UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  The norm of anonymity means that the civil se... Start Learning for Free
​The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.
What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’   and  ‘Ministerial
responsibility’.
  • a)
    Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibility
  • b)
    Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.
  • c)
    Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.
  • d)
    Both (b) and (c)
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from beh...
From the above passage, its clear Anonymity is for civil servants while ministerial responsibility is for executive (i.e., Ministers). Therefore, Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from beh...
Relationship between 'Anonymity' and 'Ministerial responsibility'
Anonymity and Ministerial responsibility are two key principles in the functioning of the government. Let's explore the relationship between these two concepts:

Anonymity:
- Anonymity is the norm that requires civil servants to work behind the scenes, without seeking credit or facing criticism.
- Civil servants provide advice to politicians from the background and are shielded from the political spotlight.
- The civil servant's role is to assist the minister in implementing policies and running the department efficiently.

Ministerial responsibility:
- Ministerial responsibility is the principle that holds the political executive accountable to the parliament for the actions of the government.
- Ministers are responsible for the decisions and outcomes of their departments, and they have to answer to the parliament for any successes or failures.
- The minister is politically accountable for the activities of the civil servants working under them.

Relationship:
- Anonymity applies to civil servants, who work behind the scenes and provide support to the ministers without seeking recognition.
- Ministerial responsibility, on the other hand, is the accountability of the political executive (ministers) to the parliament for the actions of the government.
- Anonymity and Ministerial responsibility go hand in hand as civil servants maintain anonymity while supporting ministers, who are politically responsible for the decisions and outcomes of their departments.
- The principle of anonymity protects civil servants from direct criticism in parliament, as ministers assume total responsibility for their actions.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The norm of anonymity means that the civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. In the word of Mohit Bhattacharya, "Anonymity meant that the civil servant would merely advice the politician from behind and would be protected from being exposed to the din and fury of politics. The norm of anonymity requires that the minister has to answer for the actions of the civil servants working under him in the parliament and thus, protect them from the criticism of the parliamentarians. This implies that the minister assumes total responsibility for the commissions and omissions of the civil servants working under him. The minister runs his department / ministry and is politically responsible for its activities. He is mainly concerned with policy and consults his secretary on policy decisions. It is the Minister who decide which course of action to adopt. He alone would be answerable in the parliament for good and bad results of the policy, not the secretary. Therefore, the norm of anonymity is the counterpart of the principle of ministerial responsibility. In other words, the principle of anonymity goes hand in hand with the principle of ministerial responsibility.What, as per the passage, can be said to be the relationship between ‘Anonymity’and‘Ministerialresponsibility’.a)Anonymity is just opposite of Ministerial responsibilityb)Anonymity and responsibility are applicable vis-a-vis the public.c)Anonymity applies to the Civil-Servant while Ministerial responsibility is that of political executive to the parliament.d)Both (b) and (c)Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
Signup to solve all Doubts
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev