UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Red tape leaves UGC scheme for the study of social inclusion in limbo, leads to salary crisis

Q1. With reference to the University Grants Commission (UGC), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Because the UGC was created by an Act of Parliament, it can be replaced through ordinary legislation without any constitutional amendment.
  2. Under the UGC Act framework, the UGC both determines and maintains standards in universities and disburses grants to them.
  3. The UGC's standard-setting role is confined to central universities, since universities created by State legislatures lie outside its purview.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Central schemes that originated during the Five-Year Plan era now need fresh appraisal and approval to continue beyond the end of a Finance Commission cycle.
  2. NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission, is a constitutional body under Article 280 that recommends how resources are divided between the Union and the States.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to the present system of approving the continuation of Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Once a scheme is approved for a full Finance Commission cycle, its funds can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India in later years of that cycle without a fresh annual appropriation by Parliament.
  2. Each such scheme now carries a sunset date co-terminus with the Finance Commission cycle.
  3. Continuation of a scheme into a new cycle is based on a third-party evaluation of that scheme.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q4. After the Lok Sabha has voted the demands for grants, a member wishes to move an amendment to the Appropriation Bill to shift part of the sum voted under one grant towards university-based social inclusion centres. Which one of the following correctly describes the position?

  • A. Not permissible, as grants for education are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
  • B. Permissible only if moved in the Lok Sabha, as money matters lie with that House
  • C. Not permissible, as no amendment to such a Bill may alter the destination of a grant
  • D. Permissible only if the Speaker certifies the amendment as a Money Bill provision

Q5. With reference to the financial procedure of the Union, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A vote on account is a grant for an exceptional purpose that forms no part of the current service of any financial year.
  2. Salaries of teaching staff of central universities are expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and are therefore not voted upon by the Lok Sabha.
  3. Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India may be discussed in Parliament even though it is not submitted to the vote.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q6. With reference to clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Article 15(4) enables special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes generally, and is not confined to admission in educational institutions.
  2. Article 15(5) extends to minority educational institutions that receive aid from the State, though not to unaided minority institutions.
  3. Special provisions under Article 15(5) must be made by law, whereas Article 15(4) contains no such express requirement.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

Q7. Consider the following assertion: A State law may require a private, unaided, non-minority engineering college to reserve seats in admission for Scheduled Caste students. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion?

  1. Article 30(1) protects every private educational institution's right to administer itself free of State-mandated admissions.
  2. Article 15(5) covers private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State.
  3. Article 46, being a Directive Principle, makes such reservations enforceable as a right in a court of law.
  4. Article 15(5) provides that the right under Article 19(1)(g) shall not prevent such special provisions.
  • A. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q8. Consider the following facts about three institutions: X was declared a deemed-to-be university by the Central Government under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Y was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1915. Z was incorporated by an Act of a State legislature. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

  1. Y must receive its entire funding as grants from the UGC.
  2. Z can award valid degrees only after it is recognised by an Act of Parliament.
  3. Both Y and Z can award degrees under the laws that created them.
  4. X may frame its own syllabus and admission criteria as a degree-awarding institution.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 3 and 4 only