NIRANTARA SADANA – APPSC GROUP 1 MAINS

Dr. Bhavani Shankar Sir

Public Administration and Governance – Day 30

1.) Discuss the meaning, nature, and scope of Public Administration.

Why was this question Keywords given in the syllabus: Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public
asked? Administration

Approach Examiner will expect you to include following things in your answer:
Meaning of Public Administration (give definitions), nature of public
administration and Scope of Public Administration (Two views).

Introduction Public Administration refers to the implementation of government

policies and programs to provide public services to citizens. It
encompasses a range of activities that facilitate the functioning of
government, including policy formulation, implementation, and
evaluation. The study of Public Administration is an interdisciplinary
field that draws upon knowledge and techniques from various social
science disciplines.

Body Meaning of Public Administration:

Bhavani sir’s note: InPublic Administration involves the management of public resources
exam hall, you requireand the delivery of public services to citizens. It is a process of decision-
speed and spontaneity in
making and action-taking directed towards the fulfillment of public
recalling and reproducing
policies. Woodrow Wilson, the father of Public Administration, defined
content. Public Administration as "the detailed and systematic execution of
public law." According to Dwight Waldo, Public Administration is "the
You must have content art and science of management applied to the affairs of the state."
on fingertips.

Thus, you need to note

down various dimensions

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of question’s theme. Nature of Public Administration:

Public Administration is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses

political science, sociology, economics, psychology, and law. It is a
complex and dynamic field that is constantly evolving in response to
changing social, economic, and political conditions. The nature of
Public Administration is influenced by various factors, including the
legal and constitutional framework, public opinion, political ideology,
and administrative culture.

By the scope of Public Administration, we mean the major concerns

of Public Administration as an activity and as a discipline.

Scope of Public Administration as an activity

Public administration covers every area and activity within the ambit
public policy. Thus, the scope of public administration is very wide in
modern state.

Scope of Public Administration as a Discipline

Several writers have defined the scope of public administration in

varying terms. Gullick sums up the scope of the subject by the letters
of the word POSDCoRB which denote: Planning, Organisation, Staffing,
Directing, Co-ordinating reporting the Budgeting.

Planning means the working out in broad outline the things to be done,
the methods to be adopted to accomplish the purpose.

Organisation means the establishment of the formal structure of

authority through which the work is sub-divided, arranged, defined
and coordinated.

Staffing means the recruitment and training of the personnel and their
conditions of work.

Directing means making decisions and issuing orders and instructions.

Coordinating means inter-relating the work of various divisions,

sections and other parts of the organisation.

Reporting means informing the superiors within the agency to whom

the executive is responsible about what is going on.

Budgeting means fiscal planning, control and accounting.

Criticism against POSDCoRB view

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 The POSDCoRB view takes into consideration only the common
techniques of the administration and ignores the study of the ‘subject
matter’ with which the agency is concerned.

A major defect is that the POSDCoRB view does not contain any
reference to the formulation and implementation of the policy.

The Subject Matter View

According to this, the study of public administration should deal with

both the processes (that is POSDCoRB techniques and the substantive
concerns).

Conclusion In conclusion, Public Administration is a vital aspect of government

functioning that involves the management of public resources and
the delivery of public services to citizens. The field of Public
Administration is constantly evolving in response to changing social,
economic, and political conditions. The study of Public
Administration is interdisciplinary, drawing upon knowledge and
techniques from various social science disciplines.

2.) Describe in detail the continuing features of British Administration features in Independent
India.

Why was this question Keywords given in the syllabus: Legacy of British rule.
asked?

Approach Examiner will expect you to include following things in your answer:
Provide a list of features that are continuing right from the British
rule to present times- Departmental Organizations, Public Service,
Public Service Commission, District Administration, Local
Government, Financial Administration.

Introduction The present Indian administrative structure is largely a legacy of

British rule in India. Free India inherited governmental machinery, as
developed by the British with the feel of significance accorded to
having a federal government

Body The continuing features of British administration are discussed below

in detail
Bhavani sir’s note: In

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exam hall, you require 1. Departmental Organizations: The internal organization of the
speed and spontaneity in departments and their working procedures has not changed
recalling and reproducing much. Hierarchy, written records, and communication have
content. continued. Pre-independence manuals still govern these
departments. The position of chief secretary in state
You must have content administration continues even till today.
on fingertips. 2. Public Service: One of the important legacies of the British
Thus, you need to note Rule in India was creation of Indian Civil Service. The
down various dimensions nomenclature of the service was changed to Indian
of question’s theme. Administrative Service (IAS) after independence. The
organizational structure, administrative setup, functioning,
and ethos have influenced not only the governmental
functioning but also the administrative culture
3. Public Service Commission: The idea of a merit based civil
service germinated on the Indian soil for the first time with the
submission of the Macaulay Report in 1854. To ensure
impartial selection of meritorious civil servants, the Federal
Public Service Commission was established in 1926. This was
replaced by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) after the
new Constitution of India came into force on 26th January,
1950.
4. District Administration: District is continuing, as a unit of
administration with noticeable increase in its importance. The
head of the district administration continues to be the
collector. However, the scale of operations at the district has
more than doubled. The collector still enjoys the powers and
status, as he used to, during the British rule. Now, apart from
the regulatory functions like maintenance of law and order
and revenue collection, the collectors are entrusted with the
developmental functions for the development and growth of
the respective districts.
5. Local Government: Lord Ripon, who had introduced local self-
government in India, has been called the ‘father of local self-
government in India’. Local government institutions, which
existed before independence, were consolidated and new
ones were created to meet the growing needs of people.
6. Financial Administration: The British administration created
institutions like Comptroller and Auditor General, (C&AG),
Public Accounts Committee, Reserve Bank, and a budget
system for having a sound financial administration in
government. These institutions are still playing a key role in
government to ensure financial prudence and accountability.

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 Conclusion In conclusion, while independent India has made significant changes
to its administration since gaining independence, the legacy of British
administration continues to be a significant influence on its
governance and institutions.

3.) Write a brief note on the evolution of Public Administration in Independent India?

Why was this question Keywords given in the syllabus: Evolution of Public Administration in
asked? India

Approach The examiner will expect you to include the following things in your
answer: It is better to break down the answer into different phases-
With each phase having a significant change.

• Phase 1 (1947-1965)
• Phase 2 (1965-1991)
• Phase 3 (1991-present)

Introduction Public administration in Independent India has undergone significant

changes since its inception in 1947. The country's administrative
system was heavily influenced by its colonial past, but the newly
formed government made efforts to make it more democratic,
accountable, and efficient.

Body The evolution of public administration in Independent India can be

divided into three phases.
Bhavani sir’s note: In
exam hall, you require Phase 1 (1947-1965):
speed and spontaneity in
recalling and reproducing
content. 1. Adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, which
You must have content established a federal system of government with a strong
on fingertips. central government and state governments.
2. Creation of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1948,
Thus, you need to note which replaced the colonial Indian Civil Service (ICS) as the
down various dimensions premier civil service of India.
of question’s theme. 3. Establishment of the Planning Commission in 1950, which was
responsible for formulating and implementing India's Five-
Year Plans to promote economic growth and development.
4. Introduction of the Panchayati Raj system in 1959, which
aimed to decentralize power to local government bodies at the

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 village level.

Phase 2 (1965-1991):

It saw the expansion of the administrative machinery and the rise of a

new class of administrators.

1. Establishment of the Administrative Reforms Commission

(ARC) in 1966, which made recommendations for
administrative reforms to improve efficiency, transparency,
and accountability in the public sector.
2. Introduction of the concept of district administration in the
1970s, which aimed to make administration more responsive
to local needs and demands.
3. Adoption of the New Economic Policy in 1991, which aimed to
liberalize and open up the Indian economy to foreign
investment and trade.

Phase 3 (1991-present):

It is characterized by the liberalization and globalization of the Indian

economy, which has led to significant changes in the role of the
government and its administrative machinery. The government has
adopted policies to encourage private investment and promote
competition, and has undertaken administrative reforms to make the
public sector more efficient and responsive.

1. Introduction of e-governance initiatives, such as the National

e-Governance Plan, to improve the delivery of public services
and increase transparency and accountability in the public
sector.
2. Introduction of the Right to Information Act in 2005, which
aimed to promote transparency and accountability by giving
citizens the right to access government information.
3. Establishment of the National Institution for Transforming
India (NITI) Aayog in 2015, which replaced the Planning
Commission and aims to promote cooperative federalism and
evidence-based policymaking.
4. Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017,
which aimed to simplify the tax system and promote economic
growth and development.

Conclusion As the American political scientist Herbert A. Simon once said, "Good
administration is a paradox. It must be both efficient and equitable."
This quote highlights the importance of balancing the efficiency of
the administrative machinery with the need for fairness and equity

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 in the delivery of public services.

While challenges such as corruption and bureaucratic red tape still

exist, the Indian government's commitment to improving public
administration is evident in its ongoing efforts to implement
administrative reforms and promote accountability and
transparency.

As India continues to grow and develop, the role of public

administration in shaping the country's future will remain critical. It
will require continuous innovation, adaptation, and improvement to
meet the changing needs and demands of its citizens.

4.) Comment on the following statement: “The Comptroller and Auditor-General that hobbles its
functioning, a judge without the power to sentence and a litigant with no right to appeal.”

Why was this question Keywords given in the syllabus: Constitutional Authorities
asked?

Approach The examiner will expect you to include following things in your
answer: List down the statements supporting the view as given in the
question and then write down the other set of points highlighting its
significance, which makes your answer look balanced.

Introduction The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India is a

constitutional body established to audit the accounts of the Union
and State Governments, as well as those of other bodies and
authorities that are financed wholly or partially by public funds.

Body However, there are some limitations of the CAG in India:

Bhavani sir’s note: In
exam hall, you require
speed and spontaneity in
recalling and reproducing
content.
You must have content
on fingertips.
Thus, you need to note
down various dimensions
of question’s theme.
1. The CAG can only audit and report on the accounts of the
government and does not have the power to investigate or
take action on any irregularities it may find.
2. The CAG's reports are not binding, and the government is not
legally required to take any action on the recommendations
made by the CAG.
3. The CAG does not have the power to audit the private sector,
which is the responsibility of other regulatory bodies.
4. The CAG does not have the power to conduct a performance
audit, which is an audit of the efficiency and effectiveness of a
government organization.
5. The CAG does not have the power to initiate prosecution
against any officials found guilty of financial irregularities.
6. The CAG's role is limited to audit and reporting, and it does not
have the power to take any enforcement action.

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 7. The CAG must rely on the government for the necessary
funding and resources to carry out its functions.
8. The CAG's reports are not always made public and can be
withheld by the government.
However, CAG reports are significant for the following reasons:

1. Ensuring accountability: CAG reports help to ensure that

government agencies and other public sector entities are held
accountable for their actions and use of public funds. By
highlighting instances of financial irregularities, inefficiencies,
and waste, CAG reports help to promote greater transparency
and accountability in government.
2. Promoting good governance: CAG reports provide valuable
insights into the functioning of government agencies and
highlight areas where improvements can be made. By making
recommendations for better governance and more effective
implementation of policies, CAG reports contribute to the
overall development of the country.
3. Detecting and preventing fraud: CAG reports often uncover
instances of fraud, corruption, and mismanagement of public
funds. By bringing such cases to light, CAG reports help to
prevent such practices from occurring in the future and deter
others from engaging in similar activities.
4. Strengthening the audit system: CAG reports provide an
important feedback mechanism for the audit system, helping
to identify areas where improvements can be made and
highlighting best practices that can be adopted by other audit
organizations.
5. Improving financial management: CAG reports often contain
recommendations for improving financial management
practices, including better budgeting, accounting, and
reporting procedures. By implementing these
recommendations, government agencies can improve their
financial management practices and make more effective use
of public funds.
6. Supporting parliamentary oversight: CAG reports provide
valuable information and analysis to parliamentary
committees, helping them to carry out their oversight function
more effectively. By providing detailed information on
government programs and expenditures, CAG reports enable
parliamentary committees to ask informed questions and hold
government agencies accountable for their actions.

Conclusion It's important to note that despite these limitations, the CAG plays
an important role in ensuring the financial accountability of the
government, and its reports provide valuable insights into the
financial operations of the government.

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5.) Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss,
in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee?

Why was this question Why do you think the committees are useful for parliamentary work?
asked? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee (UPSC -
2018)

Approach The examiner will expect you to include following things in your
answer: Reasons why Parliamentary committees are key in the
functioning of Parliament working, Roles and responsibilities of
Estimates Committee.

Introduction Parliamentary committees are specialized groups of members of

parliament who are appointed to examine specific issues or areas of
concern in detail. Committees are useful for parliamentary work for
a number of reasons. Some of the key reasons why committees are
useful for parliamentary work include:

Body 1. Enhancing efficiency: Committees allow for the more efficient

Bhavani sir’s note: In
exam hall, you require
speed and spontaneity in
recalling and reproducing
content.
You must have content
on fingertips.
Thus, you need to note
down various dimensions
of question’s theme.
and effective consideration of legislation and other
parliamentary business, as they allow for the division of work
among smaller groups of members. This can help to speed up
the legislative process and to ensure that issues are thoroughly
examined and debated.
2. Promoting in-depth examination of issues: Committees allow
for a more in-depth examination of issues, as they allow for
the consideration of evidence from experts and stakeholders.
This can help to ensure that decisions are based on a thorough
understanding of the issues at hand.
3. Providing opportunities for participation: Committees
provide opportunities for members to participate in the
legislative process and to contribute their expertise and
knowledge on specific issues. This can help to ensure that the
views and perspectives of all members are taken into account.
4. Facilitating public involvement: Committees often hold public
hearings, which allow for the participation of members of the
public in the legislative process. This can help to ensure that
the views and perspectives of the public are taken into account
and to promote transparency and accountability.
5. Allowing for the consideration of a broad range of issues:
Committees can consider a wide range of issues and can be

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 established to focus on specific areas of concern. This allows
for the examination of issues in greater depth and for the
consideration of a broad range of perspectives.
6. Providing opportunities for cross-party collaboration:
Committees can provide opportunities for members of
different political parties to work together and to find common
ground on issues of concern. This can help to build consensus
and to facilitate the passage of legislation.
7. Enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of parliamentary
decisions: Committees help to enhance the credibility and
legitimacy of parliamentary decisions, as they allow for the
thorough examination of issues and the participation of a
diverse range of stakeholders. This can help to ensure that
parliamentary decisions are well-informed and reflect the
needs and concerns of the public.
8. Promoting the exchange of ideas and knowledge:
Committees provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas
and knowledge among members and stakeholders. This can
help to foster a better understanding of issues and to
encourage the development of more effective solutions.

The Estimates Committee is a parliamentary committee that plays a

key role in the parliamentary process. The Estimates Committee is
responsible for examining the estimates of expenditure (the budget)
presented to Parliament by the government, and for making
recommendations on the allocation of resources.

In this role, the Estimates Committee has a number of

responsibilities, including:

1. Examining the estimates of expenditure: The Estimates

Committee is responsible for examining the estimates of
expenditure presented to Parliament by the government. This
involves reviewing the proposed allocation of resources and
evaluating the need for, and the justification of, each
expenditure.
2. Making recommendations: Based on its review of the
estimates of expenditure, the Estimates Committee makes
recommendations to Parliament on the allocation of
resources. These recommendations may include suggestions
for changes to the budget, or recommendations on the
allocation of resources to specific sectors or programs.
3. Enhancing transparency and accountability: The Estimates
Committee helps to enhance transparency and accountability
by ensuring that the government is accountable for its
expenditure and that public funds are used in a responsible
and transparent manner.

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 4. Fostering debate and discussion: The Estimates Committee
plays a role in fostering debate and discussion on the budget
and the allocation of resources, as it allows for the
participation of members of Parliament and other
stakeholders in the process.

Conclusion Thus, Parliamentary committees play a crucial role in the

parliamentary process by facilitating the efficient and effective
consideration of legislation and other parliamentary business,
promoting in-depth examination of issues, providing opportunities
for participation, and enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of
parliamentary decisions.

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