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

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

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

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