UPSC Mains Answer PYQ 2024: Public Administration Paper 2 (Section- B) | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Section B

Q5: Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 Marks)
(a) The constitutional stature provided to the Public Service Commissions accord them the autonomy to work towards fair recruitments. Comment.
Ans: The Public Service Commissions (PSCs) in India are crucial constitutional bodies that ensure a fair and impartial recruitment process for civil services. Their autonomy is guaranteed under the Constitution, particularly under Articles 315 to 323.
The PSCs are entrusted with the responsibility to conduct transparent and merit-based recruitment for various government services. They function independently from the executive to maintain fairness and avoid political interference. The Constitution provides them autonomy by ensuring that their members are not easily removed, thereby protecting them from arbitrary actions. The Chairman and members of the PSC can only be removed through a prescribed procedure, ensuring their independence.
Moreover, PSCs are empowered to recommend candidates for recruitment, conduct examinations, and advise the government on various matters related to public services. Their role in advising on promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters further strengthens their autonomy.
While the constitutional stature of PSCs does provide them the autonomy to ensure fair recruitment, their actual effectiveness is contingent on their ability to operate without external influence. However, challenges like political pressures and bureaucratic interventions sometimes affect their functioning.

​​​​
(b) "The neutrality of civil service has become a myth." Comment.
Ans: The neutrality of the civil services is a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that the administration works impartially, without being influenced by political or personal interests. However, there are growing concerns that this ideal has become increasingly difficult to uphold.
Civil servants are expected to serve the government of the day with complete neutrality, ensuring policies are implemented without any bias or allegiance to any political party. However, with frequent transfers, political patronage, and frequent involvement in controversial policy decisions, the neutrality of civil servants is often questioned.
Several instances have demonstrated how civil servants, due to political pressures, may adopt a partisan approach in their decision-making. For example, the deployment of bureaucrats in key positions based on political affiliations can influence policy outcomes. Moreover, with the rise of political involvement in the selection and promotion process, the concept of neutrality becomes undermined.
While civil services continue to play a crucial role in policy implementation, the increasing politicization of bureaucracy poses a serious threat to its neutrality. Restoring the ideal of neutrality requires strengthening institutional safeguards, depoliticizing appointments, and ensuring accountability.

(c) Examine the role of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in protecting the interests of consumers.
Ans: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established in 1997 to regulate the telecommunications sector in India, aiming to ensure fair competition, promote consumer interests, and maintain the quality of services.
TRAI’s role in protecting consumer interests is multi-dimensional. Firstly, it regulates tariffs and ensures that telecom service providers do not engage in unfair pricing. It introduces mechanisms such as the introduction of transparent billing practices and the setting of reasonable limits for charges like roaming and SMS.
Secondly, TRAI works towards improving the quality of services by setting standards and ensuring that operators meet them. It also plays a vital role in addressing consumer complaints through its grievance redressal mechanism, which provides a platform for resolving disputes between consumers and telecom providers.
TRAI has also pushed for better data privacy regulations and the security of telecom networks, safeguarding consumer data from misuse. The implementation of the 'Do Not Disturb' registry is an example of TRAI’s efforts to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing.
TRAI has been instrumental in ensuring that the telecom sector remains consumer-friendly. However, challenges such as rising customer complaints, digital divide, and frequent changes in technology demand continuous reforms to meet consumer expectations effectively.

Q7:
(a) The separation of police investigation and prosecution has its own benefits and challenges. Analyse in context of recent developments. (20 Marks)
Ans: The separation of police investigation and prosecution is a key reform in criminal justice systems across the world. In India, this distinction is becoming increasingly important to ensure unbiased investigations and fair trials. The separation means that while the police are responsible for gathering evidence, the prosecution is tasked with presenting it in court.
Benefits:

1. Ensures Fairness: The separation helps reduce the likelihood of bias or influence in the investigation process. It ensures that the police do not become emotionally or personally involved in the case, allowing for a more neutral perspective in presenting the case in court.
2. Prevents Conflict of Interest: It prevents the police from controlling both the investigation and the prosecution, reducing the chances of abuse of power or manipulation of evidence.
3. Increases Professionalism: This division allows the police to focus solely on investigation, while the prosecution can specialize in legal aspects, leading to greater efficiency.

Challenges:

1. Coordination Issues: There can be communication gaps between the police and the prosecution, leading to delays or inefficiencies in preparing cases.
2. Lack of Training: Prosecutors may lack investigative skills, and police officers may not always understand legal nuances, which could affect case preparation and presentation.
3. Delays in Justice: In cases where the police and prosecution are not in sync, there can be delays in the filing of charges or in bringing a case to trial, affecting the timeliness of justice.

Recent Developments: The recent emphasis on forensic science and the digitalization of investigations and prosecution has made this separation even more complex. With more evidence requiring technical expertise, coordination between investigators and prosecutors is crucial. Legal reforms like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also highlight the importance of a specialized prosecution body separate from regular law enforcement agencies.

While the separation of police investigation and prosecution enhances fairness and professionalism, it also presents challenges such as coordination issues and delays. Addressing these challenges through better training, improved communication, and legal reforms can help maximize the benefits of this separation.

(b) Lack of financial resources and independence in managing local funding is hindering the economic and social development of urban areas. Discuss. (20 Marks)
Ans: Urban areas in India face significant challenges in terms of economic and social development. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of financial resources and independence in managing local funding. Despite the devolution of power under the 74th Constitutional Amendment, many urban local bodies (ULBs) remain dependent on state and central governments for funding, limiting their ability to drive development.
Challenges:

1. Dependence on State/Center: Urban local bodies depend largely on grants and transfers from the state and central governments for funding. This reliance undermines their financial autonomy and delays the execution of essential projects like infrastructure development, sanitation, and public health.
2. Weak Revenue Sources: Many ULBs struggle to generate sufficient revenue through local taxes. Property taxes, which are a major source of income, are often not adequately collected or updated, and there are issues of tax evasion. Additionally, the scope for improving local tax collection is limited due to the lack of skilled personnel and outdated systems.
3. Fragmented Funding: Funding for urban development projects is often fragmented, with various state and central schemes having different objectives. This lack of coordination can result in inefficiencies and duplication of efforts, further hindering development.
4. Limited Financial Independence: The lack of financial independence restricts ULBs from making timely decisions or responding to emerging challenges like urban migration, informal settlements, or environmental concerns. It also makes urban governance more susceptible to political interference.

Recent Examples: For example, the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission, which aims to improve infrastructure and urban living standards, is hindered by delays in financial disbursements from the central government. Similarly, local governments often lack the flexibility to innovate and implement development projects in line with local needs due to restrictions on their financial autonomy.

The lack of financial resources and independence in managing local funding remains a major hurdle to urban development. Strengthening the fiscal autonomy of ULBs through improved local tax collection systems, creating more stable and consistent funding mechanisms, and reducing political interference are crucial steps in enabling sustainable urban growth and development.

(c) National Investigation Agency (NIA) is playing an important role in countering terrorism. Comment. (10 Marks)
Ans: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), established in 2008, was created to counter terrorism and tackle national security threats in India. It plays a significant role in investigating and prosecuting acts of terrorism, particularly those involving multiple states or international connections.

1. Centralized Expertise: The NIA consolidates investigation efforts into a single agency, providing specialized expertise and coordination across state borders. It handles complex and multi-jurisdictional terrorism cases, which are often beyond the capability of state police forces.
2. National Reach: With its powers under the NIA Act, the agency has the authority to investigate cases not only within India but also those involving international terrorism, enhancing its ability to tackle transnational threats. For example, it has dealt with cases like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Uri attack.
3. Legal Powers: The NIA has the authority to prosecute individuals under stringent anti-terror laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), allowing for preventive action and a swift legal response to threats.
4. Collaboration with Other Agencies: The NIA collaborates with other security agencies, including intelligence and law enforcement bodies, both domestically and internationally. This cooperation strengthens its ability to counter terrorism effectively.

The NIA has played a crucial role in strengthening India's counter-terrorism efforts. Its centralized structure, legal powers, and coordination with various agencies have made it an effective force in tackling terrorism. However, challenges such as ensuring fair legal processes and preventing misuse of anti-terror laws remain key areas for improvement.

Q8:
(a) Police-Public relations are poor in India. What measures are required to strengthen these relations? (20 Marks)
Ans: Police-public relations are essential for maintaining law and order and ensuring public trust in the justice system. In India, these relations are often strained due to various factors, including police excesses, corruption, and a lack of accountability, which affects the effectiveness of policing.
Challenges:

1. Lack of Trust: A significant portion of the public perceives the police as corrupt, unaccountable, and authoritarian. High-profile instances of police brutality, custodial deaths, and lack of responsiveness to public grievances have worsened this perception.
2. Insensitivity to Public Needs: The police are often seen as disconnected from the needs of the public, particularly marginalized communities. This alienates citizens and leads to an erosion of public cooperation.
3. Political Interference: Police forces are frequently subject to political influence, which can undermine their impartiality and responsiveness, further deepening the divide between the police and the public.

Measures to Improve Police-Public Relations:

1. Community Policing: A shift towards community policing, where police officers engage with local communities to address their concerns, can improve trust. Regular dialogues, participation in community activities, and problem-solving initiatives can help bridge the gap.
2. Accountability and Transparency: The establishment of independent oversight bodies like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and strengthening internal vigilance systems can promote accountability. Implementing transparency in investigations and ensuring public access to information on police conduct is essential.
3. Reforms in Police Training: Police training should emphasize human rights, empathy, and the importance of non-violent conflict resolution. Encouraging cultural sensitivity and public interaction skills will improve their approach to the public.
4. Decentralization of Police Administration: Granting local police authorities more autonomy and reducing political interference can ensure that they are more responsive to the needs of the community.

Strengthening police-public relations requires a comprehensive approach that involves reforms in police practices, training, accountability, and fostering positive interactions with the community. Long-term changes will require political will, commitment, and societal participation.

(b) The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and its functioning is away from the public eye. Still it is one of the most important office under the constitution. Discuss. (20 Marks)
Ans: The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, established under Article 148 of the Constitution, plays a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the functioning of the government. While the office itself is not widely in the public eye, its importance cannot be overstated, as it acts as the guardian of public finances in India. 
Functions of the CAG:

1. Auditing Government Accounts: The CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the central and state governments, public sector enterprises, and autonomous bodies. This ensures that public funds are utilized properly and as per the approved budget.
2. Ensuring Accountability: By examining government expenditure, the CAG provides reports to the President and Parliament, helping them ensure that funds are used efficiently and in line with legal provisions. The CAG’s reports often expose financial irregularities, corruption, and misuse of public resources.
3. Promoting Financial Discipline: The CAG plays a vital role in promoting financial discipline by ensuring that the government operates within its financial limits. Through regular audits, it helps prevent wasteful expenditure and encourages efficient use of resources.

Challenges in Public Awareness: Despite its significance, the CAG’s functioning remains out of the public eye because its reports are technical in nature, and they are often not immediately accessible to the general populace. Moreover, there is limited public engagement with its findings, which reduces the broader impact of its work.

Recent Developments: The CAG has increasingly used digital tools to enhance transparency. For example, it has started making audit reports available online and engaging in real-time audits of government projects.

The CAG’s role in ensuring financial transparency and accountability is crucial for good governance in India. While the office remains largely behind the scenes, its work has a profound impact on public financial management. Enhancing public awareness and involvement in its functioning can further strengthen its role in the democratic process.

(c) Critically examine the problems of administration in coalition regimes. (10 Marks)
Ans: Coalition governments, often formed in multi-party democracies like India, face unique administrative challenges. The fragmentation of power among multiple parties with varying ideologies can create administrative inefficiencies, hampering effective governance.
Problems in Coalition Regimes:

1. Policy Paralysis: In coalition regimes, parties often have conflicting interests and ideologies, leading to policy paralysis. For example, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, disagreements within the coalition led to delays in economic reforms, such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
2. Frequent Changes in Cabinet Ministers: The constant reshuffling of ministers, often to accommodate coalition partners, leads to instability in the administration. This lack of continuity can affect long-term policy planning and implementation.
3. Weak Accountability: In coalition governments, the distribution of power among multiple parties may dilute accountability. With shared responsibilities, no single party or leader can be held fully accountable for policy failures, leading to inefficiencies and lack of ownership.
4. Resource Allocation and Conflicts: Coalition parties may prioritize their regional or sectoral interests, resulting in unequal resource allocation and regional imbalances. For instance, states led by smaller coalition partners may receive disproportionate resources, leading to dissatisfaction and resentment.
5. Political Instability: Coalition governments are often unstable and prone to defections, which disrupt administrative continuity. The constant threat of collapse and reformation of the coalition leads to a lack of long-term vision and consistent governance.

While coalition governments provide a broader representation of diverse interests, they also present administrative challenges like policy paralysis, weak accountability, and instability. For effective governance, it is crucial to ensure cooperation and consensus-building among coalition partners and create mechanisms for better policy coordination and continuity.