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Understanding these procedural mechanisms is essential for comprehending the functioning of India's parliamentary democracy, the checks and balances on the executive, and the role of the opposition.
Legislative devices such as the Censure Motion and Question Hour are fundamental procedural tools available to members of Parliament and State Legislatures to scrutinize government policies, hold the executive accountable, and raise matters of public importance.
Question Hour usage
Issue of paper leaks raised by opposition MLAs during the Question Hour in Punjab Assembly.
Censure Motion passage
State Assembly passed a censure motion by voice vote against repeated paper leaks.
Purpose of devices
Used to seek resignation of ministers and hold the ruling government accountable.
Role of opposition
Demonstrates the opposition's critical role in scrutinizing government actions.
Key Legislative Devices for Accountability
| Device | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Question Hour | Members ask questions to ministers on government policy and administration. |
| Censure Motion | Expresses strong disapproval of the government or a minister's policy/action. Requires majority vote to pass. |
Static syllabus anchors
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Indian Polity & Governance |
Institutions & roles
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| State Legislature | Exercises oversight and accountability functions |
| Council of Ministers | Subject to accountability through these devices |
Prelims angle: Factual recall
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
Body vs treaty — Distinguish between a censure motion (a procedural device) and a no-confidence motion (which can lead to government collapse).
Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.
Consider the following statements: I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before th...
Consider the following statements: I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under ...
Consider the following statements: I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before th...
Consider the following statements: I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under ...
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through - 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary q...
Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through - 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary q...
Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through - 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary q...
Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through - 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary q...
Open questionOut of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
Open questionThe main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
Open questionThe Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through - 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary q...
Open questionOut of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
Open questionThe main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
Open questionThe Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through - 1. Adjournment motion 2. Question hour 3. Supplementary q...
Open questionOut of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
Open questionThe main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that -
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before th...
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under ...
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before th...
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under ...
Open questionNoisy scenes in Punjab Assembly over paper leaks
04 Aug 2026 · Censure motions and Question Hour are vital parliamentary tools enabling legislators to scrutinize government actions, demand accountability, and voice public concerns, thereby strengthening democratic governance.
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Legislative Devices for Executive Accountability
UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Legislative Devices for Executive Accountability in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.
Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.
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Consider the following statements: I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before th...
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