Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws PYQs

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1. Prelims 2026Q76Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure to manage the issue due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration which he learnt during various training programmes attended across his career. He reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare.

   Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X’s actions ?

   aEsprit de corpsbEquitycAccountabilitydDelegation
2. Prelims 2026Q77Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health.

   Consider the following statements with reference to the above :

   1.A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.

   2.The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.

   3.Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.

   4.Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

   Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process ?

   a1, 3 and 4 onlyb2, 3 and 4 onlyc1 and 2 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
3. Prelims 2026Q78Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project — a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city’s reputation. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust.

   What amongst the following should Ms. X do now ?

   1.Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public

   2.Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project’s integrity

   3.Propose a ‘limited disclosure’ to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being

   Select the answer using the code given below :

   a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
4. Prelims 2026Q81Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ?

   1.The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.

   2.The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.

   3.The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

   Select the answer using the code given below :

   a1 and 2b2 onlyc1 and 3d1 only
5. Prelims 2026Q87Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct ?

   1.A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.

   2.The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry.

   3.Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.

   Select the answer using the code given below :

   a1, 2 and 3b2 and 3 onlyc1 onlyd2 only
6. Prelims 2024Q84Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   Consider the following statements :

   1.It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.

   2.A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
7. Prelims 2023Q92Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   With reference to India, consider the following pairs :

   Action : The Act under which it is covered

   1.Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms : The Official Secrets Act, 1923

   2.Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer or military officer when engaged in their duties : The Indian Evidence Act, 1872

   3.Celebratory gunfire which can endanger the personal safety of others : The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019

   How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

   aOnly onebOnly twocAll threedNone
8. Prelims 2021Q81Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   Consider the following statements :

   1.'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.

   2.'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.

   3.'Right to the City' means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   a1 onlyb3 onlyc1 and 2d2 and 3
9. Prelims 2021Q83Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

   With reference to India, consider the following statements :

   1.When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.

   2.State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
10. Prelims 2021Q84Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

    aMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate ChangebMinistry of Panchayati RajcMinistry of Rural DevelopmentdMinistry of Tribal Affairs
11. Prelims 2020Q1Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Consider the following statements :

    1.Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.

    2.State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data.

    3.Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.

    4.Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 4 onlyb2 and 4 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3 only
12. Prelims 2020Q3Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    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 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 :

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 and 4 onlyc1, 2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 4 only
13. Prelims 2020Q9Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens ?

    1.Person with an annual income of less than ₹ 1,00,000

    2.Transgender with an annual income of less than ₹ 2,00,000

    3.Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000

    4.All Senior Citizens

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 and 4 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1 and 4 only
14. Prelims 2020Q15Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy ?

    aAn agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracybAn agency for strengthening the structure of federalismcAn agency for facilitating political stability and economic growthdAn agency for the implementation of public policy
15. Prelims 2019Q55Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Consider the following statements :

    1.As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.

    2.As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.

    3.The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
16. Prelims 2019Q76Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?

    1.Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.

    2.Enterprises with crèches must allow the mother minimum six crèche visits daily.

    3.Women with two children get reduced entitlements.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
17. Prelims 2018Q12Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Consider the following statements :

    1.Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.

    2.Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
18. Prelims 2018Q21Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Consider the following statements :

    1.As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education.

    2.As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines.

    3.In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2b2 onlyc1 and 3d3 only
19. Prelims 2018Q98Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Consider the following statements :

    1.The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

    2.For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.

    3.Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
20. Prelims 2017Q20Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    With reference to the 'Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)', consider the following statements :

    1.A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction.

    2.Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.

    3.The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 onlyb2 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd2 and 3 only
21. Prelims 2016Q16Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    'Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan' is a national campaign to

    arehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihoodbrelease the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihoodceradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengersdrelease the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them
22. Prelims 2016Q26Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    With reference to 'Stand Up India Scheme', which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.

    2.It provides for refinance through SIDBI.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
23. Prelims 2013Q26Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

    aState Forest DepartmentbDistrict Collector/Deputy CommissionercTahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue OfficerdGram Sabha
24. Prelims 2012Q8Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    With reference to consumers' rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.

    2.When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.

    3.In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
25. Prelims 2012Q23Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of Inclusive Governance?

    1.Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking

    2.Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts

    3.Increasing the government spending on public health

    4.Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 and 4 onlyc2, 3 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
26. Prelims 2011Q34Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?

    1.Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools.

    2.Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.

    3.Ramps in public buildings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
27. Prelims 2010Q97Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    With reference to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, consider the following statements:

    1.This policy is applicable only to the persons affected by the acquisition of land for projects and not to the involuntary displacement due to any other reason.

    2.This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
28. Prelims 2010Q99Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

    1.Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.

    2.Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
29. Prelims 2010Q100Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, consider the following:

    1.The Right to Development

    2.The Right to Expression

    3.The Right to Recreation

    Which of the above is/are the Rights of the child?

    a1 onlyb1 and 3 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
30. Prelims 2010Q102Governance, Rights & Welfare Laws

    With reference to the Consumer Disputes Redressal at district level in India, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    aA State Government can establish more than one District Forum in a district if it deems fitbOne of the members of the District Forum shall be a womancThe District Forum entertains the complaints where the value of goods or services does not exceed rupees fifty lakhsdA complaint in relation to any goods sold or any service provided may be filed with a District Forum by the State Government as a representative of the interests of the consumers in general