UPSC Mains Exam Public Administration

 

UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2020

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-1)

Marks: 250      Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION-A

Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 

(a) "The strength of Public Administration is in its exploration of the complexities and nuances of public policy making and implementation." Discuss. 

(b) Principles of analysis and principles of action were not differentiated in Taylor's scientific management. Comment 

(c) "Arbitrariness in the application of rule of law is a primary cause of poor governance." Discuss. 

(d) Departments, Boards and Commissions as forms of organization are dissimilar in the context of accountability and responsibility." Analyse.

(e)Administrative man bridges the psychological man and the rational man. Explain.

Q2.(a) The movement towards governance as an organizing concept for public administration and management is because the focus of administration has been shifting from the bureaucratic state to the 'hollow state' and 'third-party government. Critically examine. 

(b) "Organizations of the future will be organic-adaptive structures but temporary systems." Discuss how Warren Bennis characterises the new form of orgunization.

(c) "Productivity is not the result of working conditions but the result of emotional response of workers to work performed." Are Elton Mayo's findings relevant in contemporary organiza tions? 

Q3.(a) Performance information use is a form of organizational behaviour that is influenced by individual. job, organizational and environmental factors." Critically analyse.

(b) New Public Service emphasizes democracy and citizenship as the basis for public administra tion theory and practice. Elucidate. 

(c)  "Accountability under New Public Management has undergone a radical change, although the focus has continued to remain on management." Comment

Q4.(a) "Developments in the field of Administrative Law reflect an increasingly blurred boundary between the state and society, and between justice and administration." Has administrative law become more constitutional than the Constitution itself? Argue. 

(b) The content and process theories of motivation have the same focus but are different in approaches." Do you agree? Give reasons.

(c) Thrust on the citizen centricity and Right based approaches, aim to empower the citizens. In the light of the above, has the administrative accountability improved ? Justify your argument 

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words each:

(a) "Comparative Public Administration started with no paradigm of its own and developed nane" Comment 

(b) "Markets, hierarchies and networks represent modem govering structures in government." Explain. 

(c) Has policy analysis become a major source of legitimation of status quo in political and social order? Discuss. 

(d) "Fiscal policy should address the issues of inequity, intricacy and obscurantism." Explain. 

(e) "Prevention of misconduct requires institutionalization of ethical values at the political and administrative levels." Justify. 

Q6.(a) "Administrative ideas must be seen in the context of environment in which they develop." In the light of the above statement, examine the influence of New Public Management and Information and Communication Technologies on comparative study of Public Administration.

(b) Affirmative action in socio-economic development has not altogether eliminated discrimination. Discuss it in the context of women empowerment.

(c) Have political realities thwarted the move towards evidence based policy making ? Critically examine.

Q7.(a) “Globalization is impacting the context of national policy making. The national policy agenda is becoming international.” Explain.

(b) "Collaboration and its cognates for public service delivery need to be viewed from the governance lenses." Comment. |

(c) Administrative reform is "an artificial inducement of administrative transformation against resistance." (Gerald Caiden). Identify the nature of resistance and inducements required to overcome it.

Q8.(a)"Disruptive nature of developments in Information Technology has changed the contours of e-governance in the last one decade." Analyse.

(b) "Performance Management Framework enables a clear line of sight between planning, measuring and monitoring performance." Critically analyse.

(c) "Objectives of performance budgeting include improving expenditure prioritization, effectiveness and efficiency." Has performance budgeting worked effectively in governmental system ? Argue.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)

Marks: 250        Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION-A

Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words each : 

(a) Mughal administration incorporated a combination of indian and extra-Indian clements. Discuss. 

(b) There is a constant and continuous collision between bureaucratic values and democratic values which adversely affects development. Do you agree? Elaborate. 

(c) Parliamentary committees are at the deliberative core of parliamentary work which is crucial for resining legislations. Elucidate. 

(d) Considering India's diversity, the planning pattern of 'one-size-fits-all' was discarded in favour of indicative planning. To what extent has it been useful to India? 

(e) Even if all the States combine together, they cannot have their way decision-making in the GST Council, unless the Union agrees to it. Analy this in the perspective of federalism in India, 

Q2.(a) District administration is the most important unit in governance. Most of the Central and State Government schemes and programmes are directed towards the district administration. In this context, discuss the challenges and problems posed to the district administration, 

(b) The structural part of the Constitution of India is to a large extent derived from the Government of India Act, 1935, whereas its philosophical part has many other sources. Discuss the sources of the philosophical part.

(c) The public services in India are an evolution of the British Raj. Trace the Indianization of the services. 

Q3.(a) Does the privatization of key public sector bodies augur well for welfarisin in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations, 

(b) The spirit of democratic values requires that the independence of judiciary remains absolute. It is high time that the All India Judicial Service (AIJS) was created. Elaborate. 

(c) To strengthen the Election Commission of India and its commissioners is the need of the hour. Suggest measures to make it more independent and impartial. 

Q4.(a) Examine the National Health Policy in the context of the current pandomia situation, Identify the problems and suggest improvements. 

(b) The Speaker of the State Assembly has assumed a significant role in formations and dissolutions of governmenta. Examine under the circumstances of coalition governments with examples. 

(c) At the district level, police functions under the overall supervision and control of the District Magistrate. Comment. 

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words each : 

(a) Political neutrality of civil servants has been regarded as one of the cardinal principles in democrntic governments. Is its sanctity being maintained in practice in India? Elucidate. 

(b)  Budget is anindicntor of financial health of a polity which is reflected in the statement of income and expenditure. Discuss. 

(c) Panchayati Raj Institutions are still plagued by State control and domination of bureaucracy. Argue your casc. 

(d) Urban local governance is perpetually afflicted with lack of financial autonomy and starvation of funds. Elaborate. 

(e) There has been a long-standing demand for separation of police investigation from prosecution. Analyze its merits and demerits. 

Q6.(a) The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India stands on the pillar of autonomy. Discuss the major lacunae in the functioning of this constitutional body and also suggest measures for its strengthening.

(b)  Implementation of administrative reforms is humongous and arduous. What lacks the push to realize the changes? 

(c)Immediate post-retirement appointments of high officers of governmen have become a new trend. Discuss its pros and cons. 

Q7.(a)  Ward committees in urban local governance have remained more tigers. The ideal of realizing effective people's participation in collabor with local functionaries is still in the pipeline. Evaluate the gap in the and practice. 

(b) Police needs to be made accountable and freed from the grip of politics. It is a big challenge not only for law and order but also for the development of the country. Critically examine. 

(c) Civil servants are trained to follow rules and procedures so much that they become bureaucrazy. Do you agree? Justify. 

Q8.(a) "There are adequate legal mechanisms to address corruption malpractices in administration, but they have failed to curb the mea any noticeable degree." In the light of this statement, discuss the efficacy the institution of Lokayukta in Indian States. 

(b) Despite the constitutional provisions for representation, the voice weaker of sections is not having the desired impact in the realms of Panchayati Raya Institutions. Critically examine. 

(c) Ideally citizen-administration interface is supposed to be based on trustworthiness and purposesulness, in reality it is observed to be plagued by suspicion, conflicts, stresses and strains. Do you agree? Elaborate.

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UPSC Mains Exam 2019

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-1)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                                       Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION-A

Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50 Marks

Q1 (a) “Public Administration is constantly being reinvented because it is contextual.” Elaborate. 10 Marks
(b) “Bureau pathology denigrates competence in organization.” Explain. 10 Marks
(c) “If there is ever to be a science of Public Administration it must derive from an understanding of man’s behaviour”. Explain. 10 Marks
(d) “Chester Barnard in ‘The Function of the Executive’ injected ‘the social’ in the study of organization. Explain in this context how the executive is expected to play a much greater role than a manager.” 10 Marks
(e) “Delegated legislation has become a strategic tool in the hands of the executive despite its utility.” Comment.  10 Marks

Q2 (a) “Governance is neither a paradigm nor a panacea for all the ills of government. It may be a more useful approach when other methods fail in providing public service.” Critically evaluate. 20 Marks
(b) With the entry of the concept of ‘good governance’ the discipline of Public Administration has shed its statist character. Explain. 15 Marks
(c) Has New Public Management failed in promoting a democratic polity? Analyze in the contexts of individuals as a citizen and individuals as a costumer. 15 Marks

Q3(a) “Globalization has constructed the administrative state to save and serve corporate power structure.” Discuss how transnational corporation impact government and public administration in the contemporary era. 20 Marks
(b) “Red light and Green light theories provide contrasting approaches to the role of administrative law.” Which of the two theories will be effective in achieving the objectives of administration law? Justify your choice. 15 Marks
(c) “The advent of the regulatory regimes indicates the demise of the arbitrator state.” Comment. 15 Marks

Q4(a) Contingency theory of organization is founded on the interplay of ‘external fit’ and ‘internal fit’. Discuss. 20 Marks
(b) Mary Parker Follett traced the foundational value of business and enterprise on her way to understand the organism of governmental machinery. Comment. 15 Marks
(c) “Media the Fourth estate is in chains.” Examine the statement in the context of governmental accountability. 15 Marks

Section-B

Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50 Marks

Q5(a) Contractualism has became a favourite policy of the neoliberal forces, but now without its share of controversy. Argue. 10 Marks
(b) The failure to discard its elitist character and west-centric orientation has led to the decline of Comparative Public Administration. Explain. 10 Marks
(c) “Maximum social gain” in public policy making is an attractive goal which is rarely found in practices. Discuss. 10 Marks
(d) A narrow view of information comes in the way of successful implementation of MIS in organization. Analyze. 10 Marks
(e) Has e-governance led to debureaucratization and decentralization ? Assess its impact on bureaucratic inertia. 10 Marks

Q6(a) “Development dynamics is marked by a dilemma : the concept of development has a built-in participatory orientation but the practice of development has been inherently exclusionary.” Discuss. 20 Marks
(b) A more effective system of performance appraisal should acknowledge the subjective elements in it and be less obsessed with the objective criteria. Elucidate. 15 Marks
(c) Is William Niskanen’s “Budget Maximising Model” relevant today? Argue. 15 Marks

Q7(a) Performance measurement remains an emerging issues but it is relegated to exclusively monitor and assess the use of funds. In light of the statement discuss various non-financial parameters of performance measurement to evaluate public sector organization. 20 Marks
(b) The imperatives of administrative ethics are necessarily an anudole to “I was only obeying the orders” argument by public official. Explain. 15 Marks
(c) Discuss the major areas of change in the Tax-Reforms of the post liberisation era. How do you justify the importance of the direct Tax reforms in this context? 15 Marks

Q8(a) In a society marked by social inequity and gender inequality women self-help groups are bound to play a marginal role. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. 20 Marks
(b) In the era of increasing stress on productivity work study provides the road ahead for the administration. Identify the positive attributes of work study in the light of the statement. 15 Marks
(c) In the absence of a merit-based, fair and objective civil service a more partisan and corrupt government will emerge. Is the statement justified? Give reason. 15 Marks

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2019

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)

 Marks: 250                                                                                                                                      Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION -A

Q1. Answers the following in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50 Marks

(a) In the text of Arthashastra, ‘the state is neither a police State nor merely a tax gathering State’. Comment. 10 Marks
(b) The economic reforms have significantly infringed the basic values and spirits of the Indian Constitution. Examine. 10 Marks
(c) Macaulay’s ideas on Indian Civil Service Corresponded to the elite theory of bureaucracy, which continue to persist. Do you agree? Justify. 10 Marks
(d) There has been an opinion that the ethos of Indian Judicial System continue to be colonial. Suggest measures for raising the level of judicial excellence for achieving speedy justices. 10 Marks
(e) Various commissions have reiterated the crucial role of the Governor in Indian system of governance, but the successive governments have not heeded to make Governor’s office apolitical. Examine with example. 10 Marks

Q2(a) Article 356 acts, “very much like the proverbial bolt from the blue…. without giving an opportunity or notices to the State Government to correct its alleged shortcoming”. This phenomenon not only undermines the autonomy of the State Government, but also demeans the statue of the President of India. Critically analyze. 20 Marks
(b) Public Sector Undertaking were expected to take the Indian economy to the “commanding heights” instead the successive governments have been pushing for disinvestment. Critically examine how the scenario has changed over the years. 20 Marks
(c) Emerging developmental aspirations of the society necessitate the constitutional amendment to change the present safeguards available to the civil servants. Evaluate the pros and cons of such amendment. 10 Marks

Q3(a) “Strong PMO is anti-thesis to the feature of collective responsibility of Council of Ministers”. Examine the issues in relation to the position of PMO via-a-vis Council of Ministers in the light of this statement. 20 Marks
(b) Capacity issues relating to employees have hampered the implementation of several government programmes. Trace the reasons in the context of the provisions of the National Training Policy, 2012. 20 Marks
(c) The strategy to deal with the non-performing assets of banks may lead to overburdened taxpayers. Examine the role of government to protect the interests of both. 10 Marks

Q4(a) Considerable attention has been paid to the restructuring of the administrative systems at the Central and local levels, but very few reforms have been undertaken at the State level. What steps would you suggest to rectify it? 20 Marks
(b) It is observed that non-functioning of District Planning Committees is preventing the convergence of rural and urban planning needs. Do you agree? Justify. 20 Marks
(c) The police-public interface is punctuated with distrust and fear. Suggest how the police can reform its image in the eyes of the public. 10 Marks

 

SECTION -B

Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10 x 5 = 50 Marks

(a) The evidences suggest that the dream of deliberative democracy could not be realized in practice at the grassroot level. Evaluate the impediments in the functioning of Gram Sabha. 10 Marks
(b) “The RTI has started its journey, but is far from its destination.” In the view of the statement, examine the present’s status of the RTI movement. 10 Marks
(c) The concept of new localism arrangement may defeat the very purpose of local self-governance. Do you agree? Justify. 10 Marks
(d) Effective ‘Performance Management System’ needs to precede ‘taking deadwood out’ from bureaucracy. Comment. 10 Marks
(e) All weather rural connectivity scheme to even unconnected rural habitations has the potential to transform the rural economy. Do you agree? Justify. 10 Marks

Q6(a) The office of the District Collector has merely become a bureau for funneling government schemes, collecting statistics and an officer on attendance for unending VIP duties. Critically examine its role in the light of the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission. 20 Marks
(b) Minimal accountability being the dominant norm in the political system, the Lokpal can only be an ideal institution with limited effectiveness. Explain. 20 Marks
(c) ‘Sevottam Scheme’ had great potential to reform service delivery, but opportunity is frittered away. Comment. 10 Marks

Q7(a) The National Policy on Disaster Management envisages a paradigm shift from hitherto reactive post-disaster relief centric regime to more pro-active and enabling environment. Examine the responses of State Governments in this regards. 20 Marks
(b) Efforts to strengthen State Finance Commissions have faced apathy of State Governments over the years, which has also affected the successive Central Finance Commissions in recommending appropriate fiscal transfers to local bodies. Substantiate the answer with example. 20 Marks
(c) Accountability of regulatory bodies would address the problem of over-regulators and help make them truly facilitators. Analyze the present status of regulators and suggest measures to induce accountability in the mechanism. 10 Marks

Q8(a) ‘NITI Aayog’ has changed the way India strategized for economic development, but its effectiveness is yet to be seen, especially when its financial powers are far less than its predecessor. Analyze. 20 Marks
(b) Even though the law and order administration is a State subject, it is paradoxical that the Central agencies- NIA or paramilitary forces under the Union Government-have restricted the powers of State Governments. Discuss. 20 Marks
(c) Performance grants devolved by Finance Commission of India have increased the Financial accountability of the local bodies. Elaborate. 10 Marks

UPSC Mains Exam 2018

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-1)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                                       Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

Q1. (a) "The scope of the discipline of Public Administration is determined by what an administrative system does." Does it mean that the scope of this discipline is boundaryless ? Explain.
(b) "The concepts of rationality and efficiency are intertwined in the bureaucratic analysis of Max Weber." Comment.
(c) “New Public Service approach is an improvement over its predecessor, New Public Management." Discuss.
(d) "A leader is a people's developer" (Napoleon). Which aspects of subordinates' development can be positively influenced by a leader? Discuss.
(e) “Herbert Simon's book Administrative Behaviour presents a synthesis of the classical and behavioural approaches to the study of Public Administration." Explain.

Q2. (a) Dwight Waldo in his book, The Administrative State emphatically mentions that the roots of administrative theory lie in political theory. Critically examine Waldo's contention.
(b) “The Phenomenological Approach advocated by the New Public Administration has obstructed the path of theory building in Public Administration." Comment
(c) Discuss the essential characteristics of public sector-centred and market-centred perspectives in Public Private Partnerships and also compare the two.

Q3. (a) Communication represents the “Nerves of Government" (Karl Deutsch). How can the communication system in the government be made more effective, responsive and motivational?
(b) "Political and administrative systems have reciprocal relationship.” Discuss.
(c) "An effective Management Information System (MIS) is the key to successful headquarter-field relationships."Comment

Q4. (a) “Form of an organisation influences the success of a public enterprise, but the choice of a form has always remained problematic." Discuss the statement in the context of the comparative merits and limitations of departments, corporations, companies and boards. Give illustrations.
(b) "Chester Barnard's model of 'Contribution-Satisfaction Equilibrium' is still considered a logical model of organisational motivation." Do you agree? Give arguments.
(c) "The political approach to Public Administration stresses on the values of representativeness political responsiveness and accountability through elected officials to the citizenry" (David H. Rosembloom). Comment.

 

SECTION 'B'

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

Q5. (a) "The Journey of Administrative Law has moved much beyond A. V. Dicey.” Comment
(b) Edward Gibbon, the author of Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire remarked : "Corruption, the most infallible symptom of Constitutional liberty." Critically examine this statement.
(c) To what extent has e-governance made the administrative system more citizen-oriented? Can it (e-governance) be made more participative?
(d) "The issue of development of women is closely related to the issue of women in development." How can women become equal partners in the process of socio-economic development?
(e) "The process of administrative development is generally slower than the p economic development." How can the speed of administrative development be made faster?

Q6. (a) In order to be development-oriented, bureaucracies need to be innovative, flexible, citizen-centric and result-oriented, but they are slow in imbibing these virtues in a democratic system. Do we need to go beyond the traditional models of bureaucracy and create alternative structures? Elaborate.
(b) “Administrative values have no value unless they are valued by all stakeholders of the governance system." Comment
(c) “Lateral entry is an antidote to the complacency in civil service.” Discuss.

Q7. (a) How does ethnocentrism impact development administration in achieving sustainable goals ? Argue with examples.
(b) “Monetary policy of a country can help or hinder its development process." Discuss.
(c) "Sound Performance Auditing is impossible without systematic Performance or Outcome Budgeting." Explain the relationship between the two.

Q8. (a) "Administrative systems across the world can be understood only in their respective historical and social contexts." Explain the statement giving examples.
(b) Currently, administrative training focuses more on improving efficiency than on transforming the attitudes and behaviour of civil servants. What type of training will you suggest to fill this gap? Elaborate.
(c) "A public policy without the active involvement of people in its formulation, implementation and evaluation is only a facade." How can this anomaly be corrected?

UPSC Mains Exam 2018

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                                      Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

a. “A government next-door is the government that matters most for the people.” Discuss the statement with special reference to the values of local government.
b. The philosophy of the Westminster model is at odds with the political culture of India.” Critically analyse.
c. “The attached offices and subordinate offices are integral to the functioning of the Cabinet Secretariat.” Discuss.
d. It is apprehended that lateral entry will lead to politicisation of bureaucracy. Do you agree? Justify
e. “Contracting out tasks without effective accountability mechanisms can be counter-productive for effective service delivery." Comment

Q2. a. "The market-driven profitability concerns have shaken the foundation of the public sector undertakings.” Do you agree? Give reasons.
b. It is argued that the NITI Aayog has broken the edifice of planning into fragments. Comment
c. “Autonomy of civil society is crucial for responsive and effective administration.” Examine the statement

Q3. a. Critically examine the criteria adopted by the 15th Finance Commission for allocation of resources to States. What have been the major issues of contention since the 10th Finance Commission?
b. “In the coalition era with elusive majority of a single party in the State Legislature, the role of the Governor becomes even more challenging." Discuss.
c. “Development management advocates self-sustaining customer-friendly institutions at the district level.” Comment.

Q4. a. Climate change issues pose new challenges for district administration to be proactive.” Elaborate
b. “Judicial overreach to a large extent is a consequence of ineffective executive.” Examine.
c. "In the transition from the State-led economy to the market economy, India should rely more on 'indicative planning'.” Do you agree? Explain your position.

SECTION "B"

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

a. “The 'enablers' and 'facilitators' are yet to replace the inspectors' and “controllers' in the civil service in India. Do you agree? Justify.
b. “Financial inclusion needs legal backing but it also requires increasing awareness for it to become a reality.” Discuss
c. "Gender budgeting requires rethinking beyond allocations to become a powerful tool of gender mainstreaming." Discuss.
d. "Social audit has lent a critical edge to the implementation of programmes such as MGNREGA." Comment
e. "The AFSPA debate reveals that the Indian paramilitary forces are caught between the imperatives of national security and protection of human rights.” Discuss.

Q6. a. "Competency mapping is important for effective allocation of responsibilities to administrators.” Do you think that a generalist administrator can handle all issues as effectively as a specialist Discuss
b. “The recommendations of various commissions on administrative reforms have not made a radical departure from the Paul Appleby Report.” Do you agree ? Give reasons.
c. "Performance management requires identification of indicators and measures to ensure that goals are achieved efficiently." Discuss

Q7. a. “Rural development programmes have failed to effectively address the problems of small and marginal farmers.” Analyse and give suggestions.
b. “In the Network Era the TRAI has the challenging task of protecting the Net Neutrality from digital aggression.” Comment
c. “Neighbourhood management provides an appropriate global strategy of dealing with social exclusion in the urban development scenario." Comment

Q8. a. "Effective public grievance redressal requires administrative commitment. But process reengineering can help prevent some grievances.” Discuss
b. “Institutional change is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for reducing criminalisation of politics." Examine
c. "The disempowerment and depoliticisation of urban local government has happened in multiple ways.” Comment

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2017

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-1)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                                         Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) Even after 130 years of its publication, Woodrow Wilson’s essay “The Study of Administration” continues to have great relevance even today.” Comment (10 Marks)
(b) “What is distinctive about the Classic al and Human Relations Schools of thought administration is their complementarily to each other “. Analyse (10 Marks)
(c) “Conflict is the appearance of differences –the difference of opinions and of interest”. (Mary Parker Follet). Comment (10 Marks)
(d) “Leaders do the right things; managers do them rightfully” –(Warren Bennis) . Is this distinction by him valid ? Explain (10 Marks)
(e) “Administrative Law is recognized by its substance rather than its form .” Discuss (10 Marks)

Q2.

(a) New Public Management has been branded by certain scholars as ‘Neo-Taylorism’ . Is it a justified comparison? What factors have led to the decline of NPM as soon after its birth? (20 Marks)
(b) “Abraham Maslow’s ‘ Hierarchy of Needs’ and Frederick Herzberg’s “Two Factor Theory” have commonalities in the analysis of human motivation .” Comment (15 Marks)
(c) Civil Society supplement s and complements the State. However, its capacity and role depend upon the will of the State. Comment (15 Marks)

Q3.

(a) The Participative Management School of Argyris and Likert advocates democracy within the administrative system. Will this approach be equally useful to developing countries with evolving democracies? (20 Marks)
(b) “Executive position imply a complex morality and require a high capacity of responsibility” – (Chester Bernand). Comment (15 Marks)
(c) When the media is controlled by vested interest s, how can it control the vested interests in the government? How can the media become more responsible and impartial? (15 Marks)

Q4.

(a) “With every major transformation in the applied world of Public Administration , the study of Public Administration has grown in scope and intensity.” Discuss the relationship between the evolution of the discipline and profession of Public Administration. (15 Marks)
(b)”Systems Theory” in essence is not a theory , but an approach to the study of administrative phenomena .” Comment (15 Marks)
(c) The principle of delegated legislation is, I think right, but I was emphasise that it is well for Parliament to keep a watchful and even zealous eye on it at all stages “- (Herbert Morrison ) Analyze. (15 Marks)

 

SECTION B:

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) “Budgeting is apolitical process” – (Aaron Wildavsky) (10 Marks)
(b) “Development Administration and Administrative Development have a chicken and egg kind of relationship”.-(Riggs) . Elaborate (10 Marks)
(c) “Digitalization provides great impetus to E-governance .” Discuss (10 Marks)
(d) “360 degree performance appraisal system is a rational idea, but it involves complex and inauthentic procedures”. How can it be made foolproof? (10 Marks)
(e) “A large public debt forces the adoption of tax and spending policies that result into higher taxes and reduced services.” Analyze (10 Marks)

Q6.

(a) “Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization have transformed the nature of development administration .” Discuss (20 Marks)
(b)” Lateral entry of competent experts into the government will promote freshness and innovation, but it can create problems of accountability.” (15 Marks)
(c) “There can be no performance auditing without performance budgeting “. ( 15 Marks)

Q7.

(a) “The Riggsian models of Fusion –Prismatic-Diffracted Societies and their administrative systems have been inspired by Max Weber’s typology of Traditional Charismatic Legal-Rational Authorities.” Analyze ( 20 Marks)
(b) “Bureaucracy has inbuilt limitations to act as the prime catalyst to multi-faceted development in a democratic country”. Analyze this statement with appropriate examples ( 15 Marks)
(c) Can be say that statutory audit and social audit are two sides of the same coin? Or, are they separate coins with varying values? (15 Marks)

Q8.

( a) “Various components of Human Resource Management a re inter-related .” Discuss (20 Marks)
(b) “Administrative ethics includes the code of conduct of civil servants, but goes beyond it as well.” Discuss (15 Marks)
(c) “Off all the processes involved in public policy, implementation is of greatest importance.”Examine the impediments in policy implementation (15 Marks)

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2017

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                                        Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) “Constitutionalism is the foundation of the administrative edifice e in India.” Discuss (10 Marks)
(b) “The status and functioning of the Cabinet Secretariat face a stiff challenge from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).” Argue both in favour and against the contention. (10 Marks)
(c) “Effectiveness of local-self government institutions is hampered due to the lack of capacity building of the elected representative s.” Elaborate (10 Marks)
(d) “Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India face tough competition from the private enterprises and Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) . “ Explain (10 Marks)
(e) Do you agree that “All India Judicial Service (AIJS) would contribute to timely delivery of justice to the citizens? Argue your case (10 Marks)

Q2.

(a) “The market reforms have not infringed the basic structure of the Constitution of India, but have largely compromised the realization of the ideals of social and economic justice.” Comment (20 Marks)
(b) “The idea of lateral entry into the Civil Services would energies Indian administration.” What are its possible advantages and limitations? (20 Marks)
(c) “Pro-Active Governance and Timely implementation (PRAGATI) is an innovative project of the Union Government.” Discuss its features and modalities (10 Marks)

Q3.

(a) “The position of council of ministers in a state is reduced to that of a body of a secretaries in the presence of a domineering of chief minister.” Critically analyse with examples (20 Marks)
(b) “Indianisation of Public Services is a slow but steady process.” Explain (20 Marks)
(c)” Digitalization of land records is a necessary but not sufficient precondition for ensuring transparent district administration.” Explain (10 Marks)

Q4.

(a) “Bureaucracy has to make a balance the need for environmental sustainability and developmental imperatives .” Discuss (20 Marks)
(b) “The chief secretary is often termed as the alter ego of the Chief Minister.” Discuss, with examples, the dynamics of their relationship in State administration. (20 Marks)
(c) ’District Planning Committee (DPC) has been the weakest structure in the local self-government mechanism in India.” Analyze with examples (10 Marks)

 

SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) “The institution of Gram Sabha has very little connection with the Gandhian spirit of direct democracy.” Critically examine (10 Marks)
(b) “There is a need for greater inclusion of technocrats in bureaucracy to ensure effective governance in India.” Do you agree” Elucidate (10 Marks)
(c) “Civil servants should avoid airing grievances in the media.” In the context, discuss the grievance redressal mechanisms available to the Civil Servants in India. (10 Marks)
(d) Do you think k that Public Service Guarantee Act s passed by various State Governments are an extension to the Citizen Charter? Give reasons (10 Marks)

Q6.

(a) “The Prime Ministers awards for Excellence in Public Administration encourage good governance initiatives. “ Discuss some such initiatives by the Civil Servants in this context. (20 Marks)
(b) “Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to a paradigm shift in the Centre-State relations, both financially and politically.” Analyze with examples (20 Marks)
(c) “The Right to Information (RTI) has started its journey but is far from its destination.” Comment (10 Marks)

Q7.

(a) “Disaster preparedness and management has become an important component of district administration in India.” Discuss with suitable illustrations (20 Marks)
(b) In view of the contemporary internal scenario should “law and order” be made a part of the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India? Justify your opinion (20 Marks)
(c) ”The image of Indian Police can be improved if its structure and orientations are transformed radically.” Do you agree? Elaborate (10 Marks)

Q8.

(a) Discuss, with sustainable examples, the emerging challenges faced by the Regulatory Commission s as to the arbitrary agents between the State and the market forces (20 Marks)
(b) “The ‘policy of non-action’ regarding the institutional mechanisms and legal provisions to eradicate corruption is a feature of Indian Administration.” Critically examine (20 Marks)
(c) “The Second Administrative Reform Commission (ARC) makes a strong case for the principle of subsidiary .”Elaborate (10 Marks)

 

UPSC Mains Optional Public Administration - 2016

Public Administration (Paper -1)
SECTION-A

1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks

(a) "Taylorism is considered very controversial despite its popularity." (Stephen P. Waring) Comment
(b) "Public Administration is the translation of politics into reality that citizens see everyday." (Donald F. Kettl and James W. Fesler) Explain.
(c) Morale can drive an organization forward or can lead to employees' discontent, poor job performance and absenteeism." Examine.
(d) "The autonomy of Public Corporations raised a great debate about their internal working and external relation with the Ministers and the Parliament." Discuss.
(e) "In spite of certain advantages, Social Audit arrangements have mostly been ineffective because there is no legal provision for punitive action." Comment

2.(a) "Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y describe two contrasting models of workforce motivation applied by managers in an organization." Examine. 20 marks
(b) "The New Public Administration has seriously jolted the traditional concepts and outlook of the discipline and enriched the subject by imparting wider perspective by linking it closely to the society." (Felix A. Nigro and Lloyd G. Nigro) Elucidate. 15 marks
(c) "The central concern of Administrative Law has been the legal limitation of administrative discretion." Give reasons. 15 marks

3.(a) "If the Regulatory Commissions .... are wholly independent, they are completely irresponsible for the doing of very important policy determining and administrative work on the other hand, to rob the commissions of their independence is seriously to menace the impartial performance of their judicial work." (Cushman) Examine. 20 marks
(b) "Good governance is ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law, strengthening democracy, promoting transparency and capacity in Public Administration." (Kofi Annan) In the light of the statement, critically examine the criteria of good governance as provided by United Nations and Nayef Al-Rodhan.  15
(c) "The legislative control over administration is not as effective as it ought to be." Comment 15

4. (a) "Blake and Mouton defined leadership styles based on two dimensions concern for people and concern for production." In the light of the statement, discuss the Managerial Grid Model. Explain with reason which one of the styles is the best. 20 marks
(b) “Bureau-Shaping Model has been developed as a response to the Budget-Maximizing Model." Comment 15 marks
(c) "Civil society performs a key role in defending people against the State and market and in asserting the democratic will to influence the State." Analyze the statement with suitable examples. 15 marks

SECTION-B

5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks

(a) "Training is considered as paid holidays." Comment
(b) "Public borrowing produces different effects on the economy." Examine
(c) "Self-Help Groups are considered as onc of the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for economic empowerment of women." Comment
(d) "Riggs observed that three 'trends' could be discerned in the comparative study of Public Administration." Discuss.
(e) "In Public Policy Making, "Rationalism' is the opposite of 'Incrementalism' * Examine.

6. (a) "Fred Riggs continuously changed his theory in order to create the perfect model. Comment 20 marks
(b) The idea of development stands like a ruin in the intellectual landscape" and "it is time to dismantle this mental structure". (Wolfgang Sachs) In the light of the statement, critically examine the anti-development thesis. 15 marks
(c) "Information Technology brings efficiency and transparency to Public Administration." Examine the statement with suitable examples. 15 marks

7.(a) "Fiscal policy and monetary policy are the two tools used by the State to achieve its macroeconomic objectives." Examine the statement and point out the differences between the tools.20 marks
(b) "A central reason for utilization of Performance Appraisal is performance improvement of the employees." In the light of the statement, analyze the needs of Performance Appraisal in an organization. 15 marks
(c) "The problem is to achieve the right balance between a competitive market economy and an effective State: markets where possible; the State where necessary." Justify your answer. 15 marks

8.(a) "The key to understanding performance-based budgeting lies beneath the word 'result." In the light of the statement, examine the elements of performance-based budgeting, 20 marks
(b) "Disciplinary action may be informal and formal." Explain and point out the provisions made in the Constitution or Statute to check the misuse of power to take disciplinary action.  15 marks
(c) "The term work study' may be used in narrower and wider senses." Elucidate. 15 marks

Public Administration (Paper -2)

SECTION-A

1. Attempt all of the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks

(a) "The Regulating Act of 1773 not only introduced values in administration but also laid the foundation of centralized administration in India." Explain. 10 marks
(b) Do you think that some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution remain only on paper even today? Critically evaluate.  10 marks
(c) Examine the efficacy of the measures taken to redefine and execute cooperative federalism in India 10 marks
(d) Evaluate the performance and efficacy of the Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna type of Public Sector Undertakings in the context of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG). 10 marks
(e) "The growing prominence of NGOs in development areas is strongly related to the declining legitimacy of the State.” Explain. 10 marks

2.(a) "In contemporary times, Kautilya's Arthashastra is relevant more in the field of international relations than in economic affairs." Analyse the statement. 20 marks
(b) "Dominant centralized administration is correlated with decisive and authoritative leadership provided by the Prime Minister's office." Explain with suitable examples since independence. 20 marks
(c) “A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in India is a well-organized revenue administration at the State and District levels." Comment 10 marks

3.(a) What factors have led to the expansion of the role of the Ministry of Affairs ? How can it coordinator its affairs more effectively with the Ministry of Defence? 20 marks
(b) "Introduction of G.S.T. (Goods and Services Tax) no doubt has economic benefits, but tends to compromise the States' inherent right to impose taxes." In this context, comment on the changing nature of Union-State financial relations. 20 marks
(c) "Planning in India has failed to meet the challenges of economic development and social change.” Discuss the statement in the context of the emergence of NITI Aayog. 10 marks

4.(a) "The absence of congruence of views on appointments to judiciary between the Supreme Court and the Union Government has had an adverse impact on the judicial system." In the light of the above statement, examine the proposal to constitute an All India Judicial Service (AIJS). 20 marks
(b) "The separation between regulatory and development functions in many States has not only weakened the District Collector but also development administration." Critically examine the need to relook at this policy. 20 marks
(c) "Legislatures have become a place for infighting rather than for proper policy making." Comment in the context of the working of State Governments. 10 marks

SECTION-B

5. Attempt all of the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) "Autonomy granted to higher civil servants tends to increase their creativity and productivity." Argue the case to make the civil service more accountable as well as innovative. 10 marks
(b) justify the budgetary support to nationalized banks to overcome the crisis resulting out of Non-Performing Assets (NPA). 10 marks
(c) "National Green Tribunal is viewed by many critics as a hindrance to economic development." Evaluate the statement and give arguments in support of your answer. 10 marks
(d) Is training of police in India still a reflection of the colonial mindset ? Give reasons for your answer. 10 marks
(e) "The concept of new localism' is related to the emerging nature of the relationship between the State Governments and local government bodies." Explain. 10 marks

6.(a) "The goals of good governance will remain utopian if local governments, responsible for providing all basic services directly to the citizens, are not empowered as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts." Critically evaluate the status of empowerment of the local bodies. 20 marks
(b) Explain how the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of disaster management cycle. 20 marks
(c) What merits do you foresee in the proposed merger of the Railway Budget with the General Budget ? 10 marks

7.(a) The Right to Information Act is a path-breaking legislation which signals the march from darkness of secrecy to dawn of transparency." What hurdles do the citizens face in obtaining information from the government? Explain how the reluctance of the government to part with information under R.T.I. can be addressed. 20 marks
(b) "The objectives of fiscal devolution to local bodies as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts has been derailed by the actual working of the State Finance Commissions." Comment 20 marks
(c) “The initiative of the Income Tax Department on disclosure of black money has had a mixed response.” Give suggestions for tackling this complex problem. 10 marks

8. (a) Do you agree that the Seventh Pay Commission's recommendations do not reflect and correlate the need for civil service reforms and accountability with pay increase ? Justify your answer. 20 marks
(b) "In a democratic polity, any conception of ethics and integrity in public life must encompass not only politicians and civil servants but also citizens." Discuss. 20 marks
(c) “Police reforms in India have remained a contentious issue." Critically analyse. 10 marks

 

UPSC Mains 2015: Public Administration Optional

:: Paper 1 ::

Section-A

Q1.Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

a.        Waldo’s The Administrative State’ provides a fundamental challenge to some of the orthodox premises. Explain.

b.       Discuss how the Public Choice Theory promotes the concept of ‘Steering’ and undermines the concept of ‘Rowing’ in visualising efficient and effective administration.

c.        “Delegated Legislation is a necessary evil.” Comment.

d.       Do you agree with the view that the charismatic approach of the mid-1970s is a “new version” of the Classical Trait Theory of Leadership? Give reasons.

e.       “The term policy implementation is in some respects preferable to the label public administration.” Argue.

Q2.

a.        “Globalisation has transformed the nature and character of State from traditional administrative Welfare State to a Corporate State.” Analyse the changes in the nature of public administration in this context.

b.       “Contemporary Organisational theory seems further afield of Chester Barnard’s Functions of the Executive than of organisational ecology.” Examine the statement in the light of ecological elements in Barnard’s thought.

c.        “PPPs serve too many parties and too many interests … to be focussed.” Identify in the context of the statement, the parties involved in Public-Private Partnerships and their conflicting aims.

Q3.

a.        “Follett’s work was not directed towards the resolution of the conflict of ideas, but towards the resolution of structural conflicts between workers and capitalists.” In the light of the statement critically evaluate Follett’s idea of dynamic administration. 20

b.       “Information constitutes the life-blood of the functioning of an organisation.” Explain the utility and significance of communication in decision-making. 15

c.        “Legislative action is not subject to the rules of natural justice.” Explain the exceptions to the rule of natural justice.

Q4.

a.        “Right from the days of the ‘Peoples’ Charter’ to the new concept of `Precariat Charter’, the concept of Citizen’s Charter and its scope is constantly evolving.” Comment.

b.       “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks emotional validity when applied to modern democratic administration.” Comment.

c.        How far do you agree with the view that the growing influence of media comes in the way of agenda-setting by the Government?

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50

a.        “Comparative Performance Measurement (CPM) bridges everyday work experience with the broader horizons of comparativism.” Explain.

b.       Analyse the relevance of Whitleyism in contemporary employer — employee relationship.

c.        “No significant change can be made in the budgetary process without affecting the political process.” (Wildaysky). Analyse.

d.       “In the appreciative systems of policy makers, goals are subsidiary to norms and values.” (Vickers). Explain.

e.       Show in what way the Gender and Development approach differs from the Woman and Development approach.

Q6.

a.        “Administrative ethics is a process of independently critiquing decision standards, based on core social values that can be discovered, within reasonable organisational boundaries that can be defined, subject to the personal and professional accountability.” (Denhardt). Explain.

b.       “Lenin’s concept of Socialist management refers to directing the organisational development of Socialist society.” Explain.

c.        “Policy analysis is incomplete without taking into account policy delivery.” Argue.

Q7.

a.        How does Ferrel Heady rationalize the three stages of development in comparative administration?

b.       Distinguish between ‘Codes of Conduct’ and ‘Codes of Ethics’. Justify your answer.

c.        “E-Governance creates a direct relationship between the Citizen and the State.” In this context, explain the changing role of the elected representatives.

Q8.

a.        “The concept of political feasibility in policy alternative is a probabilistic concept and is related to each policy alternative.” In the context of the above statement analyse Dror’s contribution.

b.       “The position-classification attempts to establish a triangular relationship between duties and responsibilities, working conditions and qualification requirements.” Elucidate.

c.        “MIS, PERT and CPM have accelerated the process of reinventing 0 & M.” In the context of the above statement, explain the recent developments in managerial techniques. 

:: Paper - 2 ::

Section-A

Q1. Attempt all of the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

a.        “Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to reduce its effectiveness.” Do you agree with this view? Argue your case.

b.       “District Collector’s role in the development process has been overemphasized.” Comment on the statement.

c.        Why has District Planning been marginalized in many States and remained prominent in a few States? Explain.

d.       “Ordinance-making power of the Executive needs to be suitably restrained.” Examine it critically.

e.       ‘Minimum government, maximum governance’ is not just a slogan but a philosophy of administration with enormous potentialities.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Q2.

a.        To what extent has political culture influenced the administrative culture of India? Explain. 20

b.       Briefly discuss the main recommendations of the Punchhi Commission (2010) on Centre-State relations for transforming Indian Federal System. 20

c.        As Dr. B. R. Ambedkar observed, “the text of the Constitution can provide the organs of the State, but the final outcome of the governance process depends on how it has operationalized by the political parties and people”. Elucidate the statement. 10

Q3.

a.        The objectives, approaches and organizational arrangements for decision-making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring the federal character of the Indian polity. Explain.

b.       Explain fully how a balance can be struck between autonomy and accountability of India’s public enterprises.

c.        “Decentralised governance must serve as an instrument of realizing social change and social justice.” Comment on the statement.

Q4.

a.        Discuss the arguments for and against the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014.

b.       “In very recent time, the role of the State Governor is found to be more of diplomatic than administrative nature.” Comment on the statement with suitable examples.

c.        Comment on the recent changes in the approach and methodology of devolution of responsibilities and transfer of funds from the Union to the States. 

Section-B

Q5. Attempt all of the following in about 150 words each: 10X5=50

a.        Critically examine the concept of community policing as a tool for improving public-police relations.

b.       Explain how budget can be used as a political instrument.

c.        “Most Civil Servants in India are competent administrators, but they pay little attention to encourage people’s participation in decision-making.” Comment on the statement.

d.       Do you think that the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), in practice, reflects genuine devolution of powers and resources? Give reasons for your answer.

e.       “Information Communication Technology (ICT) improves the quality of public service delivery, but fails to check bribery.” Comment.

Q6.

a.        “Excellent ideas but poor implementation have characterised the administrative reforms in India since Independence.” Critically examine the statement giving examples from the Union and State Governments.

b.       Do you agree that there has been a serious governance-deficit in development administration in India? Give reasons for your answer and add your suggestions.

c.        What are the major concerns of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on Civil Service reforms? Indicate the current status of their implementation.

Q7.

a.        How do the Union Government policies on Smart and AMRUT Cities address the problems of management of urban development? Explain.

b.       Discuss the significance and role of the Central Paramilitary Forces in maintaining law and order and countering insurgency as well as terrorism.

c.        Discuss the major highlights of the reforms introduced from time-to-time in Central Civil Services Conduct Rules and add your own comments.

Q8.

a.        “Municipal governance in India is not sufficiently prepared to meet the challenges of frequent natural disasters.” Elucidate the statement and add your own suggestions.

b.       Discuss critically the salient features of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding its purposes and jurisdiction.

c.        Argue the case for and against creating Indian Public Enterprises and Industrial Service for boosting the moribund public sector in India.

UPSC Mains 2014 Exam Papers: Public Administration

---

Paper -1

:: Section – A ::

1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50

(a) What are the implications of the post-structuralism perspective on the discrete aspects of Public Administrations, coming from its epistemological positions?
(b) “Adaptive, problem-solving, temporary systems of diverse specialists, linked together by coordinating executives in an organic flux – this is the original form that will gradually replace bureaucracy.” Discuss, in the light of this statement, the ‘end of bureaucracy’ thesis and its strengths and limitations.
(c) “Karl Marx’s interpretation of bureaucracy was rooted in the history of the nature of the State.” Evaluate.
(d) “The conceptual division between administrative and constitutional law is quite porous, and that along many dimensions, administrative law can be considered more constitutional in character than the constitutions.” How would you justify the statement?
(e) Is Peter Drucker justified in saying, “Management principles should not tell us what to do, but only tell us what not to do”? Comment

Q. 2.

(a) “Governance theory and the notion of governmentality have many points of convergence, but they run on parallel lines.” Comment 20
(b) “Taylor’s ideas need modification in the context of post-industrial economies in contemporary era.” Justify with reasons. 15
(c) How does the Strategic Contingencies Theory of organizational design deal with problem arising from sub-unit centrality and non-substitutability? 15

Q. 3.

(a) According to McGregor, “True professional help is not in playing God with the client, but in placing professional knowledge and skill at the client’s disposal”. In the light of the above, justify how theory Y is indicative and not prescriptive. 20
(b) “The notion of informal organization is a residual of cafeteria concept of diverse and sprawling contents.” How does Gouldner establish the need for understanding the interdigitations between the ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ organization? 15
(c) “The Right of Informal of not all about citizens’ empowerment, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss. 15

Q. 4.

(a) “New Public Management and post-New Public Management reforms initiatives have affected the balance between managerial, political, administrative, legal, professional and social accountability.” Analyze 20
(b) “Delegation to independent agencies has taken place in an interdependent process driven by emulation.” Discuss in the context of independent regulatory agencies in the modern regulatory State. 15
(c) “Voluntary organizations have become tools of sensitization of governmental agencies.” Comment 15

:: Section - B ::

5. Answer the following question in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50

(a) Critically examine the Riggsian concept of differentiation in the context of post-globalization era.
(b) “The term Development Administration can be used only in a broad sense to mark the variety of approaches and points of view.” Discuss.
(c) “The bottom line for governance is outcomes rather than the outputs of government.” Analyze in the context of e-government and e-governance.
(d) “Policies determine politics as governments constrain.” Attempt a critique of this statement.
(e) “Instead of reforms to budgetary process, Wildavsky process to redefine the role of political institutional and rules by which politics leads to agreement on budget.” Explain.

Q.6.

(a) “The fact that we call something performance auditing means that we imply salient features which can distinguish it from other forms of inquiry.” Discuss with reference to the main measures or indicators of performance measurement. 20
(b) “The Output Studies Approach to public policy analysis overstresses the rational techniques and allocative dimension of public policy.” Analyze the statement. 15
(c) “The field of MIS is not necessarily and extension of computer science, but of management of organization theory.” Elucidate. 15

Q.7.

(a) “The technical and multidisciplinary nature of e-government has created an interdependent relationship within government between policymakers, programme administrators and technical specialists.” Analyze in the context of generalist-specialist relationship. 20
(b) “Self-Help Groups have not only empowered women, but have also brought about attitudinal change among all stakeholders towards women development.” Discuss. 15
(c) “Many Asian and African countries have inherited the colonial idea of civil services as a privileged elite. Hence, the social status of the civil services is an important aspect of the bureaucracy’s unsuitability for change.” Comment 15

Q. 8.

(a) Identify the main elements of Program Budgeting, Output Budgeting and ‘New’ Performance Budgeting. What do they have in common with PPBS? 20
(b) According to Y. Door, “The Science of Muddling through is essentially a reinforcement of pro-inertia and anti-innovation ideas in policy-making”. Comment 15
(c) “British philosophy of administration is based on a unification of science of administration with ethics.” Analyze. 15

UPSC Mains 2014 Exam Papers : Public Administration

Paper -2

:: Section – A ::

Q.1. Attempt the following in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “Ethics in public services has been the central concern of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.” Critically examine the statement. 10
(b) Discuss the value of premises of Constitutionalism in India which he bureaucracy cannot violate. 10
(c) The functional role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) depends on the Prime Minister’s policy orientation, personality and style of administration. Comment on the statement with suitable examples. 10
(d) Despite the adoption of decentralized planning, participatory initiatives remain marginalized and divisive in many regions. Discuss 10
(e) “The Centre – State relations have acquired new dimensions in recent times due to several political parties being in power at the Centre and the States.” (Second Administrative Reforms Commission)] Do you agree? Give reasons to support your arguments. 10

Q.2.

(a) “Public Sector Undertakings must learn to survive and he entrepreneurial without assured government budgetary support.” In the light of this statement give your suggestions for strengthening their autonomy and reviving the health of sick Public Sector Undertakings. 20
(b) “Indian administration is said to be characterized by its three features viz. Weberian structures, Kautilyan practice and Gandhian rhetoric.” Examine the statement. 20
(c) “District Collector is a legacy of the British Raj and has largely remained insulated from the demands of contemporary professionalism.” Discuss. 10

Q. 3.

(a) “Gender Response Budgeting has infused greater accountability of planning departments towards women empowerment programmes.” Examine the statement. 20
(b) “The gubernatorial position of the Governor is comfortably placed in the fuzzy area between ‘Withdrawal of pleasure of the President’ and ‘Compelling reasons for removal’. “Discuss with some recent examples. 20
(c) “Beneath the soft outer shell of democratic administrative framework lines unscathed the steel frame of Indian administration which has survived through the ages.” In the light of this statement, examine the relationship between bureaucracy and development in the last one decade. 10

Q. 4.

(a) “Management of intra-governmental relations is as important as that of inter-governmental relations.” Examine the impact upon the performance of the government. 20
(b) How far do you agree with the view that the National Development Council (NDC) could resonate the demands of State governments as long as the Planning Commission is kept subservient to it? Critically examine. 20
(c) Critically examine the statement: ‘Thana’ (Police Station) as the last bastion of the waning British administrative legacy of India. 10

:: Section – B ::

Q.5. Attempt the following in about 150 words each: 10 × 5 = 50

(a) Discuss the changes in powers of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) following a recent Supreme Court judgement in a case concerning a private service provider. 10
(b) Parliamentary Committees bring about accountability in public expenditure. Discuss. 10
(c) Do you think that the role of Panchayati Raj should go beyond development administration? Give reasons for your answer. 10
(d) “Police-Public relations are a story of insincere efforts make on both sides.” Elaborate. 10
(e) “From coalition government to one-party dominance is a big change that is bound to affect the government system.” Explain why and how. 10

Q.6.

(a) Assess the role of honest and upright civil servants in regulatory and development administration in India. Give examples to substantiate your arguments. 20
(b) “Social auditing of flagship programmes of Central government facilitates the performance of the Comptroller and Auditor-General.” Elaborate the statement with appropriate examples. 20
(c) Explain the notion of one hundred ‘smart cities’ and its likely impact on India’s urbanization. 10

Q.7.

(a) Elaborate the features of the grievances redressal mechanism of the civil services in India. Does this mechanism satisfy the objective of its creation? 10
(b) The 13th Finance Commission highlighted an indispensable need to improve the finance of rural and urban level bodies. Does this make local bodies more accountable in the discharge of their functions? 20
(c) “Unimplemented reforms in administrations weaken the administrative reforms process most.” Do you agree? Give your answer citing specific cases as illustrations. 20

Q.8.

(a) Discuss the need for civil services neutrality in development administration. Suggest some measure for achieving and strengthening it in practice. 20
(b) Supreme Court ruling on 31st October, 2013 in respect of bureaucracy’s functioning would help achieve good governance. Analyse this ruling and add your comments on it. 20
(c) Do you think that the Central para-military police forces have proven more effective than the State police service? Give your answer objectively in a critical vein. 10