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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-3)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2022
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

3:- (a) “The New Economic Reforms during the past three decades have not only reduced the scope of industrial licensing and areas reserved exclusively for Public Sector but also infringed the autonomy of existing public sector undertakings”. Examine. (20)

Except for alcohol, cigarettes, hazardous chemicals, industrial explosives, electronics, aerospace, and drugs and pharmaceuticals, all industries no longer required a license under the new policy. The establishment of new units and the expansion of existing ones no longer require a license.
The number of industries reserved solely for the public sector was reduced from 17 to just 3 under the new industrial policy. Only (i) weapons, (ii) the production of atomic energy, and (iii) transportation via railroad are included.
As long as the government owns an absolute majority of the company's shares, it may be difficult for an organization to act independently in response to reform. Dr. has examined the method for achieving the desired level of Government holding and the desired level. In 1993, the Rangarajan Committee examined disinvestment. The report suggested that the level of ownership that should be the goal could be zero; 26% to guarantee limited oversight of special resolutions passed at the company's general assembly; 51% to have complete ownership and 100% to have effective control. In addition, the report states that, in addition to the possibilities of expanding the equity base, it is necessary to acknowledge that, when determining the final level of ownership by the government, there may be group- or enterprise-specific intermediate levels of disinvestment based on the state of preparedness of each enterprise, the conditions of the stock market, and the requirements of the government.

(b) “National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog has become super cabinet in formulating the development agenda of our country”. Examine the statement by giving suitable examples. (20)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Despite the constitutional status, the District planning committees remained a non-entity in preparation and implementation of plans. Discuss. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-2)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2022
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words each :

(a) “The Indian federal structure is largely symmetric albeit with some asymmetric features”. Examine the status of States and Union Territories through the principle of weighted and differentiated equality in India. (20)

The Divine theory of kinship served as the foundation for the Mughal administration, in which the King presided over all aspects of governance.The administration had a rigid, hierarchical, centralized, top-down structure. For instance, the Mansabdari system was a civil and military bureaucracy in which the king appointed Jagirs according to their ranks and held them accountable for managing their respective Mansabs. There was absence of concept of welfare and people were treated as subjects without adequate rights. There was no Rule of law or tenes of constitutionalism thereby promoting autocratic tendencies wherein people had no progressive rights. The king was the law and shadow of allah and any disrespect to him was considered as blasphemous inviting death penalty. Moreover, there was no organized judiciary or separation of power.

(b) The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a progressive policy. Analyse. (20)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) “Indicative Planning, is a middle path of planning and market mechanism to ensure coordination between public and private activities.” Explain. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-1)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2022
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words each :

(a) “Mughal administrative system was centralised despotism”. Comment. 10

The Divine theory of kinship served as the foundation for the Mughal administration, in which the King presided over all aspects of governance.The administration had a rigid, hierarchical, centralized, top-down structure. For instance, the Mansabdari system was a civil and military bureaucracy in which the king appointed Jagirs according to their ranks and held them accountable for managing their respective Mansabs. There was absence of concept of welfare and people were treated as subjects without adequate rights. There was no Rule of law or tenes of constitutionalism thereby promoting autocratic tendencies wherein people had no progressive rights. The king was the law and shadow of allah and any disrespect to him was considered as blasphemous inviting death penalty. Moreover, there was no organized judiciary or separation of power.

(b) “The office of the District Collector admirably survived the changing times from colonialism to the present times”. Comment. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) “The smooth transaction of business in Ministries and Departments depends on the role played by Cabinet Secretariat”. Discuss.

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(d) “The Government of India Act, 1935 is the most important source of Indian constitution”. Identify its features.10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(e) “The Chief Secretary is the chief communication link between the state and central government”. Explain. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-8)

Section B

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hoursa

8.(a) In the context of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommendations, evaluate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a preferred mode of implementing infrastructural projects.20

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was set up by the Government of India in 2005 to review the public administration system and suggest measures for improvement. Some of the key recommendations of the Second ARC on PPP are:

•  The Government should adopt a comprehensive PPP policy that defines the objectives, scope, principles, and modalities of PPP, and provides a framework for project identification, appraisal, approval, procurement, implementation, and monitoring.
•  The Government should establish a PPP Appraisal Committee at the central level, and similar bodies at the state and local levels, to screen and approve PPP projects, based on technical, financial, economic, social, and environmental criteria.
•  The Government should create a PPP Fund to provide viability gap funding, contingent support, and other forms of assistance to PPP projects, and ensure that such support is transparent, competitive, and performance-based.
•  The Government should develop standard bidding documents, model concession agreements, and guidelines for PPP contracts, and ensure that the contracts are fair, balanced, and enforceable.
•  The Government should strengthen the capacity of public officials and institutions involved in PPP, and provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to them.
•  The Government should promote public awareness and participation in PPP projects, and ensure that the stakeholders, especially the users and the affected communities, are consulted and informed throughout the project cycle.
•  The Government should ensure that PPP projects are subject to regular audit, evaluation, and disclosure, and that there are effective mechanisms for dispute resolution and grievance redressal.

However, PPP also faces some challenges and limitations, such as:

•  PPP requires a robust legal and regulatory framework, a clear and consistent policy environment, and a strong institutional capacity to plan, procure, and monitor PPP projects.
•  PPP involves complex and lengthy processes, high transaction costs, and uncertain outcomes, which may deter potential private partners or increase their risk premiums.
•  PPP may entail social and environmental impacts, such as tariff adjustments, land acquisition, resettlement, and environmental safeguards, which need to be carefully assessed and addressed.
•  PPP may pose governance and accountability challenges, such as corruption, rent-seeking, and lack of transparency, which need to be prevented and mitigated.

(b) In 2011, India ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Evaluate the existing legal framework for fulfilling this commitment. 20

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Shyama Prasad Mukherji Urban Mission is a cluster-based approach of converging rural development efforts of different departments of the government. Comment. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-7)

Section B

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hoursa

7.(a) Accountability of the Executive to the Parliament in the domain of financial administration is secured through CAG reports. Discuss. 20

The Executive is the branch of the government that is responsible for the implementation and execution of the policies and programs of the government, and for the management and expenditure of the public funds. 

The Parliament is the branch of the government that is responsible for the enactment and oversight of the laws and policies of the government, and for the approval and scrutiny of the public funds.

The accountability of the Executive to the Parliament in the domain of financial administration is secured through CAG reports, which are the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), who is the constitutional authority that audits and reports on the accounts and finances of the Union and State governments, and their departments and agencies.

The CAG reports help in securing the accountability of the Executive to the Parliament in the following ways:

•  It provide an independent and objective assessment of the financial performance and compliance of the Executive, and highlight the instances of irregularities, inefficiencies, wastages, or frauds in the use of public money.

•  It enable the Parliament to exercise its financial control and oversight over the Executive, and to examine and question the Executive on the basis of the CAG reports, through its committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).

•  It foster a culture of transparency and accountability in the financial administration of the Executive, and encourage the Executive to take corrective and preventive measures to improve its financial management and governance.

(b) The government response to the Supreme Court's judgement on Police Reforms has been lackadaisical. The reasons are multiple and multidimensional. Discuss. 20

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Disasters can push the world's poorest deeper into poverty. Do you think that a comprehensive strategy to deal with such vulnerabilities is required? 10

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-6)

Section B

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hoursa

6.(a) "Civil Service Reforms along with a transparent transfer policy will go a long way in insulating civil servants from undesired political pulls and pressures." Discuss. 20

Civil service reforms are the changes and improvements that aim to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the civil servants. A transparent transfer policy is a set of rules and guidelines that regulate the posting and transfer of the civil servants, and that ensure that the process is fair, objective, and merit-based.

Civil service reforms along with a transparent transfer policy will go a long way in insulating civil servants from undesired political pulls and pressures, because:

•  It will reduce the scope and frequency of arbitrary or politically motivated transfers of the civil servants, which often disrupt their continuity, stability, and career progression, and which expose them to the risk of harassment, victimization, or corruption.
•  It will enhance the autonomy and professionalism of the civil servants, and enable them to perform their duties and responsibilities in an impartial and ethical manner, without being influenced or interfered by the political parties, leaders, or interest groups.
•  It will improve the morale and motivation of the civil servants, and foster a culture of integrity and excellence among them, and thus increase their credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of the public and the stakeholders.

(b) "The withdrawal of AFSPA from Tripura has sent a positive signal across the State and NorthEastern Region." Do you think that now it is an appropriate time to take a more rational policy decision in this matter. 20

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is by far the most significant cleanliness campaign by the Government of India. Comment. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-5)

Section B

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hoursa

Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words each : 

The district training component of Induction Training of IAS officers requires to be revisited. Examine. 10

The district training component of Induction Training of IAS officers is a one-year period during which the officer trainees are exposed to the actual and day-to-day working of administration at the state and district level in their allotted cadres.

The duration, content, and quality of the district training vary considerably across different states and districts, depending on the availability of resources, infrastructure, and mentors, and the level of coordination and cooperation among the stakeholders. 
The relevance, effectiveness, and impact of the district training are not adequately assessed and monitored, as there is a lack of proper feedback and reporting mechanisms, and a lack of follow-up and support for the officer trainees after the completion of the district training. 
The challenges and opportunities of the district administration have changed significantly in the recent years, due to the rapid socio-economic and political transformations, such as the urbanization, globalization, decentralization, and digitalization, that affect the development process and outcomes. 
The district training component of Induction Training of IAS officers needs to be revisited and reformed, to make it more relevant, effective, and impactful for the officer trainees and the district administration.

(b) "Mission Antyodaya strives to realize the vision of poverty-free India." Examine. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) The dynamics of coalitions vary with the nature of leadership, political parties and contemporary political conditions. Analyze. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(d) Computerization of treasuries has revolutionized the accounting and budget planning process. Comment. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(e) Do you agree that code of ethics and code of conduct for ministers would help in upholding higher standards of their constitutional and ethical conduct? Explain. 10 

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-4)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

4. (a) "There shall be Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except .... ." This constitutional provision is being intensively debated nowadays. Elucidate. 20

This constitutional provision is Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, which states that:

"There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.

This provision implies that the Governor of a state is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister in most matters, except those where he or she can act in his or her discretion as per the Constitution. 

However, the Constitution does not clearly specify the matters in which the Governor can exercise his or her discretionary powers, and leaves it to the interpretation and practice of the Governor and the courts.

The provision challenges the constitutional principles and values of the parliamentary system, where the executive is derived from and responsible to the legislature, and where the head of state is a nominal or ceremonial figure. The Governor may act as an active or partisan player, who influences or affects the political or policy decisions of the state, and encroaches upon the domain or functions of the state legislature or the state executive. There is a need to clarify and rationalize the discretionary powers of the Governor, and to ensure that they are exercised in a judicious and impartial manner.

(b) There is a need to redefine and realign the functions of the Deputy Conmissioner/District Collector. Elaborate. 20

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Examine Project Bharatmala - Road to Prosperity - launched in 2017. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-3)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

3. (a) India has significantly advanced in its development goals, increased efficiency in the public sector and unlocked innovation in private sector by adopting the approach of building Digital Public Infrastructure. Elucidate. 20

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can be seen as a combination of digital infrastructure, such as internet connectivity, data centers, and cloud computing, and digital applications, such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and Co-WIN, that leverage the digital infrastructure to provide various solutions and benefits to the users.

India has adopted the approach of building DPI to advance its development goals, increase efficiency in the public sector, and unlock innovation in the private sector, by:

•  Providing universal and affordable access to digital services, such as identity, payments, health, education, and social security, to the citizens, especially the poor and marginalized sections of the society, and thus enhancing their empowerment, inclusion, and welfare.
•  Improving the transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of the public administration, governance, and service delivery, by reducing the intermediaries, red tape, corruption, and leakages, and by enabling the real-time monitoring, evaluation, and feedback of the public policies and programs.
•  Fostering a conducive and competitive environment for the private sector, especially the startups and MSMEs, to innovate, collaborate, and scale up their products and services, by providing them with the access to the DPI platforms and data, and by creating a large and diverse market and consumer base.

(b) "Attempts to prepare unified and holistic plans for the country are complex and full of challenges." Discuss. 20

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) "Excessive political interference in development process has become a cause of concern in achieving national goals." Examine. 10 

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-2)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

2. (a) "Indian Prime Minister is more empowered than his British counterpart in the Westminster model of democracy." Elucidate. 20

The Westminster model of democracy is a form of parliamentary system that originated in the United Kingdom, in this model, the executive branch is derived from and accountable to the legislative branch, and the head of government (Prime Minister) is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the parliament. The head of state (Monarch or President) is usually a ceremonial figure with limited powers.

One can argue that the Indian Prime Minister is more empowered than his British counterpart in the Westminster model of democracy, because:

•  The Indian Prime Minister has more control over the appointment and dismissal of the Ministers, as he or she does not need the formal approval of the President, who acts on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister. 

The British Prime Minister, on the other hand, has to seek the consent of the Monarch, who has the prerogative to appoint and remove the Ministers.

•  The Indian Prime Minister has more influence over the policy-making and legislation, as he or she can issue ordinances when the parliament is not in session, which have the same force and effect as an act of parliament. 

The British Prime Minister, on the other hand, cannot issue any executive orders without the approval of the parliament, and has to follow the conventions and customs of the parliament.

•  The Indian Prime Minister has more authority over the administration and bureaucracy, as he or she can appoint and transfer the senior civil servants, such as the Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Secretaries, and the Secretaries to the Government of India. 
The British Prime Minister, on the other hand, has to respect the principle of neutrality and impartiality of the civil service, and cannot interfere with the appointment and career of the civil servants.

(b) Post-amendment period Panchayats have become a platform of competitive politics, but could not emerge as an agency of planning and service delivery. Examine. 20

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Former Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra observed : "An efficient judiciary is the hallmark of a great nation." Comment. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2023 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-1)

Section A

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Year : 2023
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words each :

(a) work on the State and Statecraft." Comment. 10

Kautilya's Arthashastra is a comprehensive and influential treatise on statecraft, political science, economic policy, and military strategy, written in Sanskrit, was a scholar and advisor to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 

The Arthashastra covers various aspects of governance, administration, diplomacy, law, security, welfare, and ethics, and provides practical advice and guidelines for rulers and officials on how to manage and maintain an efficient and prosperous state. However, to call the Arthashastra a purely theoretical work may not be accurate, as it also reflects the historical and cultural context of its time, and draws on the empirical and practical experiences of Kautilya and other ancient Indian thinkers and statesmen. 

The Arthashastra is not a rigid or dogmatic doctrine, but rather a flexible and pragmatic framework that allows for adaptation and innovation according to the changing circumstances and needs of the state. Moreover, the Arthashastra is not a monolithic or homogeneous work, but rather a composite and heterogeneous work that incorporates and synthesizes various sources, traditions, and perspectives, some of which may be contradictory or inconsistent with each other. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to view the Arthashastra as a dynamic and multidimensional work that combines theory and practice, tradition and innovation, and diversity and unity, and that offers a rich and insightful analysis of the art and science of statecraft in ancient India.

(b) Critics, sometimes, argue that bureaucracy is an impediment to a nation's development. Analyse. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) The Ninety-First Constitutional Amendment Act successfully right-sized the Council of Ministers both at Union and State levels. Comment. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(d) Is it true that the Finance Commission has been lending financial strength to the local bodies in India? Argue in favour of your response. 10

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(e) "Parliamentary democracy in India envisages elected head as the real executive of a State. "Discuss. 10

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