Essay Paper 2011

Write an essay on any one of the following topics : 200 Marks

1. Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implications.

2. Does Indian cinema shapes our popular culture or merely reflects it.

3. Credit based higher education system - status opportunities and challenges.

4. In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism.

Public Administration Paper 2 - UPSC Mains question 2011

1. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words

each : 20x3=60

(a) “Over-dependence on bureaucracy for bringing about socioeconomic development in India has proved to be dysfunctional.” Comment.

(b) “The performance of Lok Ayuktas in various States has been uneven.” Comment with examples.

(c) Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface between political culture and bureaucratic culture in contemporary India.

2. (a) Discuss the evolution of the role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since independence. 30

(b) “Administrative reforms get diluted because of constant tinkering on the margin rather than a holistic transformation.”

Discuss the statement in the context of reforming district administration in India. 30

3. (a) Comment on the following statement: 30

“The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India is a prosecutor with a law that hobbles its functioning, a judge without the power to sentence and a litigant with no right to

appeal.”

(b) “Indian federalism is passing through a state of potential maturity”. Discuss this statement in the context of the views of the Commission on Centre-State Relations (Justice M.M.

Punchi). 30

4. (a) “The theme of Police Reforms continues to haunt the Parliament.” In the light of this statement, discuss the state of Criminal Justice System administration in India. 30

(b) ‘Performance Appraisal Systems’ with special reference to the Performance Management and Evaluation System (PMES) are expected to transform the bureaucratic culture of Indian

administration. Do you agree? Give reasons. 30

SECTION B

5. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each : 20x3=60

(a) “The real problem of administrative reforms in India at the State and the local levels is that they are imposed from above.” Comment.

(b) Discuss the basic principles of ‘New Localism’ as a part of the global-local debate.

(c). “Absence of District Planning Committees in a large number of districts has prevented convergence of planning at the district level.”

Examine the above statement with examples.

6. (a) (i) “One Lok Pal, howsoever strong it may be, cannot eliminate corruption in the politico-administrative system in India.” Comment. 15

(ii) “Grievance redressal system is perhaps the weakest link in India’s civil service management.” Comment. 15

(b). “Community policing has become a victim of elite capture.” Discuss the concept of community policing and bring out the implications of the above statement. 30

7. (a) Can the holding company’s structure act as an institutional change to add to efficiency? Give your answer with appropriate illustrations. 30

(b). Examine the institutional vulnerability of municipal governance in the midst of an emerging spectre of multiple partnerships. 30

8. (a) (i) Identify the different conceptual categories of disasters. 15

(ii) Write a note on the new culture of disaster management. 15

(b). “Disaster insurance is desirable but not an easy proposition to implement.” Illustrate with suitable examples. 30

Public Administration Paper 1 - UPSC Mains Question paper 2011

1.Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each:
20x3= 60
(a) 'A crisis of credibility' in the administrative system can be overcome only by 'reinventing government.' Comment.

(b) 'Media is a Parliament of citizens.' Explain.

(c) E-governance is the final arrival of Max Weber's 'iron cage of rationality'. Discuss.

2. (a) In the evolution of the discipline of Public Administration, Minnowbrook Conferences I, II and III reflect the discipline's reconceptualisation and its changing values.
Elucidate. 30

(b) Critically examine conflict resolution according to M.P.Follet. Explain how McGregor
took forward her ideas in the context of complex organizations. 30

3. (a) Whereas Down's model is largely dependent on a theory of psychological motivation,
Niskanen's model is framed by neoclassical thinking.
In the light of above, discuss the public choice approach to decision making. 30

(b) The Systems Approach is relevant even today for organizational analysis. Discuss
how Chester Barnard and David Easton adopted this approach in their respective
areas of study. 30

4. (a) Whereas 'value for money' audit aims at economy and 'performance' audit seeks
efficiency, 'social audit' goes beyond both, to examine the effectiveness of a
programme or activity.
Examine this statement with suitable illustrations. 30

(b) (i) Make a critical assessment of Dicey's understanding of the Rule of Law and
Droit Administratif. 15
(ii) Make out a case for Delegated Legislation. 15

SECTION B

5. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20x3= 60

(a) 'Budget is a series of goals with price- tags attached.' Explain.

(b) 'Policy is being made as it is being administered and administered as it is being
made.' Comment.

(c) 'Position Classification can be problematic. A serious complaint in its practice is
that it dehumanizes the employee.' Discuss.

6. (a) Neither Edward Weidner nor Fred Riggs was able to describe the process of
development administration adequately. Explain the drawbacks and weaknesses
in their theoretical analyses. 30

(b) Indicate the milestones in the story of development from Nehruvian model to the
Liberalisation Model. 30

7. (a) Civi Servants must be social moralists in action, living unto Paul Appleby's dictum
that 'responsible government is ethical government'. Examine this statement in
the light of good governance. 30

(b) Critically examine the following statements in the field of Policy Sciences:
(i) The incrementalist paradigm posits a conservative tendency in public policy
making. 15
(ii) Dror's Optimal Model is a fusion of the economically rational model with the
extra-rational model. 15

8. (a) (i) What are the main functions of an O and M office ? 15

(ii) A system of information ties planning and control by managers to the
operational system of implementation. Elaborate. 15

(b) An administrator uses the budget as a framework for communication and
co-ordination, as well as for exercising administrative discipline throughout
the administrative structure. Explain. 30