Transparency and Accountability Practice Questions
20 free Transparency and Accountability practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following acts is considered the 'mother of all transparency laws' in India?
- A The Right to Information Act, 2005
- B The Official Secrets Act, 1923
- C The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
- D The Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014
Correct answer: The Right to Information Act, 2005
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, revolutionized governance by making transparency the rule and secrecy the exception. It empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, ensuring accountability.
The concept of 'Social Audit' is most prominently integrated into which of the following schemes to ensure transparency?
- A MGNREGA
- B PMJDY
- C Digital India
- D Make in India
Correct answer: MGNREGA
Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act mandates social audits of all works taken up under the scheme by the Gram Sabha. This process involves the community in monitoring and verifying the implementation of the project.
What is the maximum time limit for a Public Information Officer (PIO) to provide information if it concerns the life or liberty of a person?
- A 24 hours
- B 48 hours
- C 7 days
- D 30 days
Correct answer: 48 hours
Under the RTI Act, 2005, while the standard response time is 30 days, information concerning the life or liberty of a person must be provided within 48 hours of the receipt of the request.
The 'Citizen's Charter' is a document that represents the commitment of an organization towards:
- A Increasing its annual profit and revenue margins
- B Standard of service, transparency, and grievance redressal
- C Reducing the number of employees and operational costs
- D Expanding its political influence and power across regions
Correct answer: Standard of service, transparency, and grievance redressal
A Citizen's Charter is a voluntary declaration by a service provider about its service delivery standards, choice, consultation, non-discrimination, and accessibility. It aims to make administration more citizen-centric.
Which committee recommended the establishment of Lokpal and Lokayukta in India for the first time?
- A Santhanam Committee on Corruption
- B First Administrative Reforms Commission
- C Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations
- D Justice Venkatachaliah Commission
Correct answer: First Administrative Reforms Commission
The First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-1970) headed by Morarji Desai recommended the setting up of two special authorities designated as 'Lokpal' and 'Lokayukta' for the redressal of citizens' grievances.
Which section of the RTI Act, 2005, lists the exemptions from disclosure of information?
- A Section 4
- B Section 8
- C Section 12
- D Section 20
Correct answer: Section 8
Section 8 of the RTI Act provides for certain categories of information that are exempt from disclosure, such as matters affecting national security, cabinet papers, and fiduciary relationships. However, most exemptions can be overridden if the public interest outweighs the harm.
The 'Sevottam Model' is a tool designed to improve the quality of:
- A Public service delivery
- B Parliamentary debates
- C Judicial appointments process
- D Election campaigning
Correct answer: Public service delivery
Developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, the Sevottam model provides a framework for organizations to assess and improve their service delivery and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Who appoints the Central Information Commissioners in India?
- A The Chief Justice of India
- B The Prime Minister
- C The President of India
- D The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Correct answer: The President of India
The Central Information Commissioners are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
What is the primary role of the 'Comptroller and Auditor General of India' (CAG) in ensuring accountability?
- A To draft the Union Budget
- B To act as the chief legal advisor to the Government
- C To audit the accounts of the Union and the States
- D To preside over the Public Accounts Committee
Correct answer: To audit the accounts of the Union and the States
The CAG is a constitutional authority under Article 148 who audits the expenditure of the government to ensure that money is spent as authorized by Parliament, thereby ensuring financial accountability.
In the context of governance, 'Vertical Accountability' refers to accountability of:
- A One government department reporting to another
- B The government to the citizens through elections
- C The judiciary reviewing the executive's actions
- D Lower bureaucracy reporting to higher bureaucracy
Correct answer: The government to the citizens through elections
Vertical accountability is the means by which citizens, mass media, and civil society enforce standards of good performance on officials. Elections are the most classic form of vertical accountability.
Which of the following is NOT a component of the 'Seven Principles of Public Life' (Nolan Committee)?
- A Integrity
- B Objectivity
- C Selfishness
- D Accountability
Correct answer: Selfishness
The Nolan Committee defined seven principles: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership. Selfishness is the opposite of the 'Selflessness' principle required for public service.
The 'Second Administrative Reforms Commission' (ARC) was chaired by:
- A M. Veerappa Moily
- B K. Kasturirangan
- C Y.V. Reddy
- D N.R. Madhava Menon
Correct answer: M. Veerappa Moily
The Second ARC was constituted in 2005 under the chairmanship of M. Veerappa Moily to suggest measures to achieve a proactive, responsive, accountable, and sustainable system of administration.
Which portal was launched by the Government of India to provide a single-window access to information and services of all government entities?
- A PRAGATI
- B India.gov.in
- C MyGov.in
- D darpg.gov.in
Correct answer: India.gov.in
India.gov.in is the National Portal of India, acting as a single window for citizens to access information regarding various government schemes, services, and departments.
The term 'Whistleblowing' refers to:
- A Publicizing an organization's achievements to the public
- B Promoting employees within an organization based purely on personal loyalty
- C Leaking classified state secrets to foreign enemies
- D Revealing illegal or unethical activities within an organization
Correct answer: Revealing illegal or unethical activities within an organization
Whistleblowing is an act of disclosure where an employee or insider reports corruption, fraud, or mismanagement to an authority or the public. The Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014, provides a mechanism for such disclosures.
Which Constitutional Article provides the basis for the Right to Information as a fundamental right derived from freedom of speech?
- A Article 15(1)
- B Article 19(1)(g)
- C Article 22(1)
- D Article 19(1)(a)
Correct answer: Article 19(1)(a)
The Supreme Court has held in several cases (like Raj Narain vs State of UP) that the Right to Information is a part of the 'freedom of speech and expression' guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
The 'e-Governance' initiative 'PRAGATI' stands for:
- A Public Grievance Redressal through Technology
- B Program for Results and Government Transparency
- C Promoting Reform and Governance Across India
- D Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
Correct answer: Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
PRAGATI is a multi-modal platform launched in 2015 for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, allowing the Prime Minister to monitor and review key government projects with state and central officials.
Under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of how many members?
- A 4 members
- B 6 members
- C 8 members
- D 10 members
Correct answer: 8 members
The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight members, of which 50% shall be judicial members and 50% shall be from SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and women.
Which of the following is an example of 'Horizontal Accountability'?
- A Citizens voting in a General Election
- B NGOs protesting against a policy
- C The Judiciary reviewing an Executive action
- D A journalist publishing an investigative report
Correct answer: The Judiciary reviewing an Executive action
Horizontal accountability is the capacity of state institutions (like the Judiciary, CAG, or Election Commission) to check on other branches of government. It involves internal checks within the state structure.
The 'Rule of Law' is essential for accountability because it ensures that:
- A The executive is superior to and above the rule of law
- B Laws are made only by the judiciary branch
- C The government can change laws at its own whim
- D Everyone is equal before the law and subject to it
Correct answer: Everyone is equal before the law and subject to it
The Rule of Law, as popularized by A.V. Dicey, ensures that no one is above the law and that public officials are held accountable for their actions according to the law.
Minimum Government and Maximum Governance' is a slogan aimed at increasing:
- A Efficiency, transparency, and accountability
- B Bureaucratic delays and red tape
- C The number of ministries and departments
- D Government intervention in citizens' private life
Correct answer: Efficiency, transparency, and accountability
This principle focuses on simplifying procedures, using technology (e-governance), and reducing the size of the government to make it more efficient and responsive to the citizens' needs.