable sections of the population.
 Establishing a fully functional, community owned,
decentralized health delivery system with inter-
sectoral convergence at all levels.
 Ensures simultaneous action on a wide range of
determinants of health such as water, sanitation,
education, nutrition, social and gender equality.
Salient features:
 Accredited social health activists
 Janani Suraksha Yojana
 Mobile medical units
 Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
 Mother and child health wings (MCH wings)
 RMNCH+A: Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child
and Adolescent Health.

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  Free drugs and free diagnostic service
 Mainstreaming AYUSH: revitalizing local health
traditions.
 Cities and towns with population below 50,000 will
continue to be covered under NRHM.
III. National Urban Health Mission
Objective:
 To meet health care needs of the urban population
with the focus on urban poor, slum dwellers, by
making available to them essential primary health
care services.
 Reducing their out of pocket expenses for
treatment.
Salient features:
 Need based city specific urban health care system.
 Partnership with community and local bodies and
NGOs.
 District health action plan.
 Funding pattern will be 75:25 for all the states and
90:10 for Special Category States.

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  Under the Programme the support is being
provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
based on progress related to certain indicators.
 For Service Delivery Infrastructure it provides-
Urban–Primary Health Centre, Urban-Community
Health Centre (U-CHC) and Referral Hospitals and
Outreach services.
 For Community Process it includes Mahila Arogya
Samiti and ASHA/Link Worker.
IV. Janani Suraksha Yojana
Objective: Reducing maternal and infant mortality by
promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women.
Salient features:
 It is under the National Rural Health Mission
(NRHM) and is a centrally sponsored scheme.
 Eligible pregnant women are entitled for cash
assistance irrespective of the age of mother and
number of children for giving birth in a government
or accredited private health facility.
 Focuses on poor pregnant woman in all states with
a special dispensation for low performing states.

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  Performance based incentives to women health
volunteers known as Asha (accredited social
health activist) for promoting institutional delivery
among pregnant women.
 A small cash assistance is also given for home
deliveries.
V. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Maitritva Abhiyaan
Objective: Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates
through safe pregnancies and safe deliveries.
Salient features:
 To provide fixed-day assured, comprehensive and
quality antenatal care universally to all pregnant
women on the 9th of every month free of cost.
 One of the critical components of the Abhiyan is
identification and follow-up of high risk
pregnancies.
 Private sector doctors would support the initiatives
of government.
 This scheme is available for both rural and urban
areas

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VI. Universal immunization Program
Objective:
 Provide free of cost vaccines to all children across
the country to protect them against 12 Vaccine
Preventable Diseases (VPDs).
 Rapidly increase immunization coverage
 Establish a reliable cold chain system to the health
facility level
 Achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production
 Strengthen and maintain robust surveillance
system for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs)
and Adverse Events Following Immunization
(AEFI);
 Introduce and expand the use of new and
underutilized vaccines and technology in UIP.
 Salient features:
Salient features:
100 Percent Funded by the central government
Under UIP, Government of India is providing vaccination
free of cost against 12 vaccine preventable diseases i.e.

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  Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio,
 Measles (measles-rubella (MR) vaccine – single
vaccine for dual protection against measles and
rubella), severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis,
 Hepatitis B, Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by
Hemophilus,
 Influenza type B across the country;
(Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was
recently launched against pneumonia and
meningitis.)
 Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis and Rotavirus
diarrhea → These 3 only in selected states.
VII. Mission Indradhanush
Objective:
 To ensure full immunization to more than 90% by
December 2018.
 The ultimate goal is to ensure full immunization
with all available vaccines for children up to two
years and pregnant women.

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Salient features:
 All vaccines are available free of cost under
‘universal immunization program’
 7 vaccine preventable diseases which include
diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio,
tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B.
 “Catch-up” campaign mode aim to cover all the
children who have been left out or missed out for
immunization.
 First phase of mission has identified and targeted
201 high focus districts in the country that have
the highest number of partially immunized and
unimmunized children.
 In addition to this, vaccines for Japanese
Encephalitis, Haemophilus influenza type B,
inactivated polio vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine and
Measles Rubella vaccine are also being provided in
selected states.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush
 Launched in October 2017, to cover low performing
areas in the selected districts and urban areas.

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  Special attention will be given to unserved/low
coverage pockets in sub-centre and urban slums
with migratory population.
 The focus is also on the urban settlements and
cities identified under National Urban Health
Mission (NUHM).
VIII. AYUSHMAN Bharat- National Health Protection
Scheme
Objective:
To provide medical cover up to Rs5 lakh per year per
household for secondary and tertiary health care.
National
Health Agency (NHA)- It will be set up to manage NHPS.
Salient features:
 It subsumes the centrally sponsored schemes -
Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the
Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).
 Using JAM: It would be a cashless and Aadhaar
enabled for better targeting of beneficiary
 It will be portable across the country and a
beneficiary covered under the scheme will be

216
 allowed to take cashless benefits from any
public/private empanelled hospitals across the
country.
 Along with NHPS Ayushman Bharat program has
another component viz, Health and Wellness
Centre.
 Health and Wellness Centre were envisioned under
National Health Policy, 2017. Under this 1.5 lakh
centers will bring health care system closer to the
homes of people. These centers will provide
comprehensive health care, including for non-
communicable diseases and maternal and child
health services.
15) Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
I. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Of Hybrid and
Electronic Vehicles (FAME)
Objective:
 It aims at promoting eco-friendly vehicles in the
country.
 To provide fiscal and monetary incentives for
adoption and market creation of both hybrid and
electric technologies vehicles in the country.
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Salient features:
 Scheme is proposed to be implemented till 2020.
 It is under the National Electric Mobility Mission
Plan 2020.
 Incentivize all vehicle segments, including two-
wheelers, three-wheeler auto, passenger four-
wheeler vehicle, light commercial vehicles and
buses.
 Manufacturer will reduce the purchase price which
will be reimbursed to them by the Government.
 The scheme has four focus areas viz. technology
development, demand creation, pilot projects and
charging infrastructure.
 Recently, government announced subsidy to 11
cities under FAME India, for launching electric
buses, taxis and three-wheelers.

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16) Ministry of Home Affairs
I. Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System
(CCTNS)
Objective:
It aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated
system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of
policing through adopting of principle of e-Governance
and creation of a nationwide networking infrastructure
for evolution of IT-enabled-state-of-the-art tracking
system around Investigation of crime and detection of
criminals.
Salient features:
 CCTNS would be implemented in a way where the
States and UTs play a major role.
 MHA and NCRB would play a key role in planning
the program in collaboration with the Police
leadership within States.
 Digital Police Portal has been launched under the
CCTNS project: It will enable citizens to register
FIRs online and the portal will initially offer seven
Public Delivery Services in 34 States & UTs, like
Person and Address Verification e.g. of employees,
219
 tenants, nurses etc, permission for hosting Public
Events, Lost & Found Articles and Vehicle theft etc.
 The Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)
aims to integrate the CCTNS project with the e-
courts and e-prisons databases in the first
instance and with the other pillars of the criminal
justice system Forensics, Prosecution, Juvenile
homes and a nationwide Fingerprint data base of
criminals in a phased manner.
II. Bharat Ke Veer
 It is an IT based platform, with an objective to
enable willing donors to contribute towards the
family of a brave heart who sacrificed his/her life in
line of duty. The amount so donated will be
credited to the account of ‘Next of Kin’ of those
Central Armed Police Force/Central Para Military
Force soldiers.
III. UDAAN
 It is a Special Industry Initiative for J&K funded by
Ministry of Home Affairs and implemented by
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

220
  It is focused on providing skills and job
opportunities to youth of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
who are graduate, post graduate and three year
diploma engineers. Simultaneously, the aim is also
to provide exposure to corporate India towards the
rich talent pool available in J&K.
17) Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
I. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
PMAY(Urban) & PMAY (Gramin) have been launched to
achieve Housing for All by 2022 Mission
Objective:
 Construct two crore houses across the nation by
2022.
 Covers the entire urban area consisting of 4041
statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I
cities in 3 phases
Salient features:
It will provide central assistance to Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs) and other implementing agencies through
States/UTs for:

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 In-situ Rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers
using land as a resource through private
participation
 Credit Linked Subsidy (CLSS)
 Affordable Housing in Partnership with public or
private sector
 Subsidy for Beneficiary-led individual house
construction/enhancement.
 Credit linked subsidy component will be
implemented as a Central Sector Scheme while
other three components will be implemented as
Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
 EWS category of beneficiaries is eligible for
assistance in all four verticals of the Missions
whereas LIG and MIG categories are eligible under
only Credit linked subsidy scheme (CLSS)
component of the Mission.
 The houses constructed/acquired with central
assistance under the mission should be in the
name of the female head of the household or in the
joint name of the male head of the household and
his wife, and only in cases when there is no adult

222
 female member in the family, the house can be in
the name of male member of the household.
 Flexibility to States for choosing best options to
meet the demand of housing in their states
 Central grant of Rs. one lakhs per house, on an
average, will be available under the slum
rehabilitation program
 National Housing Bank and Housing and Urban
Development Corporation(HUDCO) have been
designated as Central Nodal Agencies (CAN) for
implementation of CLSS.
 Geo-tagging for monitoring the progress of
construction of houses, Public Financial
Management System (PFMS) to ensure electronic
fund flow and Technology Sub-Mission to
implement new construction technologies, have
been introduced.
II. Smart Cities Mission
Objective:
 It aims to promote cities that provide core
infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its

223
 citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and
application of 'Smart Solutions.
 It aims to focus on sustainable and inclusive
development and to set examples that can be
replicated both within and outside the Smart City,
catalyzing the creation of similar Smart Cities in
various regions and parts of the country.
 To improve the ease of living particularly for poor,
women, elderly and differently abled.
Salient features:
 The Mission will cover 100 cities and its duration
will be five years (FY2015-16 to FY2019- 20).
 The strategic components of Area-based
development in the Smart Cities Mission are city
improvement (retrofitting), city renewal
(redevelopment) and city extension (greenfield
development) plus a Pan-city initiative in which
Smart Solutions are applied covering larger parts
of the city.
 It will be operated as a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme (CSS) and the Central Government
proposes to give financial support to the Mission

224
 to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over five years
i.e. on an average Rs. 100 crores per city per year.
An equal amount, on a matching basis, will have to
be contributed by the State/ULB.
 States are asked to nominate names of cities for a
‘City Challenge Competition’ and the chosen ones
will get Central fund.
 Cities will prepare their Smart City Proposal (SCP)
containing the vision, plan for mobilization of
resources and intended outcomes in terms of
infrastructure up gradation and smart applications.
 The implementation of the Mission at the City level
will be done by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
which will be headed by a CEO and have nominees
of Central Government, State Government and ULB
on its Board. State/UT and the ULB will be the
promoters having 50:50 equity shareholding.
 Funds provided by the Government of India in the
Smart Cities Mission to the SPV will be in the form
of tied grant and kept in a separate Grant Fund.

225
III. Atal Mission For Rejuvenation And Urban
Transformation (AMRUT)
Objective:
The Mission will focus on the following Thrust Areas:
 water supply,
 sewerage facilities,
 storm water drains to reduce flooding,
 pedestrian, non-motorized and public transport
facilities, parking spaces, and
 enhancing amenity value of cities by creating and
upgrading green spaces, parks and recreation
centers, especially for children.
Salient features:
Five hundred cities will be taken up under AMRUT which
include:
 All Cities and Towns with a population of over one
lakh with notified Municipalities, including
Cantonment Boards (Civilian areas),
 All Capital Cities/Towns of States/ UTs, not
covered in above

226
 All Cities/ Towns classified as Heritage Cities by
MoUD under the HRIDAY Scheme,
 Thirteen Cities and Towns on the stem of the main
rivers with a population above 75,000 and less than
1 lakh, and Ten Cities from hill states, islands and
tourist destinations (not more than one from each
State).
 The total outlay for AMRUT is Rs. 50,000 crore for
five years from FY2015-16 to FY2019-20 and the
Mission will be operated as a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme.
 Ten percent of the annual budget allocation shall
be kept apart and given to the States/UTs every
year as incentive for achievement of Reforms.
 Central assistance will be released in three
installments in the ratio of 20:40:40 based on
achievement stated in State Annual Action Plans.
 States will transfer funds to urban local bodies
within 7 days of transfer by central government
and no diversion of funds to be made.
 It makes States equal partners in planning and
implementation of projects, thus actualizing the

227
 spirit of cooperative federalism by replacing the
project-by-project sanctions by MoUD by approval
of the State Annual Action Plan once a year by the
MoUD and the States have to give project
sanctions and approval at their end.
 It also involves individual and institutional capacity
building of the Mission Cities and ULBs.
 Recently, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
has decided to provide incentive to ULBs covered
under AMRUT for Issuance of Municipal Bonds.
 The ministry will incentivize up to 10 Urban Local
bodies (ULBs) for up to a maximum of 26 crores.
IV. National Heritage City Development And
Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
Objective: Focus on holistic development of heritage
cities and to preserve and revitalise soul of the heritage
city to reflect the city’s unique character by encouraging
aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative &
secured environment.
Salient features:
 It is a central sector scheme, where 100% funding
will be provided by Government of India.
228
  With a duration of 4 years (Completing in
November, 2018) and a total outlay of INR 500
Crores,
 It is being implemented in 12 identified Cities
namely, Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami,
Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri,
Varanasi, Velankanni and Warangal. The scheme is
implemented in a mission mode.
 The scheme will broadly focus on four theme areas
i.e. Physical Infrastructure, Institutional
Infrastructure, Economic Infrastructure & Social
Infrastructure.
 Identified cities/towns will be required to prepare
Heritage Management Plan (HMP) for the
city/town and develop and execute Detailed
Project Reports (DPRs) for availing assistance
under the scheme.
18) Ministry of Human Resource Development
I. Integrated Scheme for School Education
This scheme (from 1st April, 2018 to 31st March, 2020)
was recently approved by the Cabinet. It subsumes the
following three schemes

229
  Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
 Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan,
 Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Teacher
Education-To create a sound institutional
infrastructure for pre-service and in-service training
of elementary & secondary school teachers and for
provision of academic resource support to
elementary and secondary schools.
II. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
Objective: To enhance access to secondary education
and to improve its quality through making all secondary
schools conform to prescribed norms, removing gender,
socio-economic and disability barriers, providing
universal access to secondary level education.
Salient features:
 Important physical facilities provided under the
scheme are: Additional class rooms, Laboratories,
Toilet blocks, Residential Hostels for Teachers in
remote areas etc.
 The scheme envisages to enhance the enrolment
by providing a secondary school with a reasonable
distance (5-7 km) of habitation, with an aim to
230
 ensure GER of 100 per cent and universal retention
by 2020.
 Important quality interventions provided under the
scheme are: appointment of additional teachers to
reduce PTR to 30:1, focus on Science, Math and
English education, training of teachers, etc.
 Important equity interventions provided in the
scheme are: preference to Ashram schools for
upgradation, preference to areas with
concentration of SC/ST/Minority for opening of
schools etc.
 Apart from focusing on the vulnerable groups
(ST/SC groups, minority girls, etc.) it also aims at
inclusive education for differently abled children.
III. Sarva Shisksha Abhiyaan
Objective:
 Universal elementary education access and
retention.
 Bridging of gender and social category gaps in
education
 Enhancement of learning levels of children.

231
Salient features:
 A flagship programme which includes variety of
interventions, like opening of new schools,
construction of toilets (Swach Vidyalaya Campaign
– separate toilets for girls and boys in all schools),
periodic teacher training and academic resource
support etc.
Sub-Programmes under SSA:
 The 'Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat' (PBBB)
 The Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA)
 Vidyanjali
 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas – in
educationally backward blocks to promote girls’
education.
IV. Rashtriya Avishkar Yojana
Objective:
 To leverage the potential for science, mathematics
and technology learning in non classroom settings.
 To encourage and nurture schools to be incubators
of innovation.

232
Salient features:
 Mentoring by institutes like IITs/ IIMs/ IISERs and
other central universities and reputed
organizations through innovative programs,
student exchanges, etc. to develop a natural sense
of passion towards learning of science and maths.
 It is a step to promote scientific temper and
enquiry promoting the fundamental duty under
Article 51(A).
V. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Objective:
 To enhance enrolment, retention and attendance
 Improve nutritional levels among children
Salient features:
 Minimum content of 300 calories of energy and 8-
12 gram protein per day for a minimum of 200
days.
 For upper primary stage was fixed at 700 calories
and 20 grams of protein.
 It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (60:40) which
will be fully sponsored by the Union Government.
233
  Aadhaar linking: The schools and Anganwadis
have been asked to collect the Aadhaar number of
the children beneficiaries.
 Automated Monitoring System
 It's a data collection for real time monitoring of Mid
Day Meal Scheme
 Under the system, States/UTs have set up a
suitable system of data collection (i.e. Interactive
Voice Response System (IVRS)/SMS/Mobile
Application/ Web Application) from schools on a
daily basis and using it for purpose of monitoring
and timely follow up action.
19) Ministry of Labour and Employment
I. Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakaram
Objective:
 To improve the labour laws, improve compliance
 To improve condition of labour in India
Salient features:
A dedicated Shram Suvidha Portal:

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  To allot Labour Identification Number (LIN) to
nearly 6 lakhs units and allow them to file online
compliance for 16 out of 44 labour laws
Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme for random
selection of Units for inspection:
 Utilizing technology to eliminate human discretion
in selection of units for Inspection
 Uploading of Inspection Reports within 72 hours of
inspection mandatory
Universal Account Number:
 Provident Fund account is portable and universally
accessible
Apprentice Protsahan Yojana:
 Reimbursing 50% of the stipend paid to
apprentices during first two years of their training
 Revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana:
 Introducing a Smart Card for the workers in the
unorganized sector seeded with details of two
more social security schemes.

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II. Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana
Objective: To incentivize employers promoting
employment generation and providing social security
benefits to the workers.
Salient features:
 Under the scheme, the government provided 8.33%
of the contribution of Employers to the Employees'
Pension Scheme (EPS) (12% in case of textile,
leather and footwear industry) in respect of new
employees (who have joined on or after 1st April
2016) having a new Universal Account Number
(UAN), with salary up to Rs 15,000/- per month.
 This Scheme has a dual benefit - The informal
sector workers would also get social safety net and
the employer is incentivized for increasing the
employment base of workers in the establishment.
 Recent changes
 Scope of the scheme has been enhanced
 The GoI will now contribute the employer's full
admissible contribution (12%) for the first three
years from the date of registration of the new
employee, and for all the sectors including existing
236
 beneficiaries for their remaining period of three
years.
20) Ministry of Minority Affairs
I. Cyber Gram
Objective: To provide hands-on training in computers for
the students of Minority Community and to enable them
to acquire basic ICT skills that would empower them to:
 Become digitally literate
 Actively participate in knowledge based activities
Access financial, social and government services
 Use Internet for communications
 Reinforcing the learning of trained beneficiaries by
providing free Internet access for 30 hours.
Salient features:
 The Cybergram Initiative is a component under
Multi-Sector Development Program (MsDP) of the
ministry of minority affairs.
 The Union Government and State Government
contribution will be 75:25 (90:10 for NE states
including Sikkim)

237
  Common Service Centres e-Governance services
India Ltd (CSC SPV) will prescribe thirty-nine (39)
hours Basic Computer Concepts (BCC) syllabus for
the training.
 The Village Level Entrepreneur VLEs (having
computers and internet availability) near
Madrasas/Schools would be the lowest level in the
implementation structure of the Initiative and
would be the Training Centre under the initiative.
 The Multi-sectoral Development Programme
(MsDP) aims at improving the socio-economic
conditions of minorities and providing basic
amenities to them for improving the quality of life
of the people and reducing imbalances in the
identified minority concentration areas.
II. NAI ROSHNI-FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OF
MINORITY WOMEN
Objective: Empower and instill confidence among
minority women, including their neighbors from other
communities living in the same village/locality and
economic empowerment of the trainee women.

238
Salient features:
 leadership development trainings in the village /
urban locality at local bodies level.
 Training will be Non-residential and Residential
 It is implemented through selected Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) all over the
country.
 The training is provided on various training
modules covering issues relating to women viz.
 Leadership of women through participation in
decision making, Educational Programme for
women, Health and Hygiene, Legal rights of
women, Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Swachh
Bharat, Life Skills and Advocacy for Social and
Behavioural Change.
III. Nai Manzil
Objective:
Mobilise youth from minority communities who are
school dropouts and provide them with formal education
and certification up to level 8th or 10th through National
Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or other State open
schooling systems.
239
  To provide integrated Skill Training to the youth in
market driven skills
 Provide placements to at least 70% of the trained
youth
 Raise awareness and sensitization in health and
life skills.
Salient features:
 It is an integrated scheme of education and skill.
 A Non-residential program of 9-12 months duration
involving a Basic Bridge Programme (For Class VIII
or Class X) is provided.
 Minimum 30% seats are earmarked for minority
girls.
 The scheme covers the entire country.
 World Bank supports the scheme.
 The women trained under “Nai Roshni”, scheme for
leadership development of Minority women, will
also be used as mobilizers for this scheme

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IV. Hamari Darohar
Objective:
 To curate rich heritage of minorities under overall
concept of Indian Culture.
 To preserve literature/ documents etc.
 To support and promote calligraphy etc.
 Further Research and Development
Salient features:
 It is a central sector scheme
 Ministry of Minority Affairs will implement this
scheme with the help of Ministry of Culture.
 Documentation of oral traditions and art forms,
support to ethnic museums, workshops/
seminars/exhibitions, fellowship for R&D, etc will
be provided under the scheme.
 The funding is project based and not State/District-
wise.
 Digitization of Medieval documents regarding
Mathematics and Medicine is also being done.

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21) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
I. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
Objective: To establish India as a global leader in solar
energy
Salient features:
 The Mission has 3 phases i.e. Phase I (2010-13),
Phase II (2013-15) and Phase III (2017-22)
 This capital subsidy will be provided for Rooftop
Solar projects in various cities and towns, for
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) based projects to be
developed through the Solar Energy Corporation of
India (SECI) and for decentralized generation
through small solar projects
 The Government may approach bilateral and
international donors as also the Green Climate
Fund for achieving this target
II. SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR PARKS
AND ULTRA MEGA POWER PROJECT
Objective:
 To provide a huge impetus to solar energy
generation by acting as flagship demonstration

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 facility to encourage project developers and
investors
 To enable states to bring in significant investment
from project developers to meet its Solar
Renewable Purchase Obligation mandate and to
provide employment to local population
 Contribute to long term energy security of the state
by avoiding procurement of expensive fossil fuels
for conventional power plants
 Promote ecologically sustainable growth by
reduction in carbon emissions and carbon
footprint.
Salient features:
 40 GW solar power capacity will be generated
under the scheme by 2019-20
 It would ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks
each with a capacity of 500 MW and above in
various parts of the country.
 Smaller parks in Himalayan and other hilly States
with difficult terrain will also be considered under
the scheme.

243
  All the States and UTs are eligible for benefits
under the scheme.
 Solar Energy Corporation India (SECI) will
administer the scheme under the direction of
MNRE. The approved grant will be released by
SECI.
 The State Governments/UTs are required to select
the SPPD (solar power park developer) for
developing and maintaining the solar parks.
III. Surya Mitra Scheme
Objective:
To create skilled manpower in commissioning,
installation, O&M of solar power plants and equipments.
Salient features:
 MNRE is the sponsor (100%) and NISE (National
Institute of Solar Energy) is implementing the
scheme.
 It is a skill development program of duration 600
hrs or 90 days.
 Special emphasis is given to skill youth from
SC/ST/OBC categories.

244
  The qualification required to participate in the
program is ITI (Electrical & Wireman)/Diploma in
Engineering (Electrical, Electronics & Mechanical).
Higher qualified participants such as B. Tech etc
are not eligible for this program.
 short term training programs for small hydro,
entrepreneurship development, operation &
maintenance of solar energy devices and boiler
operations in co-generation plants are also
organized.
IV. Green Energy Corridor Project
Objective: Evacuation of renewable energy from
generation points to the load centers i.e. to enable the
flow of renewable energy into the National Grid Network.
Salient features:
The green energy corridor is grid connected network for
the transmission of renewable energy produced from
various renewable energy projects.
Two green corridor transmission networks are envisioned
in the corridor.
1. Green Corridor I: Inter-State transmission network is
constructed for connecting renewable energy-rich states.
245
Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) is implementing
this corridor. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has
provided loan assistance.
2. Green Corridors II: This is intra-state transmission
network implemented by respective states and connects
solar parks in different states.
Intra-State Transmission System is being implemented
by eight renewable energy rich States (Tamil Nadu,
Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh)
 The first phase of the program is designed to
support 33 GW of solar and wind power, while the
second phase will link 22 GW capacity.
 Germany is providing technical and financial
assistance.
22) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
I. PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA (PMUY)
Objective: To provide 8 Crore (earlier target was 5 crore)
deposit free LPG connections to women from BPL
households to be achieved by 2020 (earlier target year
was 2019).

246
Salient features:
 The tagline of this scheme is "swachh indhan,
behtar jeewan".
 LPG Connection is released in the name of adult
woman of the BPL Family, subject to the condition
that no LPG connection exists in the name of any
family member of the household.
 Central Government will provide financial support
of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection.
 SECC (Socio Economic and Caste Census) data will
be used to confirm eligibility.
 The scheme has been expanded to cover all SC/ST
households, beneficiaries of Antyoday Anna Yojana
(AAY), PMAY (Gramin), forest dwellers, most
backward classes (MBC), Tea and Ex-Tea Garden
Tribes, people residing in Islands and rivers etc. in
addition to SECC identified households.
 Consumers will have the option to purchase gas
stove and refills on EMI (zero interest), recovered
through LPG subsidy received by the beneficiary.
No recovery of loan is effecting for initial 6 refills.

247
23) Ministry of Power
I. Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY)
Objective:
Financial turnaround and revival of Power Distribution
companies (DISCOMs)
In long term - affordable and accessible 24x7 over for All.
Salient features:
 Ambitious target of making all state DISCOMs
profitable by 2018-19. The outcome will be
measured through two indicators i.e. Reduction of
AT&C loss to 15% by 2018-19 and Reduction in gap
between Average cost of Supply and Average
Revenue Realised to Zero by 2018-19
This is through four initiatives
a) Improving operational efficiencies of DISCOMs;
b) Reduction of cost of power;
c) Reduction in interest cost of DISCOMs;
d) Enforcing financial discipline on DISCOMs through
alignment with state finances.

248
  States shall take over 75% of DISCOM debt as on
30 September 2015 over two years i.e 50% of
DISCOM debt shall be taken over in 2015-16 and
25% in 2016-17.
 West Bengal and Odisha are the only two states
that have not joined the scheme. Odisha had joined
earlier but left. Overall 27 states have joined the
scheme.
II. Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)
Objective:
 24×7 uninterrupted electricity supply to ach rural
household across the country by 2022.
 Electrifying all villages and habitations as per new
definition
 Providing electricity Connection to Below Poverty
Line (BPL) families free of charge
Salient features:
 Separation of agriculture and non-agriculture
feeders facilitating judicious monitoring of supply
to agricultural & non- agricultural consumers in the
rural areas;

249
  Strengthening and augmentation of sub-
transmission & distribution (ST&D) infrastructure in
rural areas, including metering at distribution
transformers, feeders and consumers end
 Micro grid and off grid distribution network will
also be strengthened.
 Rural Electrification Corporation is the Nodal
Agency for implementation of DDUGJY.
III. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)
Objective:
 To promote efficient lighting
 To reduce electricity bills and help preserve
environment
Salient features:
 LED bulbs are provided to domestic consumers
with a target to replace 77 crore incandescent
bulbs with LED bulbs.
 EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.) enables
domestic households to procure LED lights at an
affordable price of Rs. 10/- each and the balance
on easy installment from their electricity bill.

250
  Bachat Lamp Yojana (offered CFL at the cost of
incandescent bulb) was replaced by DELP Scheme
Domestic Efficient Lighting Program- provided LED
bulbs). This scheme is now called as UJALA.
24) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
I. BharatMala Pariyojana
Objective:
Umbrella program for the highways sector that focuses
on optimizing efficiency of freight and passenger
movement across the country by bridging critical
infrastructure gaps.
Salient features:
 A total of around 24,800 kms are being considered
in Phase I of Bharatmala which is to be
implemented over a five years period of i.e. 2017-
18 to 2021-22.
 In addition, Bharatmala Pariyojana phase -I also
includes 10,000 kms of balance road works under
NHDP, taking the total to 34,800 km.
 Enhanced focus on improving connectivity in North
East and leveraging synergies with Inland
Waterways.
251
 Special attention to fulfill the connectivity needs of
backward and tribal areas, areas of economic
activity, places of religious and tourist interest,
trade routes with neighbouring countries etc.
 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has
launched Logistic Efficiency Enhancement
Programme (LEEP) under Bharatmala Pariyojna
which aimed to enhance the freight transportation
in India through improving cost, time, tracking and
transferability of consignments through
infrastructure, procedural and Information
Technology (IT) interventions.
 National Highways Authority of India has created a
National Highways Investment Promotion Cell
(NHIPC) for attracting domestic and foreign
investment for highways projects.
 The cell will focus on engaging with global
institution investors, construction companies,
developers and fund managers for building
investor participation in road infrastructure
projects.

252
  It will help to raise funds for investment of Rs.
5,35,000/- crores required under ‘Bharatmala
Pariyojana’.
II. Setu Bharatam
 Development of bridges for safe and seamless
travel on National Highways and to make all
National Highways free of railway level crossings
by 2019.
 208 Railway over Bridges (ROB)/Railway Under
Bridges (RUB) will be built at the level crossings at
a cost of Rs. 20,800 crore as part of the program.
 Also, about 1500 old and worn down bridges will
also be improved by replacement /widening
/strengthening in a phased manner at a cost of
about Rs. 30,000 crore.
25) Ministry of Rural Development
I. Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAANJHI)
Objective:
 To trigger processes which leads to holistic
development of the identified Gram Panchayats

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  To substantially improve the standard of living and
quality of life of all sections of the population.
Salient features:
 It aims to develop three Adarsh Grams by March
2019, of which one would be achieved by 2016.
Thereafter, five such Adarsh Grams (one per year)
will be selected and developed by 2024.
 Gram Panchayat would be the basic unit for
development. It will have a population of 3000-
5000 in plain areas and 1000-3000 in hilly, tribal
and difficult areas.
 Member of Parliament (MP) will identify one Gram
Panchayat to be taken up immediately, and two
others to be taken up a little later.
 Lok Sabha MP has to choose a Gram Panchayat
from within his/her constituency and Rajya Sabha
MP a Gram Panchayat from the rural area of a
district of his/her choice in the State from which
he/she is elected.
 Nominated MPs may choose a Gram Panchayat
from the rural area of any district in the country.

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  In the case of urban constituencies (where there
are no Gram Panchayats), the MP will identify a
Gram Panchayat from a nearby rural constituency.
 The scheme will be implemented through a village
development plan that would be prepared for every
identified gram Panchayat.
II. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Objective:
To provide Connectivity, by way of an All-weather Road to
the eligible unconnected Habitations in the rural areas
with a population of 500 persons and above in plain
areas and 250 persons and above in respect of the Hill
States, the Desert Areas, the Tribal areas and selected
Tribal and Backward Districts.
Salient features:
 A fully funded centrally sponsored scheme
 75 paise per liter has been earmarked for this
scheme out of cess levied on high speed diesel
 The unit for this program is a habitation and not a
revenue village.

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  It also has an upgradation component with a target
to upgrade existing rural roads in order to ensure
full farm to market connectivity. PMGSY-II aims to
cover upgradation of existing selected rural roads
based on a criterion to make the road network
vibrant.
 PMGSY is aggressively encouraging use of “Green
Technologies” and non-conventional materials like
waste plastic, cold mix, geo-textiles, fly-ash, iron
and copper slag etc. in rural roads.
III. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
Objective:
 Providing not less than 100 days of unskilled
manual work as a guaranteed employment
 in a financial year to every household in rural areas
as per demand, resulting in creation of productive
assets of prescribed quality and durability;
 Strengthening the livelihood resource base of the
poor;
 Proactively ensuring social inclusion
 Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions.
256
Salient features:
 Social protection for the most vulnerable people
living in rural India by guaranteeing wage
employment opportunities.
 Enhance livelihood security of the rural poor
through generation of wage employment
opportunities in works leading to creation of
durable assets.
 Rejuvenate natural resource base of rural areas.
 Create a durable and productive rural asset base.
 Empowerment of the socially disadvantaged,
especially, women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and
Scheduled Tribes (STs), through the processes of a
rights based legislation.
 Strengthen decentralised, participatory planning
through convergence of various anti-poverty and
livelihoods initiatives.
 Deepen democracy at the grassroots by
strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions.
 The Gram Panchayat registers households after
making enquiry and issues a job card.

257
 Social Audit of MGNREGA works is mandatory
 At least one-third beneficiaries shall be women.
 The employment will be provided within a radius of
5 km and if it is above 5 km extra wage will be paid.
 Wages are to be paid according to the Minimum
Wages Act 1948 for agricultural labourers in the
State, unless the Centre notifies a wage rate.
 Right to get unemployment allowance in case
employment is not provided within fifteen days of
submitting the application or from the date when
work is sought. Unemployment allowance is borne
by the state governments.
 A 60:40 wage and material ratio has to be
maintained. No contractors and machinery is
allowed.
 The central government bears the 100 percent
wage cost of unskilled manual labour and 75
percent of the material cost including the wages of
skilled and semi-skilled workers.
 Government has also approved additional
employment over and above 100 days per

258
 household to upto 150 days in notified drought-
affected districts in various states.
 GeoMGNREGA is a unique endeavor of the MoRD
in association with National Remote Sensing
Centre (NRSC), ISRO and National Informatics
Centre for geotagging of assets created under
MGNREGA.
26) Ministry of Science and Technology
I. National Biopharma Mission
Objective:
 To enable and nurture a ecosystem for preparing
India’s technological and product development
capabilities in biopharmaceuticals to a level that
will be globally competitive over the next decade
and transform the health standards of India’s
population through affordable product
development.
 Aspires to create an enabling ecosystem to
promote entrepreneurship and indigenous
manufacturing in the sector

259
Salient features:
 NBM is an industry academia collaborative mission
launched by Department of Biotechnology.
 The mission will be implemented by BIRAC
(Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council)
 It will include the World Bank assisted INNOVATE
IN INDIA (i3) program to create an enabling
ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and
indigenous manufacturing in the sector.
 Private sector, Government and Academia are
together considered as the triple helix of medical
innovation which can spur the much required
development of Biopharma.
II. Innovation in Sciwence Pursuit For Inspired
Research (INSPIRE) Scheme
Objective:
 To attract young students to study science and
pursue research career
 To promote creative thinking and foster a culture
of innovation among children.

260
  To attract, attach, retain and nourish talented
young scientific Human Resource for
strengthening the R&D foundation and base
Salient features:
 INSPIRE has three components:
 Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS): This
includes INSPIRE AWARDS (MANAK), and INSPIRE
INTERNSHIP
 Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
 Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC)
 Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS) aims
at attracting talented youth to study science by
providing INSPIRE Award, to experience the joy of
innovations, of Rs.5,000/- to one million young
learners in the age group 10-15 years. There shall
be annual Summer/Winter Camps for about 50,000
youth at more than 100 locations, for toppers in
Class X board examinations for exposure with
global leaders in Science, through INSPIRE
Internship.
 SHE offers 10,000 Scholarship every year at Rs
0.80 lakh per year for the talented youth in the age
261
 group 17-22 years, for undertaking Bachelor and
Masters level education innatural sciences. The
main feature of the scheme is the mentorship
support provided to every scholar.
27) Ministry of Shipping
I. Sagarmala
Objective:
To promote port-led development in the country through
harnessing India's 7,500 km long coastline, 14500 km of
potentially navigable waterways and strategic location
on key international maritime trade routes.
Salient features:
 Port Modernization & New Port Development
 Port Connectivity Enhancement: Enhancing the
connectivity of the ports to the hinterland,
optimizing cost and time of cargo movement
through multimodal logistics solutions including
domestic waterways (inland water transport and
coastal shipping)
 Port-linked Industrialization: Developing port
proximate industrial clusters and Coastal

262
 Economic Zones to reduce logistics cost and time
of EXIM and domestic cargo
 Coastal Community Development: Promoting
sustainable development of coastal communities
through skill development & livelihood generation.
 Projects considered for funding under Sagarmala
Program will either be provided equity support
(SPV route) from Sagarmala Development
Company Limited (set up under the Companies Act,
2013 to assist the State level/zone level Special
Purpose Vehicles) or funded (other than equity
support) from the budget of Ministry of Shipping.
 In order to execute the last mile connectivity rail
connectivity and internal rail projects of the Major
Ports more effectively and efficiently a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – The Indian Port Rail
Corporation (IPRC) is incorporated under the
Companies Act 2013, under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Shipping.

263
28) Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship
I. Pradhan Mantri Yuva Yojana
Objective:
Creating an enabling ecosystem for Entrepreneurship
development through Entrepreneurship education and
training; Advocacy and easy access to entrepreneurship
support network and Promoting social enterprises for
inclusive growth.
Salient features:
 It will provide entrepreneurship education and
training to over 7 lakh students in 5 years (till 2020-
21) through 3050 Institutes: 2,200 Institutes of
Higher Learning (Universities, Colleges, Premier
Institutions and AICTE Institutions including
Polytechnics); 300 schools (10+2); 500 Industrial
Training Institutes (ITIs) and 50 Entrepreneurship
Development Centres (EDCs).
 Educate and equip potential and early stage
entrepreneurs by developing and deliver
entrepreneurship education to all citizens free of

264
 charge through Massive Open On - line Courses
(MOOCs) and other on - line programs.
 Support entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurship
Hubs (E - Hubs) by establishing a National
Entrepreneurship Resource and Coordination Hub
to coordinate and support entrepreneurship
development programmes.
 Connect entrepreneurs in enabling networks of
peers, mentors, funds and business services
through a web based online marketplace
 Catalyze a culture shift to encourage
entrepreneurship.
II. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Objective:
To enable a large number of Indian youth to take up
industry relevant skill training that will help them in
securing a better livelihood.
Salient features:
 Individuals with prior learning experience or skills
will also be assessed and certified under
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

265
 The Short-Term Training imparted at PMKVY
Training Centres (TCs) is expected to benefit
candidates who are either school/college dropouts
or unemployed. Training will be imparted according
to the National Skills Qualification Framework
(NSQF).
 The Special Projects component under this
scheme, envisages the creation of a platform that
will facilitate trainings in special areas and/or
premises of Government bodies, Corporates or
Industry bodies, and trainings in special job roles
not defined under the available Qualification Packs
(QPs)/National Occupational Standards (NOSs).
 Upon successful completion of their assessment,
candidates shall be provided placement assistance
by Training Partners (TPs).
 Training and Assessment fees are completely paid
by the Government.
 This skill certification scheme will be implemented
through the National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC).

266
  Under the relaunched PMKVY, which started
October 2, 2016 placement tracking has been made
mandatory.
 An initiative has also been taken to set up Model
Skill Centres called Pradhan Mantri Kaushal
Kendras (PMKKs), in districts.
 YUVA – It is a skill development programme and
an initiative by Delhi Police in a tie up with National
Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) under
PMKVY to connect with youth by upgrading their
skill as per their competencies.
III. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
Objective:
 To promote apprenticeship training and incentivize
employers who wish to engage apprentices.
 Increasing the engagement of apprenticeship from
2.3 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs cumulatively by 2020

267
Salient features:
 NAPS has provision for sharing of expenditure
incurred in both providing training and stipend to
the apprentice.
 Reimbursement of 25% of prescribed stipend
subject to a maximum of Rs. 1500/- per month per
apprentice by the Government of India to all
employers who engage apprentices.
 Sharing of the cost of basic training in respect of
fresher apprentices (who come directly for
apprenticeship raining without formal training)
limited to Rs. 7500/- per apprentice for a maximum
duration of 500 hours/3 months.
 It will be implemented by Director General of
Training (DGT)
29) Miscellaneous Schemes
Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme
(MPLAD)
Objective:
To enable the Members of Parliament to recommend
works for creation of durable community assets based
on locally felt needs to be taken up in their
268
constituencies in the area of national priorities namely
drinking water, education, public health, sanitation, roads
etc.
Salient features:
 The MPLADS is fully funded by Government of
India. The annual MPLADS non-lapsable fund
entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.
 Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within
their Constituencies and Elected Members of Rajya
Sabha can recommend works within the State of
Election (with select exceptions).
 Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and
Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the
country.
 MPs are to recommend every year, works costing
at least 15 per cent of the MPLADS entitlement for
the year for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste
population and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by
S.T. population.
 In case there is insufficient tribal population in the
area of Lok Sabha Member, they may recommend
this amount for the creation of community assets

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 in tribal areas outside of their constituency but
within their State of election.
 In case a State does not have S.T. inhabited areas,
this amount may be utilized in S.C. inhabited areas
and vice-versa.
 In the event of “Calamity of severe nature” in any
part of the country, an MP can recommend works
up to a maximum of Rs.1 crore for the affected
district. Whether a calamity is of severe nature or
not, will be decided by the Government of India.
 If an elected Member of Parliament finds the need
to contribute MPLADS funds to a place outside
that State/UT, or outside the constituency within
the State, or both, the MP can recommend eligible
works up to a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh.
I. Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana
Objective:
 Improving the quality of life in tribal areas
 Improving the quality of education
 Qualitative and Sustainable employment for tribal
families

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  Bridging infrastructure gap with focus on quality
 Protection of tribal culture and heritage
Salient features:
 It is a central sector scheme
 This is actually a process (rather than just scheme)
which utilizes an Outcome-based approach and
convergence strategy.
 The scheme ensures that all the intended benefits
through various schemes of Central and State
Governments covered under the respective Tribal
Sub-Plans actually reach them by way of
appropriate convergence.
 Based on low literacy criteria blocks are selected
from each 10 states with schedule V areas to be
developed under the scheme
II. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Objective:
 Prevent gender biased sex selective elimination
 Ensure survival & protection of the girl child
 Ensure education and participation of the girl child.

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Salient features:
Two components under the scheme include:
a) Advocacy and Media Campaign on Beti Bachao-
Beti Padhao
b) Multi-Sectoral intervention in selected Gender
Critical Districts worse on CSR
 A sustained social mobilization and
communication campaign to create equal value for
the girl child & promote her education.
 Enable inter-sectoral and inter-institutional
convergence at district/block/grass root levels.
 It’s a Pan India Scheme, with 100% assistance
from Central Government
 It has no provision for individual cash transfer.
 Monitorable targets include- Improve the Sex Ratio
at Birth (SRB) in selected gender critical districts
by 2 points in a year.
 Reduce Gender differentials in Under Five Child
Mortality Rate from 7 points in 2014 (latest
available SRS report) to 1.5 points per year.

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 At least 1.5 % increase per year of Institutional
Deliveries.
 Increase enrolment of girls in secondary education
to 82% by 2018-19.
 Provide functional toilet for girls in every school in
selected districts.
 Improve the Nutrition status of girls - by reducing
number of underweight and anemic girls under 5
years of age.
 Ensure universalization of ICDS
 Promote a protective environment for Girl Children
through implementation of Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012.
 Train Elected Representatives/ Grassroot
functionaries as Community Champions to
mobilize communities to improve CSR and
promote Girl’s education.
 Monitoring of the BBBP Scheme would be at
following levels at National level, State level,
District level, Block Level, and Gram
Panchayat/Ward Level.

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  Digital Guddi-Gudda Board’ is a platform for
dissemination of Information, Education and
Communication (IEC) Material on BBBP and to
update monthly birth statistics.
 It has been adopted as a Best Practice under Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme by
 The Union Ministry of Women and Child
Development.
III. Sukanya Samridhi Yojana
Objective:
 To motivate parents to open an account in the
name of a girl child and for her welfare to deposit
maximum of their savings upto the prescribed
limits.
 To meet the requirement of higher education
expense for girls.
Salient features:
 A small savings scheme, it is a part of BBBP.
 The Sukanya Samriddhi Account is opened to
facilitate their education and marriage expenses

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 with a minimum deposit of Rs 1,000 and a
maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh.
 A parent or legal guardian can open an account in
the name of the girl child until she attains the age
of ten years.
 She can withdraw 50% of the money after reaching
age of 18 e.g. For higher education. 18 years
deadline will also help preventing child-marriages.
 The annual deposit (contributions) qualifies for
Section 80C benefit and the maturity benefits are
non-taxable.
 It would prevent early marriages of girl and ensure
equitable share to a girl child in resources and
savings of a family in which she is generally
discriminated as against a male child

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