Sl No Topic Pg No - La Ex

Sl No Topic Pg No Administration Theory

1. Introduction

01. Meaning, Scope and Significance of Public Administration 1 − 1

02. Wilson's Vision of Public Administration 2 − 2

03. Evolution of the Discipline and its Present Status 2 − 3

04. New Public Administration

05. Public Choice Approach 3 − 3

06. Challenges of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation

07. Good Governance: Concept and Application 4 − 4

08. New Public Management 4 − 5

2. Administrative Thought

01. Scientific Management and Scientific Management Movement 5 − 6

02. Classical Theory 6 − 6

03. Weber's Bureaucratic Model - its Critique and Post Weberian Developments 6 − 7

04. Mary Parker Follett 7 − 7

05. Human Relations School 8 − 8

06. Functions of the Executive C.I. Barnard 8 − 9

07. Simon's Decision-Making Theory 9 − 9

08. Participative Management

09. Other Administrative Thinkers 10 − 10

3. Administrative Behaviour

01. Process and Techniques of Decision-Making

02. Communication

03. Morale

11 − 11

04. Motivation Theories - Content, Process and Contemporary 12 − 12

05. Theories of Leadership-Traditional and Modern 12 − 13

Public Administration Paper - 1

INDEX

4. Organizations

01. Systems Theory and Contingency Theory 13 − 13

02. Structure and Forms

03. Ministries and Department, Corporations, Companies 14 − 14

04. Regulatory Authorities 14 − 15

05. Public-Private Partnerships 15 − 15

5. Accountability and Control

01. Concepts of Accountability and Control 15 − 15

02. Citizen and Administration

03. Role of Media, Interest Groups, Voluntary Organizations 16 − 16

04. Civil Society 16 − 17

05. Citizen's Charter

06. Right to Information

07. Social Audit

17 − 17

6. Administrative Law

01. Meaning, Scope and Significance

02. Dicey on Administrative Law 18 − 18

03. Delegated Legislation

04. Administrative Tribunals 19 − 19

7. Comparative Public Administration

01. Historical and Sociological Factors Affecting Administrative Systems 19 − 19

02. Administration and Politics in Different Countries

03. Current Status of Comparative Public Administration 20 − 20

04. Riggsian Models and their Critique 20 − 21

8. Development Dynamics

01. Concept of Development 21 − 22

02. Changing Profile of Development Administration 22 − 22

03. Anti-Development Thesis

04. Bureaucracy and Development

05. Strong State Versus The Market Debate, Impact of Liberalisation on Administration in Developing Countries

23 − 23

06. Women and Development - The Self-Help Group Movement 24 − 24

9. Personnel Administration

01. Importance of Human Resource Development 24 − 24

02. Recruitment

03. Training

04. Career Advancement

25 − 25

05. Position Classification

06. Discipline and Performance Appraisal 26 − 26

07. Promotion, Pay and Service Conditions

08. Employer-Employee Relations

09. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

10. Code of Conduct

27 − 27

11. Administrative Ethics 28 − 28

10. Public Policy

01. Models of Policy-Making and their Critique 28 − 29

02. Processes of Conceptualisation 29 − 29

03. Planning and Implementation

04. Evaluation and Review and their Limitations 30 − 30

05. State Theories and Public Policy Formulation 31 − 31

11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement

01. Organisation and Methods

02. Work Study and Work Management 31 − 31

03. E-Governance and Information Technology 32 − 32

04. Management Aid Tools Like Networking Analysis, MIS

05. PERT, CPM 33 − 33

12. Financial Administration

01. Monetary and Fiscal Policies

02. Public Borrowings and Public Debt 34 − 34

03. Budget - Types and Forms 35 − 35

04. Budgetary Processes

05. Accounts and Audit 36 − 36

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Public Administration UPSC Previous Year Question Bank

01. Meaning, Scope and Significance of Public Administration

Year Question Words Marks

2019 “Public Administration is constantly being reinvented because it is contextual.” Elaborate. 150 10

2018 "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.

150 10

2016 "Public Administration is the translation of politics into reality that citizens see everyday." (Donald F. Kettl and Janies W) 150 10

2010 "The study of administration should start from the base of management rather than the foundation of law. "Explain. 250 20

2007 "Public and Private Administrations are two species of the same genus, but they also have special values and techniques of their own. "Comment. 250 20

2006 "If public administration is to play a major legitimising role in governing our complex society, it needs to be more fully conceptualised. "Discuss. 250 20

2005 "Administrative questions are not political questions." discuss 250 20

2002 "Though there are certain points of similarity between public and private administration yet no private organisation can ever be exactly the same as a public one." Examine

250 20

2002 "Publicness Comment" of Public Administration in an ideal democratic government remains the ultimate value in theory and practice. 'Elucidate. 250 20

2000

"A science of admministration would be a body of formal statements describing invariant relationships between measurable ojects, units or elements. unquestionably, administrative research has produced definite precepts and hypotheses that are applicable to concrete situation." (Fritz Morsetin Marx) Comment.

250 20

1. Introduction

Administration Theory



02. Wilson's Vision of Public Administration


2017 "Even after 130 years of its publication. Woodrow Wilson's essay "The Study of Administration' continues to have great relevance even today." Comment. 150 10

2009 "The field of Public Administration is a field of business." (Woodrow Wilson) 250 20

2008 "Calling Woodrow Wilson, the father of Public Administration is doing injustic to equally or even more eminent contributions made prior to him. " Comment. 250 20

03. Evolution of the Discipline and its Present Status


2019 “If there is ever to be a science of Public Administration it must derive from an understanding of man’s behaviour”. Explain. 150 10

2017 "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

250 20

2015 Waldo's The Administrative State' provides a fundamental challenge to some of the orthodox premises. Explain. 150 10

2014 What are the implications of the post- structuralist perspective on the discrete aspects of Public Administration, coming from its epistemological positions?

150 10

2012 How would you trace the development of paradigms from the politics/ administration dichotomy of 190-1926 to the rise of Public Administration as Public Administration after the formation of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) in the USA in 1970?

300 30

2009 From Woodrow Wilson to herbert Simon most writers on administration have taken the achievement of efficiency as the central objective. Justify the statement with references to the work of major writers.

500 60

2003 "The advent of the concept of roll back of the state" since the nineteen eighties had been altering the role of Public Administration but certainly not diminishing its central place in human society. "Discuss.

250 20

2003 Given an account of major landmarks in the growth of the discipline of Public Administration in the 20th century. What are the possible trends in its growth in the first decade of 21st century?

500 60



2002 Describe the evolution of the discipline of public administration with special emphasis on post - 1971 developments. 500 60

2000 "………. The paradigms of public administration may be understood in terns of locus and focus. " Golembiewski. In the light of the above statement describe the evolutions of the discipline of public administration .

500 60

04. New Public Administration


2018 “The Phenomenological Approach advocated by the New Public Administration has obstructed the path of theory building in Public Administration." Comment.

250 20

2016 "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.

200 15

2011 In the evolution of the discipline of Public Admnistration, Minnowbrook Coferences I, II and III reflect the discipline's reconceptualisation and its changing values. Elucidate.

300 30

2010 "New Public Management is dead: long live digital era of governance." Comment. 250 20

2009 "New Public Administration is …. A revolution or radicalism in words, and (at best) status - quo in skills or technologies. 250 20

2001 Minnow brook Conference in USA identified four features crucial to 'new public administration'. Explain. 250 20

05. Public Choice Approach


2015 Discuss how the Public Choice Theory promotes the concept of 'Steering'. And visualising efficient and effective administration. 150 10

2013 What is administrative elitism? How does it evolve in public administration? Elaborate your response with reference to historical examples. 150 10

2012 On a more sophisticated plane public choice is concerned with "Pareto optimality", or at least with "Pareto improvements". Comment 150 12

2011 Whereas Downs' Model is largely dependent on a theiry of psychological motivation, Niskanen's model is framed by neo - classical thinking. In the light of the above, discuss the public choice approach to decision - making

300 30



06. Challenges of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation


2019 “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.

250 20

2017 "Liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation have transformed the nature of development administration." Discuss 250 20

2015 "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.

250 20

2013 "In the globalized public administration, hierarchy creates more ethical problems than it solves ……"Comment 150 10

07. Good Governance: Concept and Application


2019 With the entry of the concept of ‘good governance’ the discipline of Public Administration has shed its statist character. Explain. 200 15

2019 “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.

250 20

2016

"Good governance is respect for human rights and the rule of law, streng - thening democracy, promoting transparency and capacity in Public Administration. " (Kofi Annan) In the light of the statement. Critically examine the criterial of good governance as provided by United Nations and Nayef Al-Rodhan.

200 15

2004 Democracy and good governance are contradict - ions in terms. Discuss with examples 500 60

08. New Public Management


2019 Contractualism has became a favourite policy of the neoliberal forces, but now without its share of controversy. Argue. 150 10

2019 Has New Public Management failed in promoting a democratic polity? Analyze in the contexts of individuals as a citizen and individuals as a costumer. 200 15



2018 “New Public Service approach is an improvement over its predecessor, New Public Management." Discuss 150 10

2017 New Public Management has been branded by certain scholars as 'Neo - Taylorism.' It is a justified comparison? What factors have led to the decline of NPM so soon after its birth?

250 20

2014 "New Public Management and post - New Public Management reforms initiatives have affected the balance between managerial, political, administrative, legal, professional and social accountability." Analyze.

250 20

2013 "New Public Management may have neither been the saviour its enthusiasts promised nor the devil its critics worried it would be. "Discuss. 300 25

2011 A crisis of credibility' in the administrative system can be overcome only by 'reinventing government' Comment. 250 20

2009

It is said that "the perspective of public administration, developed over a century, with a tradition of management of public institutions and services has received a jolt from the novelty of New Public Management." Bring out the core values, approaches and show how the new Public Management has attempted to change or retain them, and to what extent.

500 60

2008 "In the last two decades, almost all countries of the world have experienced transformations in their administrative systems. "Explain this phenomenon with examples from the developed and the developing nations in the context of New Public Management Movement.

500 60

2003 "The 'New Public Management' (N2M) is an incarnation of a new model of public sector management n response of the challenges of liberalization, international competitiveness and technological changes. "Explain.

250 20

01. Scientific Management and Scientific Management Movement


2016 “Taylorism is considered very controversial despite its popularity.” (Stephen P. Waring ) Comment. 150 10

2014 Peter Drucker justified in saying. “Management principles should not tell us what to do, but only tell us what not to do ? Comment. 150 10

2014 “taylor’s ideas and need modification in the context of post – industrial economies in contemporary era.” Justify with reasons. 250 20

2. Administrative Thought



2012 In what respects is Taylor’s Scientific Management’ or classical motivational theory different from the classical organizational theory expounded by Gulick, urwick etc?

200 15

2012 What light does Antonio Gramsci’s critique of Taylorism throw on its socio-psychological underpinnings? 200 15

2009 “Taylor’s contribution was not a set of general principles for organizing work efficiency, but a set of operating procedures that could be employed in each concrete situation to secure their application.”

250 20

2007 “Taylor’s scientific management ignored social and psychological factors.” Comment. 250 20

02. Classical Theory


2013 Structural theory is, by and large grounded in classical principles of efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. Explain 300 25

2007 Discus the main approaches to increase the efficiency of government and public administration. 500 60

2006 A fairly adequate analysis of the Administrative Organization in government is possible when we treat 'bureaucracy' as a 'structure' and 'administration' as a 'function'. Discuss

250 20

2006 Critically examine the Classical Science of administration with special reference to its criticism by Dwight Waldo and Robert Dahl. 500 60

2005 "The failure of classical science of administration lies in its capacity to confront theory with evidence." Discuss. 250 20

2001 Why do all administrative organizations consider 'hierarchy' as the many splendoured technique? Discuss. 500 60

03. Weber's Bureaucratic Model - its Critique and Post Weberian Developments


2019 “Bureau pathology denigrates competence in organization.” Explain. 150 10

2018 "The concepts of rationality and efficiency are intertwined in the bureaucratic analysis of Max Weber." Comment. 150 10

2015 “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks emotional validity when applied to modern democratic administration.” Comment 200 15



2014 "New Public Management and post - New Public Management reforms initiatives have affected the balance between managerial, political, administrative, legal, professional and social accountability." Analyze.

250 20

2014 “Kari Marx’s interpretation of bureaucracy was rooted in the history of the nature of the State.” Evaluate. 150 10

2012 ‘In the canonization of this abstract idea of ‘Staatsraison’ are inseparably woven the sure instincts of the bureaucracy for the conditions which preserve its own power in the State’(Weber). Explain

150 12

2009 Consider the statements below: i) “Technically, the bureaucracy represents the purest type of lagal – rational authority ii) “Bureaueracy does not represent the only type of legal authority. “Identify the theoretical context and analyse the above statements

300 30

2004 Weber’s ideas of impersonal detachment and esprit de corps are incompatible. Explain. 500 60

2004 “Bureaucarcy can exist only where the whole service of the state is removed from the common political life of the people, its chiefs as well as rank and file. Its motives, its objectives, its policy, its standards must be bureaucratic. “Discuss.

250 20

2003 “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks empirical validity when applied to modern democratic administration.” Examine 250 20

2001 Critically examine the models of Max weber and Chester I Barnard with reference to ‘bureaucratic authority’. 250 20

04. Mary Parker Follett


2019 Mary Parker Follett traced the foundational value of business and enterprise on her way to understand the organism of governmental machinery. Comment.

200 15

2017 “Conflict is the appearance of differences differences of opinions and of interests” (May Parker Follett), Comment 150 10

2015 “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 right of the statement critically evaluate Follett’s idea of dynamic administration.

250 20

2008 “Mary Parker Follett was far ahead of her times.” Discuss. 250 20

2006 “The main problem with Mary Parker Follett’s work is that her idealism is showing.” Explain. 250 20

2005 In Follett’s view. “Authority belongs to the job and stays with the job. “ Explain. 250 20



05. Human Relations School


2017 “What is distinctive about the Classical and Human Relations schools of administration is their complementarity to each. “Analyse. 150 10

2013

“The design of the physical structure, the anatomy of the organization came first, and was indeed the principal consideration.” “An organization is a system of interrelated social behaviours of participants. Analyse these statements and evaluate the contributions of the respective approaches to administration theory.

300 25

2006 To what extent has the human relations movement contributed to the knowledge and practice within the field of personnel administration? 500 60

2002 Explain the contribution of George Elton Mayo to the development of the Human Relations School. How did behavioural scientists modify his basic findings?

500 60

06. Functions of the Executive C.I. Barnard


2019 “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.”

150 10

2018 "Chester Barnard's model of 'Contribution-Satisfaction Equilibrium' is still considered a logical model of organisational motivation." Do you agree? Give arguments

200 15

2017 “Executive positions imply a complex morality and require a high capacity of responsibility” – (Chester Baranrd). Comment 200 15

2015 “Contemporary Organizational theory seems further afield of Chester Barnard’s Functions of the Executive than of organizational ecology. “ Examine the statement in the light of ecological elements in Barnard’s thought.

200 15

2014 “Governance theory and the notion of governmentality have many points of convergence, but they run on parallel lines.” Comment. 250 20

2009 “The Barnard – Simon Theory of Organisation is essentially a theory of motivation.” 250 20

2007 “The distinction between line and staff is relative rather than absolute. “ Discuss. 250 20



2005 ‘The inculcation of belief in the real existence of a common purpose is an essential executive function. ‘Comment 250 20

2005 “Organisation is a system of consciously coordinated activities or forces of two or more persons. “Comment. 250 20

2000 …..a more thorough consideration leads to the understanding that communication, authority, specialization and purpose are all aspects comprehended in coordination. (chester I. Barnard) – Comment.

250 20

07. Simon's Decision-Making Theory


2018 “Herbert Simon's book Administrative Behavior presents a synthesis of the classical and behavioural approaches to the study of Public Administration." Explain

150 10

2013 “Decisions are not made by ‘organizations’ but by ‘human beings’ behaving as members of organizations. “How do Bernard and Simon conceptualize the relation between the decisions of the individual employee and the organizational authority?

250 20

2012 ‘Three features characterize Simon’s original view of bounded rationality search for alternatives, satisficing, and aspiration adaptation. Elucidate. 250 20

2010 “Simon’s identifying decision – making as the core field of public administration appears logically acceptable but his positivist underpinning is problematic.” Critically examine the statement.

400 40

2006 “Simon’s work has had major implications for the study of public administration and the practice of public administration professionalism. “ Comment

250 20

2001 The ‘decision – making scheme’ and ‘satisfying model’ of Herbert A Simon is the major component of administrative theory. Comment. 500 60

2000 “Administrative efficiency is enhanced by keeping at a minimum the number of organizational levels through which a matter must pass before it is acted upon.”- (Herbert. Simon) Comment.

250 20



08. Participative Management


2017 The Participative Management School of Argyris and Likers advocates democracy within the administrative system. Will this approach be equally useful to developing countries with evolving democracies?

250 20

2016 “Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y describe two contrasting by managers in an organization.” Examine. 250 20

2014 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.

250 20

2013 The theory of ‘organizational incompetence’ has two separate and distinct faces. Examine Chris Argyris ‘views on this. 150 10

2011 Critically examine conflict resolution according to M.P.Follett. Explain how MacGregor took forward her ideas in the context of complex organizations. 300 30

2010 “The successful management leaders are found in Likert’s “system – 4’ approach to organizational leadership”. Examine. 250 20

2007 Analyse Mcgregor’s Theory X and Theroy Y. Do you agree with the view that with every passing year, McGregor’s message has become more relevant and more important? Substantiate your answer.

500 60

2001 “In McGregor’s view, the managerial cosmology meaningfully addresses the understanding of manager and his role perceptions. “Explain. 250 20

09. Other Administrative Thinkers


2018 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.

250 20

2018 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.

200 15



01. Process and Techniques of Decision-Making


2008 Examine the respective roles of facts and values in the decision – making process. Is it possible to make value – free decisions in government decisions be made more rational?

500 60

02. Communication


2018 Communication represents the “Nerves of Government" (Karl Deutsch). How can the communication system in the government be made more effective, responsive and motivational?

250 20

2015 “Information constitutes the life – blood of the functioning of an organization. “ Explain the utility and significance of communication in decision – making. 200 15

2001 “The nature and role of communication in administration indicates that “Communication is authority”. Comment. 250 20

2000 “Information constitutes the life – blood of the functioning of organization.” In the light of this statement, explain the utility and importance of communication in decision – making.

500 60

03. Morale


2016 Morale can drive an organization forward or can lead employees’ discontent, poor job performance and absenteeism.” Examine. 150 10

2013 What is the nature of psychological contract pursued by organizational management trough authority and the employees through exertion of upward influence?

200 15

2007 What is meant by morale? There is a belief that “moral and productivity go hand in hand and higher the morale, higher is the productivity. “Do you agree? Substantiate.

500 60

2003 What is morale? State its significance and suggest methods to foster and sustain morale in an organization 500 60

3. Administrative Behaviour



04. Motivation Theories- Content, Process and Contemporary


2013

Read the following instances carefully and suggest what specific perspectives on organizational psychology of motivation would help the concerned organization to reconcile the needs of the following four persons with the needs of the organization: i) Mr. A comes to his office with clocklike punctuality; does his work with impeccable honesty and integrity; takes order from above gladly; responds well to overtures by peers; but neither mixes with anyone himself nor seeks anyone’s company. What is more, he seem quite happy in his isolation. ii)Mr.B is an efficient charge – hand at the welding shop. He is very outgoing and makes friends fast, but falls out with them very fast too. He is, however, easily pacified when anyone asks him to calm down in the name of the organization. iii) Dr. C is completely happy and absorbed when he is teaching in the classes, and does not at all mind when his workload gets heavier and covers new areas. But he gets angry when the finance section raises objections about his medical bills; and is furious that the higher administration is furious that the higher administration is yet to give him full tenure. iv) Mr. is a metallurgist in the forge shop of the steel plant, and has received honours for his innovativeness in modifying conventional alloys. He also paints well and values his painting skills far more than his metallurgy and is extremely unhappy that the company house jurnal did not finally carry his water sketch on its front cover.

300 30

2012 ‘Men’s motives...in different subparts of the same organization may be different’ [Edgar Schein]. Discuss. 150 12

2007 “Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ and Frederick Herzberg’s “Two – Factor theory’, have commonalities in the analysis of human motivation. Comment.

200 15

2004 “Motivation theory is not synonymous with behavior theory. The motivations are only one class of determinants of behavior while behavior is almost always motivated, it is also almost always biologically, culturally and situationally determined as well.” Comment.

250 20

2002 Compare Abraham Maslow’s theory of motivation and Herzberg’s motivation – hygiene theory. Do you think that they are universally applicable? If so, why? If not, why not?

500 60

05. Theories of Leadership-Traditional and Modern


2018 "A leader is a people's developer" (Napoleon) . Which aspects of subordinates' development can be positively influenced by a leader ? Discuss. 150 10

2017 “Leaders do the right things; managers do them rightly”- (Warren Bennis) . Is this distinction by him valid? Explain 150 10



2016 “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.

250 20

2015 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. 150 10

2012 Leadership is the ‘influential increment over and above mechanical compliance with the routine directives of the organization’ [Katz and Kahn]. Analyze.

150 12

2008 “Leaders do the right things, managers do them rightly. (Bennis) Comment 250 20

01. Systems Theory and Contingency Theory


2019 Contingency theory of organization is founded on the interplay of ‘external fit’ and ‘internal fit’. Discuss. 250 20

2018 "Political and administrative systems have reciprocal relationship.” Discuss. 200 15

2017 “Systems Theory in essence is not a theory, but an approach to the study of administrative phenomena. “Comment. 200 15

2014 How does the Strategic Contingencies Theory of organizational design deal with problems arising from sub- unit centrality and non-sub stitutiability ? 250 20

2012 “The essence of the contingency theory paradigm is that organizational effectiveness results from fitting characteristics of the organization, such as its structure, to contingencies that reflect the situation of the organization.; Give your reactions to this statement.

250 20

2012 In the light of your discussion on 3(b) (i) above, also show where and how this ‘fitting’ differs essentially from the ‘coping’ with ‘stress’ from the environment emphasized by the systems theory of organization.

250 20

2011 The system Approach is relevant even today for organizational analysis. Discuss how chester Barnard and David Easton how chester Barnard and David Easton adopted this approach in their respective areas of study.

300 30

4. Organizations



02. Structure and Forms


2013 “A variety of different organizational arrangements can be used to provide different public goods and service Explain theory underlying this proposition and its potential contribution.

200 15

2007 “The distinction between line and staff is relative rather than absolute. “ Discuss. 250 20

2001 A fairly adequate analysis of the Administrative Organization in Government is possible when we treat bureaucracy’ as a ‘structure’ and ‘administration’ as a ‘function’. Discuss.

500 60

03. Ministries and Department, Corporations, Companies


2018 “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.

250 20

2016 “The autonomy of Public Corporations raised a great debate about their internal working and external relation with the Ministers and the Parliament. “Discuss.

150 10

2009 “There is no doubt the departmentalisation is fraught with complexities. These are in par technical. In part political. “Discus. 250 20

2008

“To claim that a company or a corporation form is always more effective than a departmental form of organization is an outdated view. The real test of a sound structure is its capacity to balance decisional autonomy and operational flexibility with optimal accountability. “Critically examine this statement.

500 60

2002 ‘Public corporations are not an end in themselves but an extension of the government activities designed to promote public welfare. “Substantiate. 250 20

04. Regulatory Authorities


2019 “The advent of the regulatory regimes indicates the demise of the arbitrator state.” Comment. 200 15



2016

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.

250 20

2014 “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 Regulatiory State,

200 15

05. Public-Private Partnerships


2015 “PPPs serve too many parties and too many interests … to be focused. “Identify in the context of the statement. The parties involved in Public – Private Partnerships and their conflicting aims

200 15

2013 “To talk about the regulatory framework is to talk about governance.” Analyse the statement in the context of public – private partnerships and identify the elements of regulation.

200 15

2010 Explain the impact of privatization on public administration with special reference to a) the issue of user fees b) public – private partnership c) outsourcing technique.

500 60

01. Concepts of Accountability and Control


2013 How did traditional public administration “resolve a fundamentally irresolvable problem – creating an administration strong enough to be effective but not strong enough to endanger accountability”?

150 10

2013 Public Administration in the new – liberal era is governed less by instruments of internal accountability and more by those of external accountability Elaborate.

150 10

2006 “Autonomy and accountability in Public Enterprises cannot walk together” Explain, 250 20

2000 “The weakest aspect of Indian Administrative system is utter disregard of accountability. “Examine the current mechanism for enforcing accountability. What steps are necessary to make it more effective?

500 60

5. Accountability and Control



02. Citizen and Administration


2018 "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.

200 15

03. Role of Media, Interest Groups, Voluntary Organizations


2019 “Media the Fourth estate is in chains.” Examine the statement in the context of governmental accountability. 200 15

2017 When the media is controlled by vested interests, how can it control the vested interests in the government? How can the media become more responsible and impartial?

200 15

2015 How far do you agree with the view that the growing influence of media comes in the way of agenda-setting by the Government ? 200 15

2014 "The notion of information organization is a residual or cafeteria concept of diverse and sprawling contents." How Gouldner establish the need for understanding the interdigitations between the 'formal' and 'informal' organization?

200 15

2014 "Voluntary organizations have become tools of sensitization of governmental agencies." Comment. 200 15

2012 Should media exposure be included in rules for administrative accountability in India ? State your views. 200 15

2011 Media is a Parliament of citizens' Explain. 250 20

2008 "Instruments of public accountability can be truly effective only if the people and their associations, backed by a responsible media, are assertively pro active." Comment.

250 20

04. Civil Society


2017 Civil Society supplements and complements the State. However, its capacity and role depend upon the will of the State. Comment. 200 15

2016 "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 ?

200 15

2012 Comment on the of Civil Society in facilitating administrative accountability with special reference to the 'Janlokpal' issue in India. 300 30



2006 Define the term 'civil society'. How does civil society influence the public policy? 500 60

2002 "Civil society exists to ensure that government does provide good governance." Discuss. 250 20

05. Citizen's Charter


2015 "Right from the days of the 'Peoples' Charter to the new concept of 'Precariat Charier', the concept of Citizen's Charter and its scope is constantly evolving." Comment.

250 20

2010 Explain the basic principles underlying Citizen's Character with special reference to (a) its administrative philosophy. (b) promoting public accountability (c) ensuring standards of public service.

500 60

2003 Citizens charter' is the most important innovation in the context of promotion of customer-orientation of administration." Discuss. 250 20

06. Right to Information


2014 "The Right to Information is not all about citizens' empowerment, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability." Discuss. 200 15

2012

Open access to government records is ... the hallmark of a democratic government', but 'governments are not hesitant about destroying records-very deliberately-in order to prevent investigations, as well as to generally weaken accountability'. Do you think that in this situation right to information complete declassification and `de-archivization' of government records? Argue.

300 30

2007 "Right to information promotes transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority." Explain. . 500 60

2004 Discuss the legal and political implications of Right to information. Is it a feasible concept in the developing countries? 500 60

07. Social Audit


2017 Can we say that statutory audit and social audit are two sides of the same coin? Or, are they two separate coins with varying values? Discuss. 200 15

2016 "In spite of certain advantages, Social Audit arrangements have mostly been ineffective because there is no legal provision for punitive action." Comment. 150 10



01. Meaning, Scope and Significance


2019 “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.

200 15

2017 "Administrative law is recognised by its substance rather than its form." Discuss. 150 10

2016 'The central concern of Administrative Law has been the legal limitation of administrative discretion." Give reasons. 200 15

2014 "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 ?

150 10

2006 "Today the content of administrative law is driven primarily by the scope of public administrative activity." Explain. 500 60

2005 "Today the content of administrative law is driven primarily by the scope of public administration activity." Explain. 500 60

02. Dicey on Administrative Law


2018 "The Journey of Administrative Law has moved much beyond A. V. Dicey.” Comment. 150 10

2012 Do you think that there is an unresolved and often overlooked tension in Dicey's concept of rule of law, considering that the other principle of parliamentary sovereignty in English constitutional system runs counter to it?

250 20

2012 Would you agree that the strong Rechsstaat version of the rule of law found on the Continent never existed in England because of its particular history? 250 20

2012 Why is le droit administratif regarded alongside the Napoleonic Code as the most notable achievement of French legal science ? 250 20

2011 Make a critical assessment of Dicey's understanding of the Rule of Law and Droit Administratit: 200 15

2002 "Dicey was wrong not only in his concept of the rule of law, but he also overlooked the significance of the administrative law."- Comment. 250 20

6. Administrative Law



03. Delegated Legislation


2019 “Delegated legislation has become a strategic tool in the hands of the executive despite its utility.” Comment. 150 10

2017 The principle of delegated legislation, is I think right, but I must emphasise that it is well for Parliament to keep a watchful and even zealous eye on it at all stages"- (Herbert Morrison) . Analyze.

200 15

2015 "Delegated Legislation is a necessary evil." Comment. 150 10

2011 Make out a case for Delegated Legislation. 200 15

2007 "Delegated legislation is a necessary evil." Examine. 250 20

2004 Delegated Legislation is not absolute. Explain 250 20

04. Administrative Tribunals


2000 Write short note on Effectiveness and utility of Central and State Administrative Tribunals. 250 20

01. Historical and Sociological Factors Affecting Administrative Systems


2018 "Administrative systems across the world can be understood only in their respective historical and social contexts." Explain the statement giving examples.

250 20

2005 "No science of public administration is possible unless.... there is a body of comparative studies from which it may be possible to discover principles and generalities that transcend national boundaries and peculiar historical experiences." Discuss.

250 20

2003 "Comparative Public Administration both resembles and differs from modern organization theory." Elaborate. 150 10

7. Comparative Public Administration



02. Administration and Politics in Different Countries


2013 "….in most cases…newly independent states, of the nations of Africa, Asia and Latin America, despite their differences….are in transition." (Ferrel Heady). What common features are indicative of characteristics of their administrative patterns (cultures) ?

200 15

2009 "... non-western states often, if not always, have unbalanced politics, but these may not necessarily be bureaucratic politics." Discuss. 250 20

03. Current Status of Comparative Public Administration


2019 The failure to discard its elitist character and west-centric orientation has led to the decline of Comparative Public Administration. Explain. 150 10

2015 How does Ferrel Heady rationalize the three stages of development in comp? .w.ive administration? 250 20

2012 Comment on the reasons why universal theory remains elusive in comparative public administration. 250 20

2008 "Truly comparative administrative studies are empirical, nomothetic and ecological." (Riggs) In this perspective, examine the current status of Comparative Public Administration.

250 20

2004 Explain the meaning, significance and Models of Comparative Public Administration. 500 60

04. Riggsian Models and their Critique


2017 "The Riggsian models of Fused-Prismatic Diffracted Societies and their administrative systems have been inspired by Max Weber's typology of Traditional Charismatic Legal-Rational Authorities." Analyze. .

250 20

2016 "Fred Riggs continuously changed his theory in order to create the perfect model." Comment. 250 20

2016 "Riggs observed that three 'trends' could be discerned in the comparative study of Public Administration." Discuss. 150 10



2014 Critically examine the Riggsian concept of differentiation in the context of post-globalization era. 150 10

2012 `Rigg's classification of societies into fused, prismatic, and diffracted in built around the concept of differentiation.' Analyze. 150 12

2010 "The prismatic model of Riggs is equally applicable to developing as well as developed society." Comment. 250 20

2009 Which of the model (s) in development administration is/are characterized by `Selectivism', 'Attainment' and 'Poly-functionalism? Describe the corresponding theoretical roots and attributes.

300 30

2007 "Not to be comparative is to be naively parochial"(Riggs) . Comment. 250 20

2002 How did Fred W. Riggs conceptualize the interactions between administrative systems and their environment? 500 60

2001 Critically comment on Riggsian Prismatic Sala model of administration of developing societies. To what extent Indian Administrative system exhibits prismatic characteristics?

250 20

2000 "Political environment conditions admini¬strative system."- (F. W. Riggs) Comment. 250 20

2000 Critically examine the approach and methodology adopted by Fred W. Riggs in his study of prismatic and sala societies. What is valid-content of Raj Krishna's criticism of refraction?

500 60

01. Concept of Development


2019 “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.

250 20

2018 "The process of administrative development is generally slower than the process of socio-economic development." How can the speed of administrative development be made faster ?

150 10

2017 "Development Administration and Administrative. Development have a chicken and egg kind of relationship" -(Riggs) . Elaborate. 150 10

2011 Neither Edward Weidner nor Fred Riggs was able to describe the process of 300 30

8. Development Dynamics



development administration adequately. Explain the drawbacks and weaknesses in their theoretical analyses.

2010 "The concept of development is multidimensional and ever-expanding." Explain. 250 20

2007 "People's participation is crucial to development administration." Comment. 250 20

2006 Do you agree with the view that development administration has in recent years lost its impetus without making any significant intellectual breakthrough? Discuss.

500 60

2005 "Development administration is starved for theories which will guide the pooling of empirical knowledge, orient new research, and recommend administrative policy." Explain.

250 20

2003 "Development Administration has two important aspects viz. 'the administration of development' and 'the development of administration'." Explain.

250 20

2002 "Development administration is concerned with maximising innovation for development." - Discuss. 250 20

02. Changing Profile of Development Administration


2018 How does ethnocentrism impact development administration in achieving sustainable goals ? Argue with examples 250 20

2014 "The term Development Administration can be used only in a broad sense to mark the variety of approaches and points of view." Discuss. 150 10

2011 Indicate the milestones in the story of development from the Nehruvian Model to the Liberalization Model. 300 30

2010 "The market has become the new icon of developmentalism." Comment. 250 20

2008

"In certain discourses, there is a reflected basic distrust against bureaucracy as an instrument of development." Do you think bureaucracy is more appropriate for regulatory administration than for development administration? In the changing profile of development administration in a liberalizing environment, what role of bureaucracy can be envisaged?

500 60

2004 Describe the changing profile of Development Administration and identify its efforts towards people's empowerment. 500 60



03. Anti-Development Thesis


2016 "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 examinar the anti-development thesis.

200 15

2012 The anti-development thesis ... reduces development to an idea without history, impervious to change', but 'fails to take account of the fact that for all its faults, development can be empowering.' Discuss.

150 12



2018 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.

250 20

2017 "Bureaucracy has inbuilt limitations to act as the prime catalyst to multi-faceted development in a democratic country." Analyse this statement with appropriate examples.

200 15

2016 "Bureau-Shaping Model has been developed as a response to the Budget-Maximizing Model." Comment 200 15

2014 "Many Asian and African countries have inherited the colonial idea of civil service as a privileged elite. Hence, the social status of the civil service is an important aspect of the bureaucracy's unsuitability for change." Comment.

200 15

05. Strong State Versus The Market Debate, Impact Of Liberalisation On Administration In Developing Countries


2016 "The problem is to achieve the right balance between a competitive market economy and an effective State: markets where possible; the State where necessary." Justice your answer.

200 15



06. Women and Development - The Self-Help Group Movement


2019 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.

250 20

2018 "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?

150 10

2016 "Self-Help Groups are considered as one of the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for economic empowerment of woman." Comment. 150 10

2015 Show in what way the Gender and Development approach differs from the Woman and Development approach. 150 10

2014 "Self-Help Groups have not only empowered women, but have also brought about attitudinal change among all stakeholders towards women development." Discuss.

200 15

2013 "In organizational analysis there is always gender around." (Gouldner) . Agree. 150 10

2012 Given the importance of the issue of sex equality in development do you think the self-help group movement adequately addresses absence of women in the former mainstream development agenda?

250 20

2009 Consider the statements below Self-Help Groups(SHGs) enable women to realize their full potential in some spheres of life. (b) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are providing avenues of political mobilization. Examine the implications of these two statements and assess the potential of SHGs for development.

500 60

01. Importance of Human Resource Development


2017 'Various components of Human Resources Management are inter-related." Discuss. 250 20

2008 "To talk of administrative modernization and still continue with the conventional practice of public personnel administration is a gross incongruity." Offer suggestions to initiate radical reforms in Human Resource Management of public administrative systems.

500 60

9. Personnel Administration



02. Recruitment


2017 "Lateral entry of competent experts into the government will promote freshness and innovation, but it can create problems of accountability." Discuss.

200 15

2014 "The technical and multidisciplinary nature of e-government has created an inter-dependent relationship within government between policymakers, programme administrators and technical specialists." Analyze in the context of generalist-specialist relationship.

250 20

2012 The 'selection model of recruitment rests on the assumption that the primary needs to be met are those of the organization.' Examine. 150 12

2004 Recruitment is the backbone of Public Administration. Explain. 250 20

03. Training


2018 Currently, administrative training focusses 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.

200 15

2016 "Training is considered as paid holidays." Comment. 150 10

2010 Distinguish fully between the syndicate method, role playing method, and T-Group training method in personnel management. 400 40

2008 "Training has proved its incapacity to change the attitudes, behavior and values of civil servants." Do you agree with this statement? 250 20

2007 "Training is essential not only for efficiency and effectiveness but also for broadening the vision of the employees." Substantiate. 250 20

2003 "Training is practical education in any profession, not only to improve skills but also to develop attitudes and scheme of values necessary for effective performance." Elaborate.

250 20

04. Career Advancement


2000 What opportunities are available to All India Services and state services in career development? Do you agree that days of generalists in modern administrative state are numbered?

500 60



05. Position Classification


2015 "The position-classification attempts to establish a triangular relationship between duties and responsibilities, working conditions and qualification requirements." Elucidate.

200 15

2011 Position Classification can be problematic. A serious complaint in its practice is that it dehumanizes the employee.' Discuss. 250 20

2009 It is said that 'position classification', as originally conceived is sound in terms of its operational characteristics, but complicated and unresponsive in practice. Why is it still considered better than other models of civil service classification?.

500 60

2005 "If positions are the raw material of classification, class is the operating unit." Discuss. 250 20

06. Discipline and Performance Appraisal


2019 A more effective system of performance appraisal should acknowledge the subjective elements in it and be less obsessed with the objective criteria. Elucidate.

200 15

2017 "360° performance appraisal system is a rational idea, but it involves complex and inauthentic procedures." How can it be made foolproof ? . 150 10

2016 "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.

200 15

2016 "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.

200 15

2014 "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.

250 20

2005 Why do public organizations evaluate employees' performance? How can performance evaluation systems affect employees' behaviour? How can administration effectively evaluate employees?

500 60

2001 What techniques the Government of India have employed to evaluate (appraise) the performance of senior level employees, i.e., Class I and Class II? Are you satisfied with these techniques?

500 60



07. Promotion, Pay and Service Conditions


2018 “Lateral entry is an antidote to the complacency in civil service.” Discuss. 200 15

2010 Discuss in this connection the case for and against promotion based on seniority. 400 40

2007 "The widening gap in emoluments of government employees versus the public sector corporations and private sector employees has a strong bearing on the motivation and ability to work." Comment.

500 60

08. Employer-Employee Relations


2015 Analyze the relevance of Whilteyism in contemporary employer - employee relationship. 150 10

2002 Analyze the constitutional, political and operational dimensions of employer-employee relations. What are your suggestions to bring about a satisfactory relationship between them?

500 60



2001 In what respects, the powers of proposed institution of Lok Pal in the Bill already introduced in Indian Parliament, will strengthen the institution as compared to Parliamentary Commissioner of UK?

500 60

10. Code of Conduct


2017 "Administrative ethics includes the code of conduct of civil servants. but goes beyond it as well." Discuss. 200 15

2015 Distinguish between 'Codes of Conduct' and 'Codes of Ethics'. Justify your answer. 200 15

2004 Civil Service neutrality is a thing of the Past. Discuss. 250 20

2002 "The doctrine of political neutrality and anonymity is no more relevant to modern civil service." - Comment. 250 20



11. Administrative Ethics


2019 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.

200 15

2019 The imperatives of administrative ethics are necessarily an antidote to “I was only obeying the orders” argument by public official. Explain. 200 15

2018 Administrative values have no value unless they are valued by all stakeholders of the governance system." Comment. 200 15

2015 "Administrative ethics is a process of independently critiquing decision standards, based on core social values that can be discovered, within reasonable organizational boundaries that can be defined, subject to the personal and professional accountability? (Denhardt) . Explain. .

250 20

2014 "British philosophy of administration is based on a unification of science of administration with ethics." Analyze. . 200 15

2011 Civil Servants must be social moralists in action, living up to Paul Appleby's dictum that. 'responsible government is ethical government'. Examine this statement in the light of good governance.

300 30

2010 Briefly discuss the principles of ensuring ethics in Public Service as recommended in the Nolan Committee Report . 250 20

2004 The administrator needs autonomy and discretion in much the same way as the politician needs control and intervention. Discuss. 250 20

2003 Account for the increasing corruption in Administration. Suggest remedies to curb administrative corruption. 500 60

01. Models of Policy-Making and their Critique


2019 “Maximum social gain” in public policy making is an attractive goal which is rarely found in practices. Discuss. 150 10

2016 "In Public Policy Making. 'Rationalism' is the opposite of 'Incrementalism'." Examine. 150 10

2014 "The field of MIS is not necessarily an extension of computer science, but of management and organization theory." Elucidate. 200 15

10. Public Policy



2014 "Policies determine politics as governments constrain? Attempt a critique of this statement. 150 10

2014 According to Y. Dror, "The Science of Muddling through is essentially a reinforcement of pro-inertia and anti-innovation ideas in policy-making". Comment.

200 15

2012 'Policy judgments comprise reality judgments, value judgments and instrumental judgments' (Geoffrey Vickers) . Elucidate. 150 12

2012 Would you agree with Bachrach and Baratz that along with decision, non-decisions are also part of policy ? Give reasons for your answer. 250 20

2011 Dror's Optimal Model is a fusion of the economically rational model with the extra-rational model. 200 15

2011 The incrementalist paradigm posits a conservative tendency in public policy making. 200 15

2011 'Policy is being made as it is being administered and administered as it is being made.' Comment. 250 20

2009 "Yehezkel Dror's normative models of policy making tend to be academic in perspective with poor operational utility? Comment: . 250 20

2004 Public Policy is not an independent variable and human history shows little evidence of systematic learning from policy experience. Discuss. 250 20

2004 Policy is a decision driven model of research use. Explain. 250 20

2002 "Public policy is what politics is about: -Substantiate. . 250 20

02. Processes of Conceptualisation


2013 “Arguably, incrementalism now stands most in contrast to neo-liberal nationality that impose markets against both gradual change and democratic liberalism”. Analyze these two statements. .

250 20

2009 “……….. even if policies are well-organized, efficiently operated, widely utilized, adequately financed and supported, we may still ask, so what? Do they work? ... What about their costs, outputs and impact?" Discuss.

500 60



03. Planning and Implementation


2017 "Of all the processes involved in public policy, implementation is of greatest importance." Examine the impediments in policy implementation. 200 15

2015 "The term policy implementation is in some respects preferable to the label public administration." Argue. 150 10

2012 'Our normal expectation should be that new programs will fail to get off the ground and that, at best, they will take considerable time to get started. The cards in this world are stacked against things happening' [Pressman and Wildayskyl. Comment.

150 12

2010 “Public administration can be portrayed as a wheel of relationships focused on the formulation and implementation of public policy”. Explain. . 250 20

2007 "Implementing a public policy is a process of discovering what works and what does not." Examine. . 250 20

2006 "Nothing comes across more strongly than the great naivete about policy implementation." Discuss. 250 20

2005 Give an assessment of the processes of policy formulation and discuss the problems of policy implementation. 500 60

2003 Comment on the role of public administration in policy making and its implementation. What are the other factors influencing the policy process? 500 60

04. Evaluation and Review and their Limitations


2018 "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 ?

200 15

2015 "Policy analysis is incomplete without taking into account policy delivery." Argue. 200 15

2013 "Public interest is still inadequate as a ground concept to evaluate public policy." Discuss. 300 25

2010 "Cost-benefit analysis is a very unsatisfactory view of evaluating public policy." Comment. 250 20



05. State Theories and Public Policy Formulation


2015 "In the appreciative systems of policy makers, goals are subsidiary to norms and values." (Vickers) . Explain. 150 10

2015 "Lenin's concept of Socialist management refers to directing the organizational development of Socialist society." Explain. 200 15

2015 "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 analyze Dror's contribution.

250 20

2014 "Instead of reforms to budgetary process, Wildaysky proposes to redefine the role of political institutions and rules by which politics leads to agreement on budget." Explain.

150 10

01. Organisation and Methods


2011 What are the main functions of an 0 and M office? 200 15

2007 Bring out the various techniques of 0 & M adopted in India to improve efficiency in administration. 500 60

02. Work Study and Work Management


2019 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.

200 15

2016 “The term 'work study' may be used in narrower and wider senses." Elucidate. 200 15

2000 Write short note on Work study and work-measurement in Indian Administration. 250 20

11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement



03. E-Governance and Information Technology


2019 Has e-governance led to debureaucratization and decentralization ? Assess its impact on bureaucratic inertia. 150 10

2018 To what extent has e-governance made the administrative system more citizen-oriented ? Can it (e-governance) be made more participative ? 150 10

2017 "Digitalization provides great impetus to E-governance." Discuss. 150 10

2016 Information Technology brings efficiency and transparency to Public Administration." Examine the statement with suitable examples. 200 15

2015 "E-Governance creates a direct relationship between the Citizen and the State." In this context, explain the changing role of the elected representatives. .

200 15

2014 "The bottom line for governance is outcomes than the outputs of government." Analyze in the context of e-government and e-governance. 150 10

2013 The success rate of e-government projects in most developing countries is stated to be rather low. Assess the reason. 150 10

2012 The apparent demise of e-Government and e-Business as the main organizing principles of society has created the conditions for the rise of e-Governance from the ashes'-In the context of the above statement show the distinctions between e-Government and e-Governance.

200 15

2011 E-governance is the final arrival of Max Webber's 'iron cage of rationality'. Discuss. 250 20

2010 Do you think that there is a sort of paradox between e-Governance and good governance? Explain fully. 250 20

2008 "e-governance has the potentiality to emerge as the most effective instrument of efficiency, transparency and accountability." Comment. 250 20

2006 "The rise of information technology is an opportunity to overcome historical disabilities". Explain. 250 20

2005 In what ways and how can information technology play a crucial role in effective government-citizen Interaction in the context of good governance? 500 60

2004 What is Information Technology? Describe its impact on Public Administration. 500 60

2003 Examine the needs and facets of administrative reforms in the fast changing scenario of the 21st century. What are the obstacles to administrative reforms? Give suggestions to overcome them.

500 60



04. Management Aid Tools Like Networking Analysis, MIS


2019 A narrow view of information comes in the way of successful implementation of MIS in organization. Analyze. 150 10

2014 "The Output Studies Approach to public policy analysis overstresses the rational techniques and allocative dimension of public policy." Analyze the statement.

200 15

2012 Relations are the building blocks of network analysis'-In the light of this statement summarize the form and content of relations in 'network analysis'. 200 15

2011 A system of Information ties planning and control by managers to the operational system of implementation. Elaborate. 200 15

05. PERT, CPM


2015 “Comparative Performance Measurement (CPM) bridges everyday work experience with the broader horizons of comparativism." Explain. 150 10

2015 "MIS, PFRT and CPM have accelerated the process of reinventing 0 and M." In the context of the above statement, explain the recent developments in managerial techniques.

200 15

2012 Draw a simple PERT chart for a seminar planning project. 200 15

2012 Trace the background and development of PERT and enumerate the steps involved in the application of PERT. 200 15

2009 “Techniques like PERT and CPM help in effective office management." Elaborate. 250 20



01. Monetary and Fiscal Policies


2019 Discuss the major areas of change in the Tax-Reforms of the post liberalization era. How do you justify the importance of the direct Tax reforms in this context?

200 15

2019 Is William Niskanen’s “Budget Maximising Model” relevant today? Argue. 200 15

2018 “Monetary policy of a country can help or hinder its development process." Discuss. 200 15

2016 "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.

250 20

2013 "Economic reforms are a work in progress with the state reluctant to fully relinquish its reins." Discuss the statement with regard to implementation of economic reforms in India.

200 15

2001 Critically examine the monetary and fiscal policies of Government of India in the decade 1991 to 2001. Do you think world financial institutions had a role to play in opening Indian economy to global forces? Give reasons to substantiate your argument.

500 60

02. Public Borrowings and Public Debt


2017 “A large public debt forces the adoption of tax and spending policies that result into higher taxes and reduced services”. Analyze. 150 10

2016 “Public borrowing produces different effects on the economy”. Examine. 150 10

12. Financial Administration



03. Budget - Types and Forms


2017 "Budgeting is a political process" -(Aaron Wildaysky) . Examine. 150 10

2016 "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.

250 20

2014 Identify the main elements of Program Budgeting, Output Budgeting and `New Performance Budgeting. What do they have in common with PPBS ? 250 20

2013 What new models of budgetary capacity and incapacity have emerged after the decline of Planning Programming Budgeting and Zero-based Budgeting ? 150 10

2013 Budget allocation involves series of tensions between actors with different backgrounds, orientations and interests and between short-term goals and long-term institutional requirements. Discuss.

200 15

2011 Budget is a series of goals with price-tags attached.' Explain. 250 20

2011 An administrator uses the budget as a framework for communication and co-ordination, as well as for exercising administrative discipline throughout the administrative structure. Explain.

300 30

2010 Distinguish between PPBS and performance budgeting. 250 20

2007 What is performance budgeting? Bring out its merits, limitations and difficulties. 500 60

2006 "Successfully implementing budgeting approach requires favorable incentive structures." Discuss. 250 20

2005 Why does the issue of budgeting as politics versus budgeting as analysis remain important in the budgeting process? Do you agree that some synthesis of the two positions seems possible? Illustrate.

500 60

2005 "The budget is an Instrument of coordination." Explain. 250 20

2002 Examine the government budget as an instrument of public policy and a tool of legislative control. 500 60

2001 Burekehead says: 'Budget in Government is a vehicle of fiscal policy and a tool of management.' Examine this statement. 250 20

2000 Write short note on Budget as an instrument of socio-economic transformation. 250 20

2000 Give reasons for the failure of Government of India to introduce the performance programme budgetary technique in Union Ministries. What type of budgetary system is being currently practiced in India and why?

500 60



04. Budgetary Processes


2015 "No significant change can be made in the budgetary process without affecting the political process." (Wildaysky). Analyze. 150 10

2012 Those who budget, deal with their overwhelming burdens by adopting heuristic aids to calculation' (wildaysky) Explain. 150 12

2008 "Good economics and bad politics cannot coexist in a sound budgetary process." Discuss this statement in the context of the developmental challenges in countries experiencing competitive politics.

500 60

05. Accounts and Audit


2019 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.

250 20

2018 "Sound Performance Auditing is impossible without systematic Performance or Outcome Budgeting." Explain the relationship between the two. 200 15

2017 'There can be no performance auditing without performance budgeting." Elucidate. 200 15

2011 Whereas 'value for money' audit aims at economy and 'performance' audit seeks efficiency. `social' audit goes beyond both, to examine the effectiveness of a programme or activity. Examine this statement with suitable illustrations.

300 30

2006 "Audit continues to be considered as something alien, something extraneous and something of the nature of an impediment." Explain. 250 20

2002 "Auditing in Government is an exercise in post-mortem." - Examine. 250 20

2001 "Statutory External auditing is one of the protectors of democracy in the parliamentary form of Government.' Comment. 250 20



Sl No Topic Pg No

Indian Administration

1. Evolution of Indian Administration

01. Kautilya's Arthashastra 41 − 41

02. Mughal Administration

03. Legacy of British Rule in Politics and Administration 42 − 42

04. Indianization of Public Services, Revenue Administration, District Administration 42 − 43

2. Philosophical and Constitutional Framework of Government 01. Salient features and Value Premises 43 − 43

02. Constitutionalism

03. Political Culture 44 − 44

04. Bureaucracy and Democracy

05. Bureaucracy and Development 45 − 45

3. Public Sector Undertakings

01. Public Sector in Modern India 45 − 46

02. Forms of Public Sector Undertakings 46 − 46

03. Problems of Autonomy, Accountability and Control 46 − 47

04. Impact of Liberalization and Privatization 47 − 47

4. Union Government and Administration

01. Executive, Parliament, Judiciary-Structure, Functions, Work Processes 48 − 49

02. Intra-Governmental Relations

03. Cabinet Secretariat 50 – 50

04. Prime Minister’s Office

05. Central Secretariat 51 – 51

06. Ministries and Departments

07. Boards and Commissions

08. Attached Offices; Field Organizations

52 – 52

INDEX

Public Administration Paper - 2



5. Plans and Priorities

01. Machinery of Planning

02. ‘Indicative’ Planning 53 – 53

03. Process of Plan Formulation at Union and State Levels

04. Constitutional Amendments (1992) and Decentralized Planning for Economic Development and Social Justice

54 – 54

6. State Government and Administration

01. Union-State Administrative, Legislative and Financial Relations 55 – 55

02. Role of the Finance Commission 56 – 56

03. Governor 56 – 57

04. Chief Minister

05. Chief Secretary

06. State Secretariat, Directorates

57 − 57

7. District Administration Since Independence

01. Changing Role of the Collector 58 – 58

02. Union-State-Local Relations

03. District Administration and Democratic Decentralization 59 – 59

8. Civil Services

01. Constitutional Position 59 − 60

02. Structure, Recruitment, Training and Capacity Building 60 – 60

03. Good Governance Initiatives 61 − 62

04. Code of Conduct and Discipline

05. Grievance Redressal Mechanism 62 – 62

06. Civil Service Neutrality

07. Civil Service Activism 63 – 63

9. Financial Management

01. Budget as a Political Instrument 64 – 64

02. Parliamentary Control of Public Expenditure

03. Role of Finance Ministry in Monetary and Fiscal Area 65 – 65

04. Accounting Techniques

05. Audit

06. Role of Controller General of Accounts and Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

66 – 66



10. Administrative Reforms since Independence

01. Major Concerns 67 – 67

02. Important Committees and Commissions 67 – 68

03. Reforms in Financial Management and Human Resource Development 68 – 68

04. Problems of Implementation 69 – 69

11. Rural Development

01. Institutions and Agencies Since Independence

02. Rural Development Programmes 69 – 69

03. Foci and Strategies

04. Decentralization and Panchayati Raj 70 – 70

05. 73rd Constitutional Amendment 71 – 71

12. Urban Local Government

01. Municipal Governance: Main Features, Structures, Finance and Problem Areas 71 – 71

02. 74th Constitutional Amendment

03. New Localism

04. Development Dynamics, Politics and Administration with Special Reference to City Management

72 – 72

13. Law and Order Administration

01. British Legacy

02. National Police Commission

03. Investigative Agencies

73 – 73

04. Role of Central and State Agencies Including Para Military Forces in Maintenance of Law and Order and Countering Insurgency and Terrorism

05. Criminalisation of Politics and Administration 74 – 74

06. Police-Public Relations; Reforms in Police 75 – 75

14. Significant Issues in Indian Administration

01. Values in Public Service 75 – 76

02. Regulatory Commissions

03. National Human Rights Commission 76 – 76

04. Citizen Administration Interface 77 – 77

05. Corruption and Administration 77 – 78

06. Disaster Management 78 – 78



01. Kautilya's Arthashastra


2019 In the text of Arthashastra, ‘the state is neither a police State nor merely a tax gathering State’. Comment 150 10

2016 "In contemporary times, Kautilya's Arthashastra is relevant more in the field of international relations than in economic affairs." Analyse the statement. 250 20

2014 “Indian administration is said to be characterized by its three features viz. Weberian structures, Kautilyan practice and Gandhian rhetoric.” Examine the statement.

250 20

2014 “Ethics in public services has been the central concern of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.” Critically examine the statement. 150 10

2012 The Arthashastra is a book of political realism.’ Elaborate. 200 15

2010 “The rule of kings depends primarily on written orders….” Why did Kautilya favour Codification of Laws? 200 20

2009 Comment on the view that despite different contexts, administrative maxims of Kautilya’s Arthashastra bear considerable similarity with features of Weber’s ideal bureaucratic model.

200 20

2007 “Kautilya was not only the foremost politicoadministrative thinker of ancient India but he was an advocate and preacher of moral values too.” Comment. 200 20

2006 “In the happiness of his subjects lies the king’s happiness; in their welfare his welfare.” Comment on Kautilyan state administration. In what respects is modern democratic rulers’ behaviour different from Kautilyan rulers ?

200 20

2003 Comment on : “The Arthashastra is India’s oldest complete text on public administration.” 200 20

2001 Comment on : “The machinery of government designed in Kautilya’s Arthashastra does not exactly resemble our modern-day polity, but it does contain some principles which could be said to be the part of today’s science of public administration.”

200 20

1. Evolution of Indian Administration

Indian Administration



02. Mughal Administration


2016 “A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in India is a well-organized revenue administration at the State and District levels." Comment. 150 10

2012 “The Mughal Administrative System was military rule by nature and a form of centralized despotism.” Analyse. 150 12

2008 ‘Some features of Mughal Administration, in essence, do exist in Indian Administration.’ .’ Elaborate. 200 20

2005 “The Mughal Administrative System was a military rule by nature and was centralized despotism.” 200 20

03. Legacy of British Rule in Politics and Administration


2014 “District Collector is a legacy of the British Raj and has largely remained insulated from the demands of contemporary professionalism.” Discuss. 150 10

2010 It is said that the British made a significant contribution towards modernizing the Indian Administrative System on a ‘rational-legal’ basis. Justify the assessment with reference to the period from 1830 to 1865.

200 30

2009 Comment on : “Bureaucracy developed by the British stifled the village self-rule.” Comment. 200 20

2003 Comment on : “Though India emerged as a sovereign state after Independence, the administrative system remained the same as was during the British period.”

200 20

2000 Comment on : The period of British rule generated most of the structural and behavioural values of Indian Administration not by imitation but through interaction.

200 20

04. Indianization of Public Services, Revenue Administration, District Administration


2017 “Indianisation of Public Services is a slow but steady process.” Explain 250 20

2014 “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.

150 10



2013 “Public Administration today tends to be less public quantitative terms, but more responsive to public needs than before in qualitative terms.” Examine with reference to citizen-centric administration.

150 10

2013 “The Charter Act of 1853 marked the beginning of parliamentary system in India.” Explain. 150 12

2010 Comment on the following statements: 30 i) “The more developed an administrative system become the greater the likelihood that it would have developmental affects.” ii) “The thrust of development administration failed to energise the Indian bureaucracy.”

200 30

2003 Comment on : “A distinctive feature of the Indian administration, since Independence, has been the noticeable efforts undertaken to make the administrative system effectively reach and respond to citizens’ grievances.”

200 20

2002 Comment on : “All India Services as an institution is the result of history.” 200 20

2002 “After independence, despite the change in socioeconomic and political milieu, the basic features of colonial impact on administration continues to exist in our administrative system.” Comment.

500 60

2001 “Indian administration is yet to fully appreciate and adopt the benefits of ‘the information technology.” Elucidate. 200 30

2001 Comment on : “The District Collector admirably survived the historical change of role from an alien regime to a national one.” 200 20

01. Salient features and Value Premises


2016 Do you think that some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution remain only on paper even today? Critically evaluate. 150 10

2015 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.

150 10

2011 Discuss the basic principles of ‘New Localism’ as a part of the global-local debate. 200 20

2. Philosophical and Constitutional Framework of Government



02. Constitutionalism


2019 The economic reforms have significantly infringed the basic values and spirits of the Indian Constitution. Examine 150 10

2017 “Constitutionalism is the foundation of the administrative edifice e in India.” Discuss 150 10

2016 "The Regulating Act of 1773 not only introduced values in administration but also laid the foundation of centralized administration in India." Explain. 150 10

2013 “The liberal-democratic ideology of the West influenced the shaping of value premises of the India Constitution.” Discuss. 250 20

03. Political Culture


2018 The philosophy of the Westminster model is at odds with the political culture of India.” Critically analyse. 150 10

2015 To what extent has political culture influenced the administrative culture of India? Explain 250 20

2011 Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface between political culture and bureaucratic culture in contemporary India. 200 20

2006 “The basic values of the Constitution of India enshrine social, political and economic philosophy symbolising sovereignty of the people, rule of law and basic characteristics of a socialist, secular, democratic, republic.” Comment.

200 20

2002 “Culturally sanctioned values and symbols have acted as important influencing catalyst in administration.” - Elaborate. 200 30

2001 “It is axiomatic that a country’s public administration system, including its bureaucracy, must fit into and respond to its overall political system.” In the light of this statement discuss the mutual relations between the civil servants and the ministers since Independence.

500 60

2001 Comment on : “The use of the word ‘Socialist’ in the Indian Constitution has become redundant in the context of the liberalization of economy.” 200 20



04. Bureaucracy and Democracy


2015 “Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to reduce its effectiveness.” Do you agree with this view? Argue your case. 150 10

2014 Discuss the value of premises of Constitutionalism in India which he bureaucracy cannot violate. 150 10



2017 “Bureaucracy has to make a balance the need for environmental sustainability and developmental imperatives.” Discuss. 250 20

2017 “Digitalization of land records is a necessary but not sufficient precondition for ensuring transparent district administration.” Explain 150 10

2013 “Bureaucratic agencies, characterized by established procedures, specialization, leadership, clear objective, are not ideal to handle disaster management.” Examine with reference to the need for administrative flexibility in managing disaster.

250 20

2012 ‘Bureaucrats should not play politics, but understand how politics works.’ Comment. 150 12

2011 “Over-dependence on bureaucracy for bringing about socio-economic development in India has proved to be dysfunctional.” Comment. 200 20

2002 “The problems of administrative improvement in India are larger and more complex than in any other country in the world.” - Comment. 200 30

01. Public Sector in Modern India


2019 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.

250 20

2017 “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

250 20

3. Public Sector Undertakings



2010 Comment on : “The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) is one of the bigges reforms-linked development programmes taken up by the Government.”

200 20

2010 Is it correct to state that “One of the major reasons for the failure of many ….public sector undertakings was due to departures from the original concept of autonomy”?

200 20

2008 ‘The shift from the Nehruvian to the liberalisation model of development has necessitated reinventing government.’ Comment. 200 20

2002 Comment on : “The role of public sector has been changing tremendously in the context of liberalisation.” 200 20

2001 “Despite liberalization, privatization and globalization of economy, the public sector has its own relevance for India.” Discuss the functions and role of public sector in the new economic scenario and the changes that they need to bring about in them.

500 60

02. Forms of Public Sector Undertakings


2011 Can the holding company’s structure act as in institutional change to add to efficiency? Give your answer with appropriate illustrations 200 30

03. Problems of Autonomy, Accountability and Control


2018 "The market-driven profitability concerns have shaken the foundation of the public sector undertakings.” Do you agree? Give reasons 250 20

2017 “Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India face tough competition from the private enterprises and Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) . “ Explain 150 10

2016 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).

150 10

2015 Argue the case for and against creating Indian Public Enterprises and Industrial Service for boosting the moribund public sector in India. 150 10

2015 Explain fully how a balance can be struck between autonomy and accountability of India’s public enterprises. 250 20



2014 “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.

250 20

2013 “Autonomy to public sector understating is a myth.” Analysis in the context of the use of government expenditure by politicians who control government at different levels.

150 20

2012 “Memorandum of Understanding’ scheme between the Government and Public enterprises has forced public undertakings to improve their overall performance.” Do you agree with this statement?

150 12

2007 “The blame for our poor public sector performance can be laid on the way our bureaucracy is structured.” Comment. 200 20

2007 “Memorandum of understanding scheme’ between government and public enterprise has forced public undertakings to improve the overall performance.” Comment.

200 20

2003 “The steady expansion and the gradual decline of the public sector has been one of the most conspicuous development in post-Independence India.” Discuss this statement and suggest measures to arrest the decline of the public sector in India.

500 60

2002 Comment on : “Public undertakings no longer occupy ‘commanding heights’.” 200 20

2000 Discuss the major problems of management and working of Public Sector Undertakings in India. Give suggestions in the light of liberalization policy to improve their performance

500 60

04. Impact of Liberalization and Privatization


2018 "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.

150 10

2012 How does New Localism impact Centre-State-Local relations in the era of LPG? 200 15

2010 With the creation of new regulatory agencies in the wake of liberalization, overlapping jurisdictions and conflicts became the new trend. Is there need for the creation of a super-regulator or unified regulator?

200 30

2004 “In the context of liberalisation the role of Public Sector and its welfarist approach is being drastically changed.” Elucidate. 200 30



01. Executive, Parliament, Judiciary-Structure, Functions, Work Processes


2018 “Judicial overreach to a large extent is a consequence of ineffective executive.” Examine. 250 20

2017 Do you agree that “All India Judicial Service (AIJS) would contribute to timely delivery of justice to the citizens? Argue your case 150 10

2016 "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).

250 20

2015 Discuss the arguments for and against the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014. 250 20

2015 “Ordinance-making power of the Executive needs to be suitably restrained.” Examine it critically. 150 10

2014 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.

250 20

2013 “Judicial review of administrative tribunal’s decisions defeats the very objective of establishing tribunals.” Comment with reference to Central Administrative Tribunal.

150 10

2013 “There is a tendency of centralism in Indian federalism, but it is not because of its institutional framework but because of its socialist goals and centrally devised plan development.” Explain the statement in the context of Union-State relationship.

250 20

2013 “Laws are enacted without involving the police in the conception stage, with the result implementation of these laws leaves much to be desired.” Examine the role of police in protection of children.

250 20

2012 ‘Parliament is an independent institution, not to be seen as an extension of government or of a party.’ Elaborate. 200 20

2012 In the exercise of his/her functions, the President of India is a mere ‘Convenient working hypothesis’. Do you agree with this view? Justify your reasoning with illustrations.

200 30

2012 ‘Judges should not govern the country. They can lay down a law, not interfere with governance.’ Discuss. 150 12

4. Union Government and Administration



2010 “….Judges and Courts have creatively reinterpreted their statutory authority and expanded their own power and enhanced their standing vis-à-vis the legislature and executive.” Critically examine this assessment.

200 30

2010 “In an era of hung parliaments the power of the President expands, more so when the incumbent decides to be assertive.” Comment on the statement with reference to the situation in India during the last two decades.

200 30

2007 “The President of India acts like grand-parent in a family. If younger generation does not follow his/her advice, he/she is just unable to do anything.” Comment.

200 20

2006 Indian Prime Minister should not only be accountable to the Indian Parliament but should appear to be so.” Comment on the accountability of the Prime Minister to the Indian Parliament in the context of extra-constitutional power.

500 60

2006 “Not the Potomac, but the Thames, fertilizes the flow of Yamuna”. In the light of the statement comment on the symbolic institution of the President of India.

200 20

2005 “The veto-power of the Indian President is a combination of the absolute, suspensive and pocket veto.” 200 20

2004 “One of the greatest weakness inherent in a Federal polity is the possibility of conflict of loyalty and responsibility on the part of public servants as between Central and State Governments.” - Elaborate and comment.

500 60

2004 Comment on : “Presidents of India prior to the passage of 42” and 44" amendment could afford to be more assertive.” 200 20

2003 “Looking back to our past experience, the fear that the emergency provisions can be misused have at times proved right and wrong at other times.” Discuss with examples.

500 60

2002 Comment on : “National Development Council has virtually become a super - cabinet and tries to arrogate itself the functions of Parliament.” 200 20

2001 Comment on : “The Prime Minister stands out as the most powerful authority even today.” 200 20

2000 Comment on :Indian Constitution confers vast legislative powers on the President. 200 20

2000 Comment on :National Development Council, it seems, is like a super-Cabinet. 200 20

2000 Comment on :Though the dictatorship of the Cabinet is a stark reality in modern times, it does not mean that the Cabinet is omnipotent. 200 20



02. Intra-Governmental Relations


2011 “Indian federalism is passing through a state of potential maturity.” Discuss this statement in the context of the views of the Commission on Centre-State Relations (Justice M. M Punchi)

200 30

2007 There is a separate Central Ministry or Department on each subject allocated to State List. Does it mean supremacy of the Union Government or an emphasis on development administration ? Analyse.

500 60

2004 Comment on : “National Development Council was established to co-ordinate between Union government, the Planning Commission and the State governments.”

200 20

2001 “State Directorates are administrative and implementation units assisting the Departments functioning from the Secretariat.” Explain. 200 30

03. Cabinet Secretariat


2018 “The attached offices and subordinate offices are integral to the functioning of the Cabinet Secretariat.” Discuss. 150 10

2017 “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.

150 10

2012 Critically examine the variables in the composition and functioning of Cabinet Committees. 150 12

2009 “The respective roles of the Cabinet Secretary of the Government of India and of the Chief Secretary of a State are similar in certain respects, and dissimilar in other.” Explain.

200 30

2005 “National Development Council is criticized as an usurping authority -functioning as a virtual super-cabinet.” Explain. 200 30

2005 (a) “The Cabinet Secretariat provides the eyes and ears for the Prime Minister to keep in touch with the process of official business in Central Government.” Comment.

200 30

2004 Comment on : “The highly significant and elevated position of Chief Secretary is significantly undermined in practice to-day.” 200 20



04. Prime Minister’s Office


2019 “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.

250 20

2016 "Dominant centralized administration is correlated with decisive and authoritative leadership provided by the Prime Minister's office." Explain with suitable examples since independence.

250 20

2014 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

150 10

2011 Discuss the evolution of the role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since independence. 200 20

2005 “A strong PMO is a salvation for any Indian Prime Minister, but concentration of power is a danger to democracy.” 200 20

2003 Comment on : “Despite all the powers that he has, the Indian Prime Minister cannot become a dictator.” 200 20

05. Central Secretariat


2017 “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.

250 20

2013 “Central Secretariat is the nodal agency for administering the Union subjects and establishing coordination among the various activities of the government.” Discuss.

250 20

2002 “The central secretariat is a policy formulating, co-ordinating and supervisory agency besides being the principal executive agency of the government.” Explain.

200 30



06. Ministries and Departments


2017 “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

250 20

2016 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?

250 20

2012 Discuss the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission in respect of the National Development Council for improving Centre-State planning relations. 200 20

2012 ‘Parliamentary Departmental Committees have played their role effectively in analyzing the demands for grants.’ Evaluate. 200 20

2010 Does the emergence of an Empowered group of Ministers at the central level impair the doctrine of cabinet responsibility? 200 20

2009 “Administrative talent of a Minister determined his ‘success.” 200 20

2009 Examine the role of the Finance Ministry of the Union Government in designing and implementing monetary and fiscal policies. 200 30

07. Boards and Commissions


2017 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

250 20

2001 “The Central Social Welfare Board has become an anomalous institution.” In light of this statement, examine the functions and role of the Central Social Welfare Board and suggest measures for making it an effective institution.

500 60

08. Attached Offices; Field Organizations


2017 “Pro-Active Governance and Timely implementation (PRAGATI) is an innovative project of the Union Government.” Discuss its features and modalities

150 10



01. Machinery of Planning


2019 ‘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.

250 20

2010 Explain the context and perspectives of the following statements: i) The Planning Commission is “an armchair adviser”. Ii) The Planning Commission should reinvent itself as a systems reforms commission in the backdrop of changed global and domestic scenarios.

200 30

2009 “Many of the programmes of development being implemented at the State and the Local level have been initiated or financed by the Union Government. This has transformed the nature of Indian federalism.” Critically examine this assessment.

200 30

2008 What are the tension areas in Union-State relations in Planning ? 200 30

2008 Discuss the problems in the planning process at the state and sub-state levels. 200 30

2006 What concrete steps have been taken by the Union and the State Governments to protect child labour and prevent abuse of children ? 200 20

2006 What measures have been taken by the Union and the States for the welfare of women in the profession of sex ? 200 20

2006 Critically evaluate the policies of the Union Government with regard to the welfare of women and children of India. 200 20

2003 Comment on : “Indian planning is highly centralized.” 200 20

02. ‘Indicative’ Planning


2005 “From highly centralized planning system, India has moved towards indicative planning under which long-term strategic vision of the future is built and nation’s priorities are decided.” Elucidate.

500 60

2004 “The special development programmes taken up for poverty alleviation with a hope that benefits of these programmes may reach to the people living below poverty line - have utterly failed to achieve its objectives.” Comment.

500 60

5. Plans and Priorities



03. Process of Plan Formulation at Union and State Levels


2018 It is argued that the NITI Aayog has broken the edifice of planning into fragments. Comment. 250 20

2016 "Legislatures have become a place for infighting rather than for proper policy making." Comment in the context of the working of State Governments. 150 10

2016 "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.

150 10

2013 “Planning enables comprehensive and scientific understanding of problems.” Examine the statements in the context of planning methodology. 150 12

2012 NGOs demand greater autonomy from the State and are now ‘new actors’ in development. How effective are they as instruments of decentralization and debureaucratisation? Critically evaluate.

200 30

2007 “In spite of having Constitutional status the District Planning Committee is not able to implement decentralised planning due to centralised nature of economic planning.” Comment.

200 20

2004 “Effective implementation of plan projects has been the weakest link in the chain of the entire planning programme.” Elucidate. 200 30

04. Constitutional Amendments (1992) and Decentralized Planning for Economic Development and Social Justice


2008 ‘Economic Development and Social justice are the hallmarks of the 1992 Constitutional Amendment Acts.’ Elucidate. 200 20

2007 “Social (Welfare) Administration in India is witnessing specialization and faster expansion of its administrative agencies.” Evaluate. 200 20

2007 Critically analyse the functions and role of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with regard to development of disabled persons in India. 200 20



01. Union-State Administrative, Legislative and Financial Relations


2019

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.

250 20

2016 "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.

250 20

2016 Examine the efficacy of the measures taken to redefine and execute cooperative federalism in India . 150 10

2015 The objectives, approaches and organizational arrangements for decision-making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring the federal character of the Indian polity. Explain.

250 20

2014 “From coalition government to one-party dominance is a big change that is bound to affect the government system.” Explain why and how. 150 10

2014 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.

250 20

2014 “Management of intra-governmental relations is as important as that of inter-governmental relations.” Examine the impact upon the performance of the government.

250 20

2014 “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

150 10

2010 The prevalence of multiple channels for transfer of resources from the Centre to the State is stated to have compounded the problems of federal fiscal arrangements. Discuss.

200 30

2006 “The main problem of Centre-State relations in India is bottlenecks in fiscal federalism.” Comment. 500 60

2000 Comment on : Maintenance of law and order is a State subject but the Union Government can deploy armed forces in any State. 200 20

2000 Among several other problems, the Problem of financial relationship is perhaps the most complex one. Explain in the context of recent developments in Union-State relations in India.

500 60

6. State Government and Administration



02. Role of the Finance Commission


2019 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

250 20

2019 Performance grants devolved by Finance Commission of India have increased the Financial accountability of the local bodies. Elaborate. 150 10

2018 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?

250 20

2013 “Finance Commission in India performs the job of statics aggregation.” Comment 150 12

03. Governor


2019 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.

150 10

2018 “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.

250 20

2015 “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.

250 20

2014 “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.

250 20

2013 Is there a need to dispense with the office of the Governor? Examine the context of coalition governments. 150 10

2012 ‘The authority of the Governor in the discretionary field is not unrestrained. If it is misused … the President can check him/her and if necessary, he may even remover the Governor.’ Examine this statement critically in the context of the Office of the Governor.

250 25

2007 “Because of several judicial pronouncements, Governors in States are no longer viewed as agents of the ‘Party in Power’ at the Central level.” Evaluate. 200 20



2004 “The position of Governors towards exercising their discretion and powers has considerably changed after 1967.” Discuss 500 60

2003 “Article 163 makes the Governor the sole judge in matters in which he is required to act in his discretion.” Explain. 200 30

04. Chief Minister


2008 The Chief Minister is the real executive of the State, whose effectiveness is largely related to his personality traits and equation with central leadership.’ Explain and illustrate with relevant examples.

500 60

2005 “The Chief Minister symbolizes ruling power structure and is the real executive head of the State Government.” Discuss the above statement in the light of his position in a Coalition Government.

500 60

05. Chief Secretary


2012 “The success and prestige enjoyed by a Chief Secretary, to a large, upon his equations with the varied sets of people and institutions that form the work environment.” Critically evaluate the statement and its relevance to the role of Chief Secretary in the discharge of his function.

200 30

2000 In the Chief Secretary, the State Government has an officer whose counterpart does not obtain in the Union Government. Elucidate. 200 30

2000 Reservation policy and its implementation has had some positive impact in relative terms on the socio-economic development of the SCs and STs but it is very meagre in absolute terms. Comment.

200 30

2000 The leadership qualities of a civil servant are tested most during his tenure as the Cabinet Secretary-a dream-post for even-bureaucrat. Elucidate 200 30

06. State Secretariat, Directorates


2007 “The dispute between Secretariat and Directorate is the result of Generalist vs Specialist controversy.” Analyse. 500 60



01. Changing Role of the Collector


2019 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.

250 20

2018 Climate change issues pose new challenges for district administration to be proactive.” Elaborate 250 20

2018 "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.

250 20

2015 “District Collector’s role in the development process has been overemphasized.” Comment on the statement. 150 10

2013 “Reducing the size (geographical area) of the district will provide relief to the overburdened and overworked collector.” Comment. 150 10

2008 Describe the changing character and new orientations of Public Services in India since Independence. 500 60

2006 “The generalist character of I.A.S. is its chief characteristic as well as its chief criticism.” Comment. 200 20

2005 “One of the most distinctive characteristics of Indian Administrative Service is its multipurpose character.” 200 20

2005 “The District Collector is an overburdened officer due to the expansion and increasing developmental activities.” 200 20

2004 “The district officer as a chief agent and representative of state serves as a channel of communication between the Government and the residents of the district.” Explain.

200 30

2003 Comment on : “District Collector has increasingly become multi-dimensional.” 200 20

2000 Do you agree that globalization, liberalization and privatization policies are going to change the very fabric of Indian Administration? What, according to you, are the major challenges before it in the 21st century?

500 60

7. District Administration Since Independence



02. Union-State-Local Relations


2018 “Development management advocates self-sustaining customer-friendly institutions at the district level.” Comment. 150 10

2016 "The concept of new localism' is related to the emerging nature of the relationship between the State Governments and local government bodies." Explain.

150 10

2015 Why has District Planning been marginalized in many States and remained prominent in a few States? Explain. 150 10

2002 Comment on : “Indian federalism is described as federal in form but unitary in spirit.” 200 20

03. District Administration and Democratic Decentralization


2019 It is observed that non-functioning of District Planning Committees is preventing the convergence of rural and urban planning needs. Do you agree? Justify.

250 20

2018 “Contracting out tasks without effective accountability mechanisms can be counter-productive for effective service delivery." Comment. 150 10

2006 “The District Collector, the Additional Deputy Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Officer, have virtually become ‘officers-in-attendance’ and have lost initiative and independent of judgement.” Comment.

500 60

01. Constitutional Position


2019 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.

150 10

2018 It is apprehended that lateral entry will lead to politicisation of bureaucracy. Do you agree? Justify 150 10

2017 “The idea of lateral entry into the Civil Services would energies Indian administration.” What are its possible advantages and limitations? 250 20

8. Civil Services



2009 “Values of Indian administration must be rooted in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss. 200 30

2009 Do State Services suffer in comparison with the All-India and Central Services? Suggest measures for enhancing the role, competence and impact of State Services.

200 30

2002 The machinery for welfare administration at the national and state level trickling down to grassroots becomes meaningless in the context of global constitutionalism.” Discuss.

500 60

2002 Comment on : “The value premises of our Constitution in the era of global constitutionalism.” 200 20

2000 All India Services play a crucial unifying role in the whole administrative system of the country. Explain. 200 30

02. Structure, Recruitment, Training and Capacity Building


2019 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

250 20

2018 “The 'enablers' and 'facilitators' are yet to replace the inspectors' and “controllers' in the civil service in India. Do you agree? Justify. 150 10

2016 "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.

150 10

2011 ‘Performance Appraisal System’ with special reference to the Performance Management and Evaluation System (PMES) are expected to transform the bureaucratic culture of Indian administration. Do you agree? Give reason.

200 30

2009 “A fixed tenure in Civil Service postings can increase productivity, accountability, and probity in Government.” 200 20

2008 Training of civil servants for capacity building should be in consonance with the needs of the socio-economic and technological development of the country.’ Explain.

200 30

2003 “In-service training of officers belonging to higher civil services has been perhaps the most conspicuous development in Indian administration.” Discuss with reference to training designed for the Indian Administrative Service officers.

500 60

2001 Comment on : “The need and significance of all-India services has been well recognized in political as well as administrative circles.” 200 20



03. Good Governance Initiatives


2017 “The Prime Ministers awards for Excellence in Public Administration encourage good governance initiatives. “ Discuss some such initiatives by the Civil Servants in this context.

250 20

2017 “There is a need for greater inclusion of technocrats in burearocracy to ensure effective governance in India.” Do you agree” Elucidate 150 10

2016 "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.

250 20

2015 “Information Communication Technology (ICT) improves the quality of public service delivery, but fails to check bribery.” Comment. 150 10

2015 ‘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.

150 10

2013 “Gandhian model of decentralization is similar to the process of reinventing governance. “ Analyze in the context of good governance. 250 20

2013 “Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Panchayat’s functions enhances efficiency, transparency and accountability and also induces mass ICT culture.” Examine.

250 20

2012 Indian administration is yet to fully appreciate and adopt the benefits of Information Technology. Elucidate. 200 15

2012 Good governance is closely aligned with effective democratic governance.’ Discuss 150 12

2010 Comment on : “Non-Governmental Organisations play a catalytic role in enabling communities to define their own priorities….” 200 20

2010 Comment on : States with a record of good governance, it is argued by spokespersons of some nce Commission’s award. 200 20

2008 Right to Information Act has led to greater transparency and accountability of administration.’ Comment. 200 20

2007 “If information is power, nothing can perhaps empower a citizen more than the secret and developmental informations held by various public authorities.” Analyse the merits and demerits of RTI Act, 2005 in the light of this statement.

500 60



2007 “A well-designed module-based training for Civil Servants is the best way to achieve the goals of good governance.” Analyse. 200 20

2003 “Information technology, if properly used, can bring about sweeping changes in the nature of governance in India.” Discuss the current status and future possibilities about the use of information technology in the governance of India.

500 60

04. Code of Conduct and Discipline


2016 "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.

250 20

2015 Discuss the major highlights of the reforms introduced from time-to-time in Central Civil Services Conduct Rules and add your own comments. 150 10



2018 “Autonomy of civil society is crucial for responsive and effective administration.” Examine the statement 150 10

2018 "Effective public grievance redressal requires administrative commitment. But process reengineering can help prevent some grievances.” Discuss. 250 20

2017 “Civil servants should avoid airing grievances in the media.” In the context , discuss the grievance redressal mechanisms available to the Civil Servants in India.

150 10

2017 Do you think k that Public Service Guarantee Act s passed by various State Governments are an extension to the Citizen Charter? Give reasons 150 10

2014 Elaborate the features of the grievances redressal mechanism of the civil services in India. Does this mechanism satisfy the objective of its creation? 150 10

2010 Comment on : “Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has undergone several changes since its inception in 1980s.”. 200 20



06. Civil Service Neutrality


2014 Discuss the need for civil services neutrality in development administration. Suggest some measure for achieving and strengthening it in practice. 250 20

2013 “Civil services neutrality is founded on the application of the principles of Rule of Law”. Comment. 150 12

2010 Comment on : “Civil service neutrality is a fiction. How any thinking person can be neutral?” 200 20

2002 “Collector is the representative of the State government in the district and also represents public interest.” Comment. 200 30

2000 Comment on : It is a major challenge to balance the role of District Collector with the powers of democratic bodies. 200 20

07. Civil Service Activism


2015 “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.

150 10

2014 Assess the role of honest and upright civil servants in regulatory and development administration in India. Give examples to substantiate your arguments

250 20

2009 Do you agree with the view that Citizens’ Charters in India have not succeeded in their objective of making the administrative system citizen-centric ? Analyze and give your suggestions in this regard.

200 30

2009 Comment on : “There is no basic contradiction between Civil Service neutrality and Civil Service activism.” Comment. 200 20

2000 Comment on : A middle way-should be worked out to utilize the services of both generalists and specialists for the national development. 200 20



01. Budget as a Political Instrument


2018 "Gender budgeting requires rethinking beyond allocations to become a powerful tool of gender mainstreaming." Discuss. 150 10

2016 What merits do you foresee in the proposed merger of the Railway Budget with the General Budget ? 150 10

2016 Justify the budgetary support to nationalized banks to overcome the crisis resulting out of Non-Performing Assets (NPA) 150 10

2015 Explain how budget can be used as a political instrument. 150 10

2014 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?

250 20

2014 “Gender Response Budgeting has infused greater accountability of planning departments towards women empowerment programmes.” Examine the statement.

250 20

2013 “According is the essence of producing promptly and clearly the facts relating to financial condition and operations that are required as a basis of management.” Substantiate the statement in the context of accounting methods and techniques in government.

250 20

2013 “Performance budgeting failed because it was applied to sectors/programmes where quantitative evaluation was not feasible.” Examine the principles underlying performance budgeting techniques.

150 10

2012 What is an output-based performance budgeting system? Analyse this system in the context of India. 200 15

2010 Comment on : The optimism expressed by the proponents of the Financial Rsponsibility and Budged Management Act, 2003, in ensuring fiscal discipline appears to be unwarranted.

200 20

2008 ‘The Budget is more than the economic horoscope of the nation.’ Comment. 200 20

2001 “The policy of the government is reflected by various items of the budget.” Explain by distinguishing between a commercial budget and a government budget.

200 30

9. Financial Management



02. Parliamentary Control of Public Expenditure


2014 Parliamentary Committees bring about accountability in public expenditure. Discuss. 150 10

2013 Justify the constructional provision to treat certain expenditure as charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. 150 10

2012 ‘Questions represent a powerful technique of parliamentary control over expenditure.’ Explain. 150 12

2007 “Parliamentary Departmental Committees have played their role effectively in analysing the demands for grants.” Evaluate. 200 20

2005 “Public Accounts Committee conducts a postmortem examination of Public Accounts.” 200 20

2003 Comment on : “Questions represent a powerful technique of parliamentary control over expenditure.” 200 20

2001 “Control over public expenditure is an essential feature of accountable and responsible financial administration.” In the light of this statement discuss various methods of control over public expenditure which are exercised by the Indian Parliament.

500 60

03. Role of Finance Ministry in Monetary and Fiscal Area


2019 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.

150 10

2017 “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

250 20

2016 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.

250 20

2016 “The initiative of the Income Tax Department on disclosure of black money has had a mixed response.” Give suggestions for tackling this complex problem.

150 10

2016 "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.

250 20



04. Accounting Techniques


2015 Comment on the recent changes in the approach and methodology of devolution of responsibilities and transfer of funds from the Union to the States.

150 10

05. Audit


2018 "Social audit has lent a critical edge to the implementation of programmes such as MGNREGA." Comment 150 10

2006 “Audit, like the judiciary, the executive and the legislature is one of the important ingredients of democracy.” Comment. 200 20

2005 “Audit provides a healthy safeguard against public money going down the drain.” Comment. 200 30

06. Role of Controller General of Accounts and Comptroller and Auditor General of India.


2014 “Social auditing of flagship programmes of Central government facilitates the performance of the Comptroller and Auditor-General.” Elaborate the statement with appropriate examples.

250 20

2014 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.

150 10

2013 “The concept of social audit is more comprehensive than that of traditional audit.” Comment. 150 10

2011 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.”

200 30

2002 Comment on : “The role of Comptroller and Auditor General is a limited one.” 200 20

2001 Comment on : “It is the audit of propriety that distinguishes the audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) from the audit made by any professional auditor.”

200 20



01. Major Concerns


2019 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?

250 20

2006 “All efforts in the field of reforms in public administration by the political executive have resulted in no significant output.” Comment. 200 20

2005 “Efforts made towards administrative reforms so far have been lacking in a congruence between strategy, structure and substance.” 200 20

2000 Comment on : Most administrative reforms have a political cost 200 20

02. Important Committees and Commissions


2018 “The recommendations of various commissions on administrative reforms have not made a radical departure from the Paul Appleby Report.” Do you agree ? Give reasons.

250 20

2017 “The Second Administrative Reform Commission (ARC) makes a strong case for the principle of subsidiary.” Elaborate 150 10

2015 What are the major concerns of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on Civil Service reforms? Indicate the current status of their implementation.

150 10

2015 Briefly discuss the main recommendations of the Punchhi Commission (2010) on Centre-State relations for transforming Indian Federal System 250 20

2014 “Unimplemented reforms in administrations weaken the administrative reforms process most.” Do you agree? Give your answer citing specific cases as illustrations.

250 20

2013 Explain the important recommendation of V.T. Krishnamachary Committee (1962) on Indian and State Administrative Services and problems of District Administration.

150 10

2012 Compare and contrast the Padmanabhaiah, Riberio and Mallinath Committee Reports. 200 25

2012 ‘Efforts made towards administrative reforms so far have been lacking in 200 30

10. Administrative Reforms since Independence



congruence between strategy, structure and substance.’ Discuss with illustrations.

2011 “The real problem of administrative reforms in India at the State and the local levels in that they are imposed from above.” Comment. 200 20

2010 The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 10th Report, observes that “the common perception is that the incentive structure in government tis too weak and inadequate to motivate better performance.” Elucidate.

200 30

2010 With reference to India, discuss the assertion that administrative reforms are multi-dimensional and need to be substantiated by reforms in other related areas of state action.

200 30

2009 In your view, which have been the five most important administrative reforms implemented after Independence? What has been their impact 200 30

2009 Briefly discuss the main recommendations of any two of the following: i) Paul Appleby (1953 and 1956) ii) Santhanam Committee iii) Hota Committee iv) Sixth Pay Commission

200 30

2009 “The recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on reforming the Civil Service are radical yet implementable.” Do you agree ? 200 30

2007 National Commission to review the working of the Constitution has suggested revolutionary changes in administrative culture. Analyse its major recommendations on Civil Services and Administration.

500 60

2004 “In spite of valuable suggestions through Administrative Reforms, still we have not been able to come up to the expectations of the people.” Discuss. 200 30

2004 Comment on : The Estimates Committee is a continuous economy committee’.” 200 20

2001 Comment on : “Administrative Reforms in India are not necessarily the result of the recommendations of any specific committees or commissions.” 200 20

03. Reforms in Financial Management and Human Resource Development


2019 Effective ‘Performance Management System’ needs to precede ‘taking deadwood out’ from bureaucracy. Comment. 150 10

2015 “Decentralised governance must serve as an instrument of realizing social change and social justice.” Comment on the statement. 150 10



04. Problems of Implementation


2015 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.

250 20

2015 “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.

250 20

2009 Comment on : “The weakest aspect of Indian administration is the grievance redressal machinery.” Discuss. 200 20

01. Institutions and Agencies Since Independence


2009 Discuss the relationship between governance and development in any one Indian State, giving illustrations. 200 30

2003 “It is at the district level that the common man comes into direct contact with the administration.” Elucidate. 200 30

02. Rural Development Programmes


2019 All weather rural connectivity scheme to even unconnected rural habitations has the potential to transform the rural economy. Do you agree? Justify. 150 10

2018 “Rural development programmes have failed to effectively address the problems of small and marginal farmers.” Analyse and give suggestions. 250 20

2014 Do you think that the role of Panchayati Raj should go beyond development administration? Give reasons for your answer. 150 10

2008 New Localism is identified with the new Local State and local activism. Examine how this has impacted city management in India. 500 60

2001 “Despite the serious commitment on the part of the government, the benefits of the rural development programmes do not seem to reach the intended targets and they fail to serve fully the purpose for which they were intended.” Elucidate.

200 30

11. Rural Development



03. Foci and Strategies


2018 “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.

150 10

2018 “Neighbourhood management provides an appropriate global strategy of dealing with social exclusion in the urban development scenario." Comment. 150 10

2013 “Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have contributed to a change in the role of rural women in development — from symbolic participation to empowerment.” Discuss.

150 10

2008 What are the basic hurdles and pitfalls in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act ? 200 30

2002 The role of local self-government in the state administration is of considerable importance. Evaluate the statement in the context of the 73rd and 74th amendments made.

500 60

04. Decentralization and Panchayati Raj


2019 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.

150 10

2017 ’District Planning Committee (DPC) has been the weakest structure in the local self-government mechanism in India .” Analyze with examples 150 10

2017 “The institution of Gram Sabha has very little connection with the Gandhian spirit of direct democracy.” Critically examine 150 10

2017 “Effectiveness of local-self government institutions is hampered due to the lack of capacity building of the elected representative s.” Elaborate 150 10

2015 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.

150 10

2014 Despite the adoption of decentralized planning, participatory initiatives remain marginalized and divisive in many regions. Discuss. 150 10

2013 “The second generation reforms in the Panchayati Raj institutions have changed Panchayats from the agency of development at local level into a political institution.” Discuss.

150 12

2012 ‘Panchayati Raj Institutions are still affected by State control and domination by bureaucracy.’ Do you agree? 150 12

2012 Local self-government in India is the interplay of several factors — historical, ideological, and administrative. Critically examine these factors 200 30



05. 73rd Constitutional Amendment


2016 "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.

250 20

2013 “The 73rd Amendment, it is felt, may accentuate fiscal indiscipline by establishing between State and Local Governments a system of transfers similar to the one in the place between the Central and State Governments.” (World Bank) Comment.

250 20

2012 (i) Explain the emerging ambiguity in respect of the developmental role of District Collector in the wake of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (ii) Justify ‘indicative’ planning in the context of LPG.

250 20

2007 “73rd Constitutional Amendment has provided permanent structural framework to PRI’s resulting into silent social revolution.” Comment. 500 60

2005 “Even after a decade of having adopted the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution, the Panchayat Raj institution still faces a number of problems towards making it a strong, and vibrant unit of Government.” Comment.

500 60

01. Municipal Governance: Main Features, Structures, Finance and Problem Areas


2015 “Municipal governance in India is not sufficiently prepared to meet the challenges of frequent natural disasters.” Elucidate the statement and add your own suggestions.

250 20

2013 “Municipal Administration in India faces both structural and operational challenges.” Examine in the context of post-74th Amendment Act. 250 10

2011 Examine the institutional vulnerability of municipal governance in the midst of an emerging spectre of multiple partnerships. 200 30

2009 “Sound municipal governance requires a cadre of specialized municipal services executives equal in status to State Services.” 200 20

2008 In urban governance, uni-functional agencies and development authorities create a “functional jungle.” Explain. 200 20

2001 Comment on : “Although District Planning Committee and Metropolitan Planning Committees have been provided, those remain mostly on paper.” 200 20

12. Urban Local Government



02. 74th Constitutional Amendment


2012 To what extent has the 74the Constitutional Amendment Act created a ‘federation within a federation’ in India? 150 12

2006 “The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments are major landmarks in India’s Constitutional History and Local Governance.” Comment. 200 20

03. New Localism


2019 The concept of new localism arrangement may defeat the very purpose of local self-governance. Do you agree? Justify. 150 10

04. Development Dynamics, Politics and Administration with Special Reference to City Management


2018 "The disempowerment and depoliticisation of urban local government has happened in multiple ways.” Comment. 150 10

2014 Explain the notion of one hundred ‘smart cities’ and its likely impact on India’s urbanization. 150 10

2011 “Absence of District Planning Committees in a large number of districts has prevented convergence of planning at the district level.” 200 20

2002 Comment on : “Rural and urban development programmes have gained in importance, but implementation has been a failure.” 200 20



01. British Legacy


2019 Macaulay’s ideas on Indian Civil Service Corresponded to the elite theory of bureaucracy, which continue to persist. Do you agree? Justify. 150 10

2019 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.

150 10

2016 Is training of police in India still a reflection of the colonial mindset ? Give reasons for your answer. 150 10

2014 Critically examine the statement: ‘Thana’ (Police Station) as the last bastion of the waning British administrative legacy of India. 150 10

2013 The design of the Indian Polices was to subjugate the Indian People in the aftermath of 1857.” Aalyse in the context of the Indian Police Act of 1861. 150 10

2004 Comment on : “The main features of British governmental and administrative system continue to influence the present Administrative System.” 200 20

02. National Police Commission


2016 "Police reforms in India have remained a contentious issue." Critically analyse. 150 10

03. Investigative Agencies


2015 Discuss critically the salient features of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding its purposes and jurisdiction. 250 20

2015 Discuss the significance and role of the Central Paramilitary Forces in maintaining law and order and countering insurgency as well as terrorism. 250 20

13. Law and Order Administration



04. Role of Central and State Agencies Including Para Military Forces in Maintenance of Law and Order and Countering Insurgency and Terrorism


2019 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

250 20

2018 "The AFSPA debate reveals that the Indian paramilitary forces are caught between the imperatives of national security and protection of human rights.” Discuss.

150 10

2017 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

250 20

2012 “Even though law and order administration is a State subject in the Indian Constitution, it is paradoxical that the para-military and other kinds of security forces under the Union Government have grown in recent years.” Critically analyse the statement.

200 20

05. Criminalisation of Politics and Administration


2018 “Institutional change is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for reducing criminalisation of politics." Examine. 250 20

2013 “There is both criminalization of politics and politicization of criminals in India.” Examine and identify the challenges they cause for law and order administration.

250 20

2006 “By taking some offices out of the jurisdiction of the Office of Profit Act, the Government of India has doubly assured the public mind of its duplicity.” 200 20

2005 “The role played by Central and State Governments in maintaining law and order is inadequate and unmatched to growing criminalization.” 200 20

2004 Comment on : “Criminalisation of politics has been responsible for the problems related to law and order in our nation.” 200 20

2003 “Criminalization of politics in India has been extended to politicization of criminals.” Comment. 200 30



06. Police-Public Relations; Reforms in Police


2019 The police-public interface is punctuated with distrust and fear. Suggest how the police can reform its image in the eyes of the public. 150 10

2017 ”The image of Indian Police can be improved if its structure and orientations are transformed radically.” Do you agree? Elaborate 150 10

2015 How do the Union Government policies on Smart and AMRUT Cities address the problems of management of urban development? Explain. 250 20

2015 Critically examine the concept of community policing as a tool for improving public-police relations. 150 10

2014 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.

150 10

2014 “Police-Public relations are a story of insincere efforts make on both sides.” Elaborate. 150 10

2011 “Community policing has become a victim of elite capture.” 200 30

2011 “The theme of Police Reforms continues to haunt the Parliament.” In the right of this statement, discuss the state of Criminal Justice System administration in India.

200 30

2009 “Law and order problems of the twentyfirst century cannot be tackled through legislations and structures of the nineteenth century.” Give sugges-tions for transforming the law and order machinery at the State level.

200 30

01. Values in Public Service


2019 ‘Sevottam Scheme’ had great potential to reform service delivery, but opportunity is frittered away. Comment 150 10

2018 "Performance management requires identification of indicators and measures to ensure that goals are achieved efficiently." Discuss. 150 10

2008 There is constant and continuous collision between bureaucratic values and democratic values which adversely affects development. In the light of this statement examine the role of bureaucracy in development.

500 60

2008 ‘District Administration is like a small tortoise carrying the load of an elephant.’ Discuss.

200 20

14. Significant Issues in Indian Administration



2007 Define Civil Society. Is it an effective organ to control administrative machinery? Comment. 200 20

2005 “The primary emphasis in District Administration has to be on implementation of development programmes in cooperation with active support of people.” Elucidate.

200 30

2004 “Welfare of the people has been a constitutional and legal obligation of the state, wherein both the Centre and State Governments are required to discharge the obligation within available resources.” Does this stand true in the context of globalization ?

500 60

2004 Comment on : “Values, more than techniques are the eventual determinants of the actions of the administrators.” 200 20

2003 “NGOs are fast replacing the government in the implementation of a large number of programmes.” Elucidate. 200 30

2003 Comment on : “The size of the leviathan goes on expanding, despite the country’s recent commitment to downsizing or rightsizing.” 200 20

2002 “Women’s development programmes of recent have shifted from welfarist approach to empowerment of women.” - Elaborate. 500 60

2000 Do you think that our administration is sensitive to public grievances? Discuss the existing grievances redressal mechanism and give suggestions for enhancing its capabilities.

500 60

02. Regulatory Commissions


2019 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.

150 10

2018 “In the Network Era the TRAI has the challenging task of protecting the Net Neutrality from digital aggression.” Comment. 250 20

03. National Human Rights Commission


2009 “The National Human Rights Commission has done a commendable job in developing a sense of responsibility among organizations towards the protection of human rights.” Comment on this assessment

200 30

2006 “The role played by the National Human Rights Commission in maintaining and preserving dignity of India’s citizen has been satisfactory and up to the expectations.” Elucidate.

500 60

2004 Comment on : “The National Human Rights Commission is unable to play its role effectively due to various hindrances.” 200 20



04. Citizen Administration Interface


2019 “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 150 10

05. Corruption and Administration


2019 Minimal accountability being the dominant norm in the political system, the Lokpal can only be an ideal institution with limited effectiveness. Explain. 250 20

2018 “Financial inclusion needs legal backing but it also requires increasing awareness for it to become a reality.” Discuss 150 10

2017 “The ‘policy of non-action’ regarding the institutional mechanisms and legal provisions to eradicate corruption is a feature of Indian Administration.” Critically examine

250 20

2017 “The Right to Information (RTI) has started its journey but is far from its destination.” Comment 150 10

2016

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

250 20

2016 "National Green Tribunal is viewed by many critics as a hindrance to economic development." Evolunto the otatomont and give arguments in support of your answer.

150 10

2016 "The growing prominence of NGOs in development areas is strongly related to the declining legitimacy of the State.” Explain. 150 10

2013 “The basic ethical problem for an administrator is to determine how he/she values.” Comment with reference to corruption in administration. 250 20

2012 ‘Corruption is more of an environmental than an administrative problem.’ Discuss. 150 12

2011 (i) “One Lok Pal, howsoever strong it may be, cannot eliminate corruption in the politico-administrative system in India.” Comment. (ii) “Grievance redressal system is perhaps the weakest link in India’s civil services management.” Comment.

200 30

2011 “The performance of Lok Ayuktas in various States has been uneven.” Comment with examples. 200 20



2011 “The performance of Lok Ayuktas in various States has been uneven.” Comment with example. 200 20

2006 “Lok-Ayuktas are judicial institutions without adequate teeth”. Comment. 500 60

2005 “The Lokayuktas in States have not succeeded in tackling mal-administration, while the Bill on Lokpal still faces stiff opposition on the floor of the Parliament.” Comment.

500 60

06. Disaster Management


2019 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.

250 20

2017 “Disaster preparedness and management has become an important component of district administration in India.” Discuss with suitable illustrations

250 20

2016 Explain how the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of disaster management cycle.

250 20

2011 “Disaster insurance is desirable but not an easy proposition to implement.” Illustrate with suitable examples. 200 30

2011 (i) Identify the different conceptual categories of disasters. ii) Write a note on the new culture of disaster management. 200 30

2010 It is argued that the Bhopal gas disaster and the response pattern to it reflect multiple vulnerabilities relating to systems of corporate social responsibility, governance at local, state and central levels, and legal safeguards and liabilities.

200 30

2009 “India has failed to devise a long-term strategy for drought management.” 200 20

2008 In India, there appears to be more disaster of management than management of disaster.’ Comment. 200 20

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