Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer - 24
Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer
(Public Administration Paper II / Chapter: Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government)
(Current Based) Question : Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface between political culture and bureaucratic culture in contemporary India. (25 Marks/250 Words)
Model Answer :
In India political culture is identified with generalist approach. It represents the dynamic aspiration of the society and creates a framework for political change. On the other hand bureaucratic culture is technical and specialist in nature because bureaucracy is instrumental in carrying out all public activities in legal manner with standard procedure. In India bureaucratic culture is more developed rather than political one, so it is the main reason of rift between the two. Administrative culture is more hierarchical and political one is more democratic. In theory they have to work in smooth and frictionless manner but in practice, there are many instances of friction between the two.
In case of General VK Singh age controversy then the Defense Minister AK Antony blamed army for the whole issue stating that age discrepancy was noticed by the army in 2006.
In Coalgate scam involving illegal allocation of coal blocks to several firms,Chairman of Screening Committee PC Parakh held that during allocation Coal Secretary makes the recommendation while the final approval is given by Minister.
Durga Shakti Nagpal , a young civil servant found herself amid huge media attention ,political debate and row between federal and state government, after she was suspended allegedly for her ordering the destruction of a wall that was to form the part of a mosque.
These instances show that though political representatives as well as administrators are both known to be meant for the service of the society and nation, there is huge difference between political and bureaucratic culture in India. (Total Words- 252)
(Political Culture and Generalist Approach, Political Culture and democratic order , Administrative Culture and Specialist Administrative Culture and Hierarchical Order)