Context:
With UK-Style Shadow Cabinet, Naveen Patnaik Puts Odisha BJP Government Under Strict Surveillance
Shadow Cabinet:
- Consists of a senior team of opposition spokespersons under the direction of the Leader of the Opposition
- Feature of – Westminster system of government (British cabinet system)
- Members lack executive authority.
- Function – Examining the government’s actions and policies as well as proposing alternative policies
- Significance – Enables the opposition party to balance the ruling cabinet and to prepare its members for future ministerial office.
Cabinet:
- A small body, consisting of 15 to 20 Ministers.
- Includes the Cabinet Ministers only.
- It is a sub-set of the Council of Ministers.
- Meets, as a body, frequently and usually once in a week to deliberate and make decisions regarding the transaction of government business.
- Functions –
- Directs the Council of Ministers by making policy decisions that are binding on all Ministers.
- Supervises the implementation of its decisions by the Council of Ministers.
- Enforces the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lower House of Parliament.
Source: India Today
Previous Year Question
With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Funds left in the district can be carried forward for utilization in the subsequent years. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.
