Previous Years solved Papers of Public Administration IAS Mains - 2016 (Paper -I)
UPSC IAS Mains Previous Years Public Administration Solved Exam Paper (i) - 2016
Paper-1: Section-A
Answer the following Questions in about 150 words each:
Q.1)
a) “Taylorism is considered very controversial despite its popularity.” (Stephen P. Waring) Comment. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “Public Administration is the translation of politics into reality that citizens see everyday.”(Donald F. Kettl and James W. Fesler) Explain. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
c) “Morale can drive an organization forward or can lead to employees” discontent, poor job performance and absenteeism”. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
d) “The autonomy of Public Corporations raised a great debate about their internal working and external relation with the Ministers and the Parliament.” (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
e) “In spite of certain advantages, Social Audit arrangements have mostly been ineffective because there is no legal provision for punitive action.” (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
Q.2)
a) “Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y describe two contrasting models of workforce motivation applied by managers in an organization.” Examine. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “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.
Discretionary power of administrative agency is the right to make reasonable decisions by choosing from among acceptable choices. Discretionary powers are conferred on administrative agencies because administrative agencies possess expertise and specialization to deal with matters delegated by legislatures to the agencies.
When a statute provides that an administrative agency has discretionary powers, it does not allow unlimited discretion. Discretionary power can be exercised only in accordance with the statute. Administrative agencies can discharge discretionary functions within express or implied powers allotted to agencies by legislature. Where a statute is clear and unambiguous, administrative agencies cannot disregard the statute. Administrative agencies are not to exceed or ignore legislative limitations imposed upon agencies’ power. Similarly, administrative agencies are not allowed to withhold its approval or authorization when statutory conditions for approval are met.
Administrative agencies are not supposed to exceed its power while exercising discretionary powers. An agency which has been granted discretion by statute is expected to limit its discretion based on the regulations imposed by the statute. When the legislature has provided a clear and unambiguous law, agencies are not justified in altering, modifying, or extending the reach of law. Administrative agencies are expected to apply just and fair discretion. These agencies should comply with established principles of justice while exercising discretion. It would amount to abuse of discretionary power if administrative agencies act arbitrarily, carelessly, fraudulently, or without factual basis.
Q.3)
a) “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. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “Good governance is ensuring respect for human rights and strengthening democracy, promoting transparency and capacity in Public Administration.” (Kofi Annan) In the light of the statement, critically examine the criteria of good governance as provided by United Nations and Nayef Al-Rodhan. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
The United Nations is playing an increasing role in good governance. According to former UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan, "Good governance is ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law; strengthening
c) “The legislative control over administration is not as effective as it ought to be”. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
Q.4)
a)”Blake and Mouton defined leadership styles based on two dimensions-concern for people and concern for production.” In the light of statement, discuss the Managerial Grid Model. Explain with reason which one of the styles is the best. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
The Blake Mouton Managerial Grid :
1. Impoverished Management – Low Results/Low People
2. Produce-or-Perish Management – High Results/Low People
3. Middle-of-the-Road Management – Medium Results/Medium People
4. Country Club Management – High People/Low Results
5. Team Management – High Production/High People
Team management is the most effective leadership style. It reflects a leader who is passionate about his work and who does the best he can for the people he works with.
b) “ bureau-Shaping Model has been developed as a response to the Budget-Maximizing Model.” (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
c) “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 (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
SECTION-B
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: Q.5)
a) “Training is considered as paid holidays.” Comment. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “Public Borrowing produces different effects on the economy.” Examine. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
c) “Self-Help Groups are considered as one of the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for economic empowerment of women”. Comment. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
d) “Riggs observed that three ‘trends’ Could be discerned in the comparative study of Public (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
Q.6)
a) “Fred Riggs continuously changed his theory in order to create the perfect model.” Comment. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “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 examine the anti- development thesis. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
c) “Information Technology brings efficiency and transparency to Public Administration.” Examine the statement with suitable examples. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
Q.7)
a) “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. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “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. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
c) “The problem is to achieve the right balance between a competitive market economy and an effective state: Markets where possible, the state where necessary.” Justify your answer. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
Q.8)
a) “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. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
b) “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. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)
c) “The term ‘work study’ may be used in narrower and wider senses.” Elucidate. (for Answer Join Public Administration Online Coaching)