Economy : Fiscal Policy

Q 11 / 12

UPSC CSE Prelims 2003

Consider the following statements:

In India, stamp duties on financial transactions are:

  1. levied and collected by the State Government
  2. appropriated by the Union Government

Which of these statements is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (D)

Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are incorrect.

Explanation

  • Stamp duties on financial transactions, such as bills of exchange, promissory notes, and shares, are levied by the Union Government under Entry 91 of the Union List.
  • However, these duties are collected and appropriated by the respective State Governments, as specified under Entry 63 of the State List.
  • Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect because the levy of these duties is by the Union, not the State.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect because the appropriation of these duties is by the States, not the Union Government.

Incorrect Options

  • Option (1) is incorrect because Statement 1 inaccurately attributes the levy of these duties to the State Government. The constitutional provision assigns the levy authority to the Union Government.
  • Option (2) is incorrect because Statement 2 erroneously states that the Union Government appropriates these duties. The appropriation of these duties is constitutionally assigned to the State Governments.
  • Option (3) is incorrect as both statements contain factual inaccuracies regarding the constitutional provisions for the levy, collection, and appropriation of stamp duties on financial transactions.
SOURCEIndian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 14: Centre-State Relations, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Chapter 10: Public Finance