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3. Lok Satta Party:
The Lok Satta Party was established by Jayaprakash Narayan on October 2, 2006.
The election symbol of the Lok Satta Party is Whistle.
4. Praja Rajyam Party:
The Praja Rajyam Party was established by Chiranjeevi in Tirupati on August 26, 2008.
Inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotiba Phule, the party was founded and later merged into the Congress party.
5. Y.S.R. Congress Party:
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party was established by Kolisetti Sivakumar from Nalgonda in 2009 and registered with the Election Commission.
On February 15, 2011, at an emergency meeting of his party, Sivakumar announced that Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy was elected as the national president.
Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy reiterated that YSRCP works to achieve his father's 'goals and aspirations'.
Currently (2019), it is in power in Andhra Pradesh with 151 seats in the Assembly.
The election symbol of this party is Ceiling Fan.
6. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Party:
C.N. Annadurai founded it in Tamil Nadu in 1949.
It is the oldest among the regional parties.
Condemning Brahmin dominance, the Justice Party and the Self-Respect Movement merged to form the Dravida Kazhagam party in 1944.
DMK party was formed by splitting from this.
The election symbol of the DMK party is Rising Sun.
7. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK):
It was founded by prominent Tamil film actor M.G. Ramachandran in 1972.
He created a record as the first person from the film industry to become Chief Minister.
After him, Jayalalithaa was elected as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from this party for 5 times and created a record.
The election symbol of AIADMK party is Two Leaves.
8. Shiv Sena Party:
Founded by Bal Thackeray in Maharashtra in 1966 with the slogan of protecting the self-respect of Marathi people.
The party came into prominence with the slogan 'Non-Marathis should not live in Maharashtra'.
Chatrapati Shivaji is their ideal.
The current president of Shiv Sena is Uddhav Thackeray (son of Bal Thackeray).
Shiv Sena split and a new party 'Maharashtra Navnirman Sena' was formed in 2006 under the leadership of Raj Thackeray.
The election symbol of Shiv Sena party is Bow and Arrow.
Saamna is the official newspaper of Shiv Sena party.
9. Jana Sena Party:
Andhra Pradesh film actor Pawan Kalyan founded the Jana Sena Party on March 14, 2014.
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No. | Political Party | Founders | Founded Year | State | Election Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) | K. Chandrashekar Rao | 2001 | Telangana | Car |
2. | Peoples Democratic Party | Mufti Mohammad Sayeed | 1999 | Jammu & Kashmir | Ink Pot |
3. | Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party | Bhim Singh | 1982 | Jammu & Kashmir | Bicycle |
4. | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | Sheikh Abdullah | 1932 | Jammu & Kashmir | Plough |
5. | All India Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) | Nawab Sadr Yar Jung | 1927 | Telangana | Kite |
6. | Praja Rajyam | Konidela Chiranjeevi | 2008 | Andhra Pradesh | Railway Engine (No longer exists) |
7. | Janata Dal (Secular) | H.D. Deve Gowda | 1999 | Karnataka | Woman farmer with a bundle of grass on her head |
8. | Jana Sena | Pawan Kalyan | 2014 | Andhra Pradesh | Glass Tumbler |
9. | Kerala Congress | K.M. Mani | 1979 | Kerala | Two Leaves |
10. | Samajwadi Party | Mulayam Singh Yadav | 1992 | Uttar Pradesh | Bicycle |
11. | Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam | Vijayakanth | 2005 | Tamil Nadu | Nagara (Drum) |
12. | Rashtriya Lok Dal | Ajit Singh | 1996 | Uttar Pradesh | Hand Pump |
13. | All India Trinamool Congress | Mamata Banerjee | 1998 | West Bengal | Flowers and Grass |
14. | Asom Gana Parishad | Prafulla Kumar Mahanta | 1985 | Assam | Elephant |
15. | Janata Dal (United) | Sharad Yadav, George Fernandes, Nitish Kumar | 1999 | Bihar | Arrow |
16. | Lok Janshakti Party | Ram Vilas Paswan | 2000 | Bihar | Bungalow |
17. | Indian National Lok Dal | Devi Lal | 1987 | Haryana | Spectacles |
18. | Jharkhand Mukti Morcha | Shibu Soren | 1972 | Jharkhand | Bow and Arrow |
19. | Jharkhand Vikas Morcha | Babulal Marandi | 2006 | Jharkhand | Comb |
20. | Rashtriya Janata Dal | Lalu Prasad Yadav | 1997 | Bihar, Jharkhand | Hurricane Lamp (Lantern) |
21. | Indian Union Muslim League | M.M. Ismail Sahib | 1948 | Kerala | Ladder |
22. | Maharashtra Navnirman Sena | Raj Thackeray | 2006 | Maharashtra | Railway Engine |
23. | National People's Party | P.A. Sangma | 2013 | Manipur, Meghalaya | Book |
24. | Naga People's Front | Shurozelie | 2002 | Manipur, Nagaland | Cock |
25. | Mizo National Front | Lal Denga | 1959 | Mizoram | Star |
26. | Biju Janata Dal | Naveen Patnaik | 1997 | Odisha | Conch Shell |
27. | All India N.R. Congress | N. Rangaswamy | 2011 | Puducherry | Jug |
28. | Pattali Makkal Katchi | S. Ramadoss | 1989 | Puducherry | Mango |
29. | Shiromani Akali Dal | Master Tara Singh | 1920 | Punjab | Scales |
30. | Sikkim Democratic Front | Pawan Kumar Chamling | 1993 | Sikkim | Umbrella |
31. | All India Forward Bloc | Subhas Chandra Bose | 1939 | West Bengal | Lion |
32. | Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party | Dayanand Bandodkar | 1961 | Goa | Lion |
33. | Telugu Desam Party | N.T. Rama Rao | 1982 | Andhra Pradesh | Bicycle |
34. | Y.S.R. Congress Party | Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy | 2011 | Andhra Pradesh | Ceiling Fan |
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* The election symbol of the following political party is not a Bicycle:
- Rashtriya Janata Dal
- Telugu Desam
- Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party
- Samajwadi Party
(1) (AP Constable - 2019)
Prominent film actor Pawan Kalyan founded it on March 14, 2014.
The symbol of this party is a 6-faced star. The election symbol is Glass.
Recently, in Karnataka, actor Upendra founded the party Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha (KPJP).
N.T. Rama Rao founded the Telugu Desam Party (1982).
Nandamuri Harikrishna founded 'Anna Telugu Desam' party (1999). ( )
Lakshmi Parvati founded the NTR Telugu Desam Party (1995). ( )
Actress Vijayashanti founded the Talli Telangana Party (2009). ( )
In Tamil Nadu, actor Vijayakanth founded the party named Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (2005).
The Justice Party was founded in 1916 in Tamil Nadu by T.M. Nair and Thyagaraya Chetty against Brahmin dominance.
The Justice Party eventually transformed into the DMK party over time.
- Makkal Needhi Maiam - Kamal Haasan
- Loktantrik Janata Dal - Sharad Yadav
- Hamro Sikkim - Bhaichung Bhutia
- Samajwadi Secular & Morcha - Shivpal Singh
- Telangana Jana Samithi - Kodandaram
- Makkal Nala Katchi - Vishal
- Amma Ani - Dhinakaran
NOTA - None Of The Above
In 2013, the Supreme Court, in the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) case, ruled and directed the Election Commission to provide the 'NOTA' option to voters.
NOTA was implemented for the first time in the November-December 2013 Delhi Assembly elections.
NOTA symbol - Ballot paper with a strike through it.
V.V. PAT - Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System. In this method, it is possible to see who the vote is cast for in the EVM.
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16. Attorney General
(Constitutional and Statutory Bodies)
Attorney Generals
- Article 76 describes about Attorney General.
- Attorney General (First Law Officer).
- Attorney General is appointed by the President of India.
- He/She should have the qualifications required for a Supreme Court Judge.
- Attorney General holds office during the pleasure of the President.
- He/She can be removed from office by the President at any time.
- Attorney General receives a salary equal to a Supreme Court Judge, i.e., ₹ 2,50,000 per month.
* Read the following statements. (4) (Telangana Constables Prelims - 2016)
- A) Current Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi (in 2016)
- B) Attorney General is appointed by the Chief Justice of India.
- C) Attorney General's term is six years.
In the above statements, which is/are correct?
- 1) A and C
- 2) B and C
- 3) B and A
- 4) A only
Attorney General Functions:
- Acts as the chief legal advisor to the Central Government and the President.
- Represents the Government of India in all cases filed in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- Has the right to appear and argue in any court in India without anyone's permission.
- Has the right to participate and speak in both houses of Parliament. But does not have the right to vote.
- Has special privileges enjoyed by Members of Parliament.
S.No. | Name | Period |
---|---|---|
1. | M.C. Setalvad | 1950-63 |
2. | C.K. Daftary | 1963-68 |
3. | Niren De | 1968-77 |
4. | S.V. Gupta | 1977-79 |
5. | L.N. Sinha | 1979-83 |
6. | K. Parasaran | 1983-89 |
7. | Soli J. Sorabjee | 1989-90 |
8. | G. Ramaswamy | 1990-92 |
9. | Milan K. Banerjee | 1992-96 |
10. | Ashok H. Desai | 1996-98 |
11. | Soli J. Sorabjee | 1998-2004 |
12. | Milan K. Banerjee | 2004-2009 |
13. | Ghulam E. Vahanvati | 2009-2014 |
14. | Mukul Rohatgi | 2014-2017 |
15. | K.K. Venugopal | 2017-Present |
Note: * First Attorney General of India - M.C. Setalvad (1950 - 1963).
Current Attorney General K.K. Venugopal (from June 30, 2017).
To assist the Attorney General in his duties, there are Solicitor General and Additional Solicitor Generals.
Note: Current Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Advocate General:
- Article 165 describes about Advocate General.
- Advocate General is appointed by the Governor.
- They hold office during the pleasure of the Governor of the State.
- Must have the qualifications to be a High Court Judge.
- Advocate General is the first law officer at the state level.
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- They receive a salary equal to a High Court Judge, i.e., ₹ 2,25,000.
- Appears in court on behalf of the State Government and presents arguments.
- Acts as legal advisor to the State Government.
- First Advocate General of Andhra Pradesh - D. Narasaraju.
- Current Advocate General of Andhra Pradesh - Subramanyam Sriram.
- Current Advocate General of Telangana State - B.S. Prasad.
Controller and Auditor General (CAG):
- Article 148 of the Indian Constitution established CAG to monitor government expenditure.
- The post of CAG was adopted from Britain.
- CAG is called the Guardian of Public Purse.
- CAG is the only government official constitutionally established in India who takes oath of office.
- B.R. Ambedkar commented that CAG is the highest official among the officials created by the Indian Constitution.
- CAG heads the Indian Audit & Accounts Department.
Established: Indian Audit and Accounts Department established in the year 1753.
- The post of Accountant General in India was created in 1858.
- First Auditor General was appointed in 1860 - Sir Edmund Drummond.
- In 1884, the post was changed to Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
- In 1971, the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers, and Service Conditions) Act mandated 'CAG' to perform central and state accounting and auditing duties.
- In 1976, accounting duties were removed from the functions of CAG.
- CAG is described as a friend, guide, philosopher, ears, and eyes of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
- Articles describing Comptroller and Auditor General are 148 to 151.
- CAG is appointed and administered oath by the President of India.
- CAG's term of office is 6 years or up to 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
- If CAG wants to resign from his post earlier, he should submit his resignation to the President.
- CAG's salary is equal to that of a Supreme Court Judge, i.e., ₹ 2,50,000.
- If CAG is to be removed, he is removed through impeachment resolution in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge is removed.
- CAG's salary is paid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
CAG Functions:
- To audit the expenditure incurred by the Central and State Governments.
- To audit the amount spent from the Consolidated Fund.
- To audit the expenditure of public sector organizations.
- CAG submits its annual report to the President. The President shall lay that report before the Parliament. Parliament refers it to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
- PAC thoroughly examines every aspect. In that context, CAG assists. That is why CAG is called a friend of PAC.
Comptroller and Auditor Generals of India
S.No. | Name | Period |
---|---|---|
1. | V. Narahari Rao | 1948 - 1954 |
2. | A.K. Chanda | 1954 - 1960 |
3. | S.H.A.K. Rauf | 1960 - 1966 |
4. | S. Ranganathan | 1966 - 1972 |
5. | A. Baksi | 1972 - 1978 |
6. | Gian Prakash | 1978 - 1984 |
7. | T.N. Chaturvedi | 1984 - 1990 |
8. | C.G. Somiah | 1990 - 1996 |
9. | V.K. Shunglu | 1996 - 2002 |
10. | V.N. Kaul | 2002 - 2008 |
11. | Vinod Rai | 2008 - 2013 |
12. | Shashi Kant Sharma | 2013 - 2017 |
13. | Rajiv Mehrishi | 2017 - 2020 |
14. | Girish Chandra Murmu | 2020 - Present |
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The first Comptroller and Auditor General of India was V. Narahari Rao.
The current Comptroller and Auditor General is Girish Chandra Murmu (from August 8, 2020).

The first CAG after CAG was established in 1860 was Edmund Drummond.
The committee that recommended to make CAG a multi-member body is V.K. Shunglu Committee.
The Comptroller and Auditor General who exposed the coffin scam during the Kargil war in 1999 is V.K. Shunglu.
Telugu people who worked as Comptroller and Auditor General:
- 1. V. Narahari Rao (1948-54),
- 2. C.G. Somiah (1990-96)
The person who criticized the report of Comptroller & Auditor General as being like a post-mortem is Paul Appleby.
The Indian who served as Chairman of the United Nations External Auditor Panel is Vinod Rai.
* Under which article of the Constitution is the Central Finance Commission established? (4) (AP Constables Prelims – 2016)
- 1) Article 289
- 2) Article 360
- 3) Article 287
- 4) Article 280
Finance Commission
The main function of the Finance Commission is to make appropriate recommendations for the distribution of income from taxes between the Center and the States.
Article 280 of the Constitution describes the Finance Commission.
The President appoints a chairman and four members to the Finance Commission.
The Parliament determines the qualifications of the chairman and members to be appointed to the Finance Commission.
The Finance Commission submits its report to the President.
The term of the Finance Commission depends on the President's decision.
The first Finance Commission in India was constituted in 1951 under the chairmanship of K.C. Neogi.
So far, 14 Finance Commissions have submitted their reports.
The chairman of the 14th Finance Commission was Y.V. Reddy.

The period of implementation of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations is 2015-2020.
The 14th Finance Commission recommended allocating 42% of funds to the states.
The first Telugu person to serve as Chairman of the Finance Commission is Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (Chairman of the 6th Finance Commission).
Recently, in 2017, the 15th Finance Commission was appointed.
The chairman of the 15th Finance Commission is Nanda Kishore Singh (N.K. Singh).
Members of the 15th Finance Commission are Subhash Chandra Garg, Ashok Lahiri, Ramesh Chand, Anoop Singh, and Arvind Mehta.
The 15th Finance Commission is to submit its report by October 2019.
The period of implementation of the 15th Finance Commission recommendations is 2020-2025.
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Finance Commission Formed Year | Chairman | Applicable Period | |
---|---|---|---|
First | 1951 | K.C. Neogi | 1952-57 |
Second | 1956 | K. Santhanam | 1957-62 |
Third | 1960 | A.K. Chanda | 1962-66 |
Fourth | 1964 | P.V. Rajamannar | 1966-69 |
Fifth | 1968 | Mahavir Tyagi | 1969-74 |
Sixth | 1972 | K. Brahmananda Reddy | 1974-79 |
Seventh | 1977 | J.M. Shelat | 1979-84 |
Eighth | 1982 | Y.B. Chavan | 1984-89 |
Ninth | 1987 | N.K.P. Salve | 1989-95 |
Tenth | 1992 | K.C. Pant | 1996-2000 |
Eleventh | 1998 | A.M. Khusro | 2000-2005 |
Twelfth | 2002 | C. Rangarajan | 2005-2010 |
Thirteenth | 2007 | Vijay Kelkar | 2010-2015 |
Fourteenth | 2013 | Y.V. Reddy | 2015-2020 |
Fifteenth | 2017 | N.K. Singh | 2020-2025 |
* Which of the following responsibilities fall under the purview of the Finance Commission? (4) (TS LPRBT-2018)
- A) Distribution of net tax revenue between the center and the states
- B) Recommending rules regarding grants-in-aid to be provided to the Center and States
- C) Recommendations as per the President's suggestions to form a strong finance
Select the correct answer:
- 1) A only
- 2) B only
- 3) B and C only
- 4) A, B and C
Public Service Commissions:
Chapter 14 of the Constitution, Articles 308 to 323, describe about Public Service Commissions.
Warren Hastings introduced the post of Collector in 1772.
Cornwallis reorganized the Public Services in 1793.
In 1923, the Chairman of the Commission formed to study Civil Services was Vincent Lee.
In 1926, following the recommendations of the 'Lee Commission', the Central Public Service Commission was established for the first time.
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The first Chairman of the Public Service Commission formed in 1926 was Ross Barker.
The Government of India Act of 1935 changed the name of the Central Public Service Commission to 'Federal Public Service Commission'.
After the Constitution came into force in 1950, the name of the Federal Public Service Commission was changed to Union Public Service Commission.
UPSC is described as the guardian of merit in India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is the father of All India Services in India.
Civil Services Day is April 21.
The first person to pass ICS in India was Satyendranath Tagore (1863).
Union Public Service Commissions (UPSC):
Article 315 of the Constitution describes about UPSC.
UPSC selects employees through examinations for All India Services and other services, which are high-level positions across the country.
UPSC consists of a Chairman and other members as per the President's pleasure. Usually, the number of members ranges from 9 to 11 (1 + 10).
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The President of India appoints the Chairman and members of UPSC.
The Chairman and members hold office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years (whichever is earlier).
They currently receive a salary equal to a Supreme Court Judge, i.e., ₹ 2,50,000. This is paid from the Consolidated Fund of India. Members are paid ₹ 2,25,000 salary.
If they want to resign, they should submit their resignation letter to the President.
The President removes them on grounds of incompetence, corruption, or misconduct after an inquiry by a Supreme Court Judge.
UPSC Powers, Functions:
- Conducting competitive examinations across the country for the appointment of employees for All India Services, Central Services, and other services.
- Submitting the list of selected employees to the President.
- Formulating service rules for employees.
- Advising State-level Service Commissions when required.
Chairmen of Union Public Service Commission
S.No. | Name | Period |
---|---|---|
1. | H.K. Kripalani | - 1947-49 |
2. | R.N. Banerjee | 1949-55 |
3. | N. Govinda Rajan | 1955-55 |
4. | V.S. Hejmadi | 1955-61 |
5. | B.N. Jha | 1961-67 |
6. | K.R. Damle | 1967-71 |
7. | R.C.S. Sarkar | 1971-73 |
8. | Dr. A.R. Kidwai | 1973-79 |
9. | Dr. M.L. Shahare | 1979-85 |
10. | H.K.L. Kapoor | 1985-90 |
11. | J.P. Gupta | 1990-92 |
12. | Smt. R.M. Bathew | 1992-96 |
13. | S.J.S. Chhatwal | 1996-96 |
14. | J.M. Qureshi | 1996-98 |
15. | Lieutenant General Surendranath | 1998-2002 |
16. | P.C. Hota | 2002-2003 |
17. | Mata Prasad | 2003-2005 |
18. | Dr. S.R. Hashim | 2005-2006 |
19. | Gurbachan Jagat | 2006-2007 |
20. | Subir Dutta | 2007-2008 |
21. | D.P. Agarwal | - 2008-2014 |
22. | Smt. Rajni Razdan | 14 May, 2014 – 21 November, 2014 |
23. | Deepak Gupta | 22 November, 2014 - 20 September, 2016 |
24. | Alka Sirohi | 21 September, 2016 – 3 January, 2017 |
25. | David R. Syiemlieh | 4 January, 2017 – 2 January, 2018 |
26. | Arvind Saxena | 2018 June to August 24, 2020 |
27. | Pradeep Kumar Joshi | 2020 August 7 to Present |
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State Public Service Commission:
- According to Article 315(1), Public Service Commissions were formed at the state level.
- It consists of a Chairman and other members at the discretion of the Governor.
- They are appointed by the Governor.
- However, the power to remove the Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission rests with the President of India after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
- Their term of office is 6 years or up to 62 years of age.
- It selects high-level employees at the state level through various competitive examinations.
Joint Public Service Commission:
Parliament establishes a Joint Public Service Commission (JPSC) for two or three states at the request of the states.
JPSC is not constitutional but only statutory.
The President appoints the Chairman and members of JPSC.
JPSC functioned for some time in 1966 for the states of Punjab and Haryana.
The Chairman and members of JPSC receive a salary equal to a High Court Judge.
Currently ongoing All India Services:
- 1. I.A.S (Indian Administrative Service)
- 2. I.P.S (Indian Police Service)
- 3. I.F.S (Indian Forest Service)
Note: In 1947, the name of Indian Civil Service was changed to Indian Administrative Service.
Constitutional provision describing about All India Services - 312
The place where the IAS Training Center was established in 1959 - Mussoorie (Uttarakhand).
The first woman IAS officer in India - Anna George.
The Indian Police Service was called Indian Police before independence.
IP was changed to IPS in 1947.
The place where Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy, which trains IPS officers, is located - Hyderabad.
The first woman IPS officer in India - Kiran Bedi.
Note: Kiran Bedi is currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Indian Forest Service was established as the 3rd All India Service in 1966. IFS Father - Dietrich Brandis
Central Election Commission:
According to Article 324 of the Constitution, there shall be an Election Commission to conduct elections impartially.
The Election Commission has full independent authority. It is constitutional.
The Central Election Commission is a constitutional body that does not submit any report to anyone regarding its performance.
Chapter 15 of the Constitution, Articles 324 to 329, mention about the Election Commission.
The day the Election Commission was formed is January 25, 1950.
By January 25, 2010, the Election Commission completed 60 years of its formation.
To commemorate this, National Voters' Day is celebrated on January 25.
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* When is National Voters' Day celebrated in India? (2) (AP Constable-2019)
- 1) January 26
- 2) January 25
- 3) January 15
- 4) January 26
National Voters' Day (National Voters Day) is being celebrated since 2011.
The Election Commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
Initially, it was a single member commission.
In 1989, when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister, considering the workload due to reducing the voting age to 18 years, the Election Commission was converted into a three-member commission with three members.
When V.P. Singh was Prime Minister, in 1990, the Election Commission was again converted into a single-member commission.
In 1993, during P.V. Narasimha Rao's tenure, it was again converted into a three-member commission.
In 1993 (10th), Chief Election Commissioner was T.N. Seshan (1990 - 96).
Note: In the Election Commission, the powers, tenure, appointment, salaries of all three are the same. Only the removal process is different. CEC and other Commissioners' salary is ₹ 2,50,000 per month.
The person who officially announces the elections is the Chief Election Commissioner (SI-2004).
In 1993, following the ruling given by the Supreme Court, the majority decision in the Election Commission is final.
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other members.
No qualifications have been prescribed for them. But there is a tradition of having 10 years of government service.
Usually, senior IAS officers are appointed as Election Commissioners.
They hold office for 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years (whichever is earlier).
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge is removed, on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity. If both houses of 'Parliament' pass an impeachment resolution with a 2/3rd majority, then the President removes him from office.
According to 324 (2), the President of India appoints the Election Commissioners.
According to 324 (6), the Election Commission uses the staff of the Central and State Governments with the permission of the President Governors for election management.
Other two Commissioners are removed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Powers, Functions of the Election Commission:
- Conducts elections for President, Vice-President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assembly, State Legislative Council.
- Preparing and revising voter lists.
- Advises the President and Governors on matters relating to the disqualification of members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
- Formulates rules and regulations related to elections.
- Recognizing political parties and allotting election symbols.
- Allocating time for campaigning of various political parties through television and radio.
- Announcing election schedule, issuing election notification.
- Who allots symbols to various candidates in elections - Constituency Returning Officer.
Note: - The officer who conducts the polling booth during elections is called the Presiding Officer.
The Central Election Commission does not conduct elections for the following:
- 1. Representatives of local bodies eg: MPTC, ZPTC, Panchayat elections.
- 2. Speaker and Deputy Speaker
- 3. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
- 4. State Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker
- 5. Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council
The Supreme Court resolves disputes related to the elections of the President and Vice-President.
MLA, MP, MLC election disputes are resolved by the High Court.
The salary of the Election Commissioners is paid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
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