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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-8)

Section B

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

8:- (a) The main objective of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 is to enable tribal society to assume control over their livelihoods and traditional rights. Critically examine the implementation of the Act. (20)

The fundamental spirit of the Panchayat Extension Act for tribal areas under 5th Schedule is that it devolves power and authority to Gram Sabha and Panchayats rather than delegation; hence it paves way for participatory democracy. Every Panchayat legislation in the 5th Schedule area must adhere to customary law, social and religious practices, and traditional management practices of community resources, according to the constitution and this act.
Additionally, it directs the state government to grant powers and authority to Gram Sabha and Panchayats so that they can function as Institutions of Local Self Governance, particularly with regard to the enforcement of the prohibition against the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages; possession of small forest products; ability to manage village markets, exercise control over money lending, and prevent and restore illegally alienated land.
Therefore, the proper or harmonious interpretation of PESA would be to acknowledge the self-governing tribal political institutions. Because the PESA is based on the recommendations of the Bhuria Committee, which played a crucial role in its creation, and because it must be read in conjunction with the Fifth Schedule, which deals with the Scheduled Tribes of the Fifth Schedule Areas, this conclusion also follows.

(b) The effectiveness of law and order administration depends on cooperative attitudes of people towards police, than bringing reforms in the structure and procedures of law and order machinery. Do you agree? Give reasons. (20)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Examine the role of Lokpal in ensuring transparency and accountability in Indian administration. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-7)

Section B

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

7:- (a) In India, for the upliftment of majority of people, governmental intervention remains a central fact of life. Nevertheless, the effective implementation of policies depends on the ethical values of Public Servants. Discuss. (20)

Following policy formulation, the most crucial phase is policy implementation. Some academics refer to the phase of policy execution as the core of the policy process, perhaps because of its significance. Policy execution is basically the process of turning a policy into action and presumptions into results through various initiatives. Policy execution also determines some of the most important factors that contribute to an effective policy execution. Various academics suggested a variety of factors to ensure efficient policy implementation. A variety of outcomes, including policy design, stakeholders and their involvement, institutional, policy, and societal context, and implementation strategy, are essential to consider when implementing education policy, according to the literature on effective policy implementation variables. The majority of people identify the primary factor as: the program that is being run, the people who are involved, the officials, teachers, and students who are involved, and the organization in which they work.

An efficient administrative structure, effective financial management, clear procedures, and appropriately trained personnel are necessary for the successful implementation. At the central and regional levels, significant capacity building in planning, budgeting, and management is currently underway. Program objectives and targets must be agreed upon.

Fundamentally, "success prone" policies are not always obvious because success in implementation is evaluated in the context of specific problems and critical factors affecting implementation. Good leadership, which can be the significant political covert hand that guides organized and desperate interest to converge in support of implementing policy, is said to partially predetermine effective implementation. The key to national development is implementing policies in an efficient and successful manner.

(b) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is today a primary cause of widespread and paralysing unwillingness on the part of government institutions to decide and act. Discuss. (20)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Do you think that the new localism relegate the spirit of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992? (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-6)

Section B

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

6:- (a) The recommendations of National Finance Commissions are more norms based than the need based. In the light of this statement analyse the terms of references of 15th National Finance Commission. (20)

There are two reports that must be submitted by the 15th Finance Commission. The first report will include suggestions for the 2020–21 fiscal year. By October 30, 2020, the final report with recommendations for the years 2021 to 26 will be delivered. The report's most important recommendations are discussed in this post. 

When deciding whether or not to devolve power to states, the Finance Commission uses a set of criteria. The 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, for instance, utilized the income distance criterion. In order to maintain equity among states, states with lower per capita income would receive a larger share under this criterion. The Demographic Performance criterion, which was introduced by the 15th Finance Commission, is another example. The goal of the Demographic Performance criterion is to reward states' efforts at population control.

When determining the proportion of states, the 15th Finance Commission used the following criteria: i) 45 percent for the income distance, 15 percent for the 2011 population, 15 percent for the area, 10 percent for the forest and ecology, 12.5 percent for the demographic performance, and 2.5 percent for the tax effort. The Commission has suggested allocating Rs 8,55,176 crore, or 41% of the divided tax pool, to the states for the years 2020 and 21. This is 1% lower than the 14th Finance Commission's recommended percentage.

(b) “The objective of Mission Karmyogi is to enhance capacity building of Indian Civil Servants and improve governance.” Discuss. (20)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Parliamentary control over administration is no substitute for judicial control. Comment. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-5)

Section B

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

5.Answer the following in about 150 words. (10 x 5 = 50)

5:- (a) Examine the lateral entry recruitment in government in the context of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution.10

When individuals from the private sector are selected for a government administrative position despite not being selected through a bureaucratic process, this is known as lateral entry.Since public service delivery mechanisms cannot function effectively without highly skilled and motivated individuals at the helm, lateral entry is required in today's world. Like competition in any field, lateral entry is beneficial, and Part XIV has established the merit-based recruitment principle. To make it a force for positive change, however, serious consideration is required regarding entry requirements, job assignments, the number of employees, and training. In addition, comprehensive administrative reforms require reforms of the "permanent" system, particularly its seniority principle.

(b) Examine the role of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in protecting the interests of the investors in securities. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Citizens charters in India have not succeeded in their objectives in making administrative system citizen centric. Do you agree? Give reasons. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(d) Following the onset of globalisation, the traditional bureaucratic model appears to have lost its significance. Comment.

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(e) “The financial suitability of the Urban local bodies can become a reality only when they receive their due share of public finances.” Explain

The majority of India's urban local bodies (ULBs) lack financial autonomy and resource mobilization, according to an examination of their finances. India's total revenue from all ULBs is about 1% of the country's GDP, compared to Brazil's 5% and South Africa's 6%, respectively. This raises the question of whether the ULBs—or all local bodies—really constitute the third branch of government. The real benefits of decentralization can only be realized if local governments are financially stable. The ULBs' financial situation is dire because their "own tax" revenue sources are stagnant and they are increasingly dependent on the State or the Centre to meet their demands. The need of the hour is the devolution of additional tax sources to ULBs, which must be addressed as soon as possible to increase their revenue base, which will enable them to effectively perform their functions and carry out development projects.

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Public Administration Mains 2022 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-4)

Section A

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

4:- (a) “The Indian judicial system has failed to deliver justice expeditiously”. Examine the challenges faced by the judiciary and suggest measures to overcome them. (20)

Justice has not been served quickly by the Indian justice system. One of the system's biggest flaws has been the lengthy delay in delivering justice. The term "delay in justice" refers to the amount of time required to resolve a case that is in excess of what the court should have spent on the matter. The litigants become disillusioned as a result of delays in justice, which also undermines the capacity of the judicial system.
To increase the strength of the judiciary ,The All India Recruitment Exam (All India Judicial Services) may assist in resolving the issue of appointing judges in order to improve the strength of the judiciary.
In order to deal with cases that are still pending, it is necessary for courts to be open all year. However, the calendar of Supreme Courts—which also applies to other courts—provides fortnight-long winter vacations in addition to week-long vacations for Holi, Dussehra, Muharram, and Diwali.

Courts should be properly modernized in this age of modernization. The court should not be left behind.
They must be completely digitized, and an appropriate infrastructure must be constructed to facilitate easy access.
The establishment of 1734 fast-track courts was recommended by the 11th Finance Commission.
These courts were established to expedite cases that had been pending for a considerable amount of time in sessions courts and other courts.
To get rid of old laws, the Indian judicial system needs to get rid of old laws and focus on giving a judgment that takes into account the current social situation.
Refusal to accept flippant cases Judges should be given clear instructions regarding the types of cases they will accept in court.

(b) Analyse the specific areas of controversies with regard to Union-State financial relations, particularly in the context of one nation – one tax policy. (20)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Examine the role of central government in adjudication of disputes relating to water of interstate rivers. (10)

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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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)

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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 

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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