Correct answer: (c) 2 only
Explanation
- A
1 and 2 only
This pairing includes statement 1. The Union Budget is prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, not by the Department of Revenue. Statement 1 is false, so 1 and 2 only cannot be the key.
- B
2 and 3 only
This pairing includes statement 3. Disbursements from the Public Account of India do not require parliamentary authorisation in the same way as the Consolidated Fund; the Public Account holds funds in which the government is a banker. Statement 3 is false, so 2 and 3 only is not the key.
- C
2 only
Statement 2 is correct: no money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India except under appropriation by Parliament (Articles 114 and 266). Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. Hence 2 only is the official key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
All three would require 1 and 3 to be true. Revenue does not prepare the Budget, and Public Account outgoes are not similarly voted. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (c) 2 only. Parliamentary control over the Consolidated Fund is a core financial rule. The Budget is a Department of Economic Affairs product, not a Department of Revenue product. The Public Account is not subject to the same appropriation lock as the Consolidated Fund. Therefore only statement 2 survives. Options that keep 1 or 3 fail.
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