Which of the following statements related to parliamentary secretariat is/are correct?

1. Each House of Parliament has separate secretarial staff of its own. 

2. Secretary-general is a permanent officer and is appointed by the presiding officer of the House. 

3. The speaker regulates the condition of service of persons appointed to the secretarial staff of Lok Sabha. 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

a) 1 and 3 only 

b) 2 and 3 only 

c) 1 and 2 only 

d) 1,2 and 3

Solution: 

• Each House of Parliament has separate secretarial staff of its own, though there can be some posts common to both the Houses. Their recruitment and service conditions are regulated by Parliament. 
• The secretariat of each House is headed by a secretary-general. He is a permanent officer and is appointed by the presiding officer of the House. 
• Article 98 (2) states that Parliament may by law regulate the recruitment, and the conditions of service of persons appointed, to the secretarial staff of either House of Parliament. 
• Similarly Article 98 (3) provides that until such provision are made by Parliament, the President may, after consultation with the Speaker/ Chairman of the respective Houses can make rules regulating the recruitment, and the conditions of service of persons appointed, to the secretarial staff of either House of Parliament. Thus, it's the Parliament or the President who can regulate the condition of service and not the speaker or chairman.

Ans: (c)