Which of the following is/are true?

1) Secretary General of the Secretariat of each house of the Parliament is appointed by the presiding officer of the house.

2) Member of the panel of vice-chairpersons cannot preside over the House, when the office of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman is vacant.

a. Only 1

b. Only 2

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Panel of Vice-Chairpersons of Rajya Sabha -

Under the Rules of Rajya Sabha, the Chairman nominates from amongst the members a panel of Vice-Chairpersons.

Any one of them can preside over the House in the absence of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman.

He has the same powers as the Chairman when so presiding.

He holds office until a new panel of vice-chairpersons is nominated.

When a member of the panel of vice-chairpersons is also not present, any other person as determined by the House acts as the Chairman.

It must be emphasized here that a member of the panel of vice-chairpersons cannot preside over the House, when the office of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman is vacant.

During such time, the Chairman’s duties are to be performed by such member of the House as the president may appoint for the purpose.

The elections are held, as soon as possible, to fill the vacant posts.

Secretariat of Parliament -

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.