Consider the following statements : 1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister. 2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 is wrong: Article 53 vests the executive power of the Union in the President, to be exercised by him directly or through officers subordinate to him; the Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers that aids and advises the President.
• Statement 2 is wrong: the Civil Services Board at the Centre is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary; State boards are chaired by Chief Secretaries.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: executive power vests in the President.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: the Cabinet Secretary chairs the Board.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.