With reference to the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG), consider the following statements:

1. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the ex officio president of the Group. 

2. The former members of Parliament can become associate members of the Group. 

3. It was formed in 2005 through an act passed by the Parliament of India. 

4. It can discuss questions of public importance that are likely to come up before the Parliament. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

a) 1 and 3 only 

b) 2 and 4 only 

c) 1, 2 and 3 only 

d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Solution: 

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the ex officio president of the Indian Parliamentary Group. 
• The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are the ex officio vice-presidents of the Group. 
• The Secretary-general of the Lok Sabha acts as the ex officio Secretary-General of the Group. 
• The membership of IPG is open to all members of Parliament. 
• The former members of Parliament can also become associate members of the group. 
• IPG is an autonomous body. It was formed in the year 1949 in pursuance of a motion adopted by the Constituent Assembly. 
• The aims and objects of the Group are mentioned below: 
• 1) To promote personal contacts between members of the Parliament of India. 
• 2) To study questions of public importance that are likely to come up before the Parliament; a 
• 3) To arrange lectures on political, defence, economic, social and educational problems by the members of the Parliament and distinguished persons. 
• 4) To arrange visits to foreign countries with a view to develop contacts with members of other parliaments. 

Ans: (b)