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

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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