UPSC Prelims 2023 · Question 20 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2023 question on Reservation and Administrative Efficiency
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2023
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicFundamental Rights
- DifficultyHard
- TypeAssertion
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of the administration.
Statement-II:
Article 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term 'efficiency of administration'.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Show answer
Answer: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Analysis
Hence option (c) — Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect — is the correct answer.
Statement by statement
Statement I – CORRECT: Article 16(4) provides that the State can enact legislation for reservation of posts in government sector in favour of backward classes. The Supreme Court has consistently referred to 'efficiency' and 'merit' while adjudicating reservation policies, holding that reservation policies made under Article 16(4) would be limited by Article 335, which provides for 'maintenance of efficiency of administration' while considering claims of SCs and STs in making appointments to public services and posts.
Statement II – INCORRECT: Article 335 states that the claims of members of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration. However, Article 335 has NOT defined the term 'efficiency of administration'.