Citizen and Administration | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The relationship between citizens and the administration is crucial, as public administration's role is to protect and provide services to citizens, funded by the taxes they pay. However, this relationship often faces challenges due to the rigid behavior of public officials and citizens' lack of awareness about their rights and political affairs, leading to alienation. In this context, the concept of a welfare state has emphasized the importance of the interconnectedness and interdependence of citizens and the administration.

Channels of Redressal for Grieving Citizens

• Redressal through Parliament/Legislature: Citizens can seek redressal by approaching their elected representatives in the Parliament or legislative bodies. These representatives have the power to address citizens' grievances and hold the administration accountable.
• Judicial Remedies: Citizens have the option to seek justice through the judicial system. They can file lawsuits or petitions to address grievances and ensure their rights are protected. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a notable avenue where citizens, who may face social or economic constraints, can approach the courts through a group or NGO acting on their behalf.
• Administrative Tribunals: Specialized administrative tribunals, appointed by the government, exist to handle grievances. The Central Administrative Tribunal focuses on public or government employees' service matters, while State and Joint Administrative Tribunals handle issues concerning employees of state public services. Other tribunals, such as Industrial Tribunals, Income Tax Tribunals, and Railway Rates Tribunals, address citizen's grievances related to specific subject matters.
• Lok Adalats: These forums aim to resolve citizens' ordinary grievances against the administration, including matters related to pensions, utilities, telephones, and compensation. If parties involved in a dispute are dissatisfied with the decision, they can further approach courts of law for resolution.

Addressing Administrative Corruption

• Central Vigilance Commission: Headed by a Central Vigilance Commissioner, this body addresses citizens' grievances related to corruption and lack of integrity among governmental servants. It has the authority to initiate investigations through the concerned administrative Ministry/Department's vigilance officers or request the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intervene. The Central Vigilance Commission considers complaints from individuals as well as from other sources such as press reports, audit reports, and parliamentary committee findings. Its role is primarily advisory in nature.
• Ombudsman: Appointed by the legislature, the ombudsman plays a crucial role in dealing with complaints against the government and legislature. In India, the central-level ombudsman is known as "LOKPAL," while at the state level, it is referred to as "LOKAYUKTA." LOKPAL addresses corruption complaints made by citizens against the ruling government, Union/Central Ministers, or State Ministers. After completing investigations, the ombudsman submits a report to the Prime Minister (in the case of Union Ministers) or the Chief Minister (in the case of State Ministers). Frivolous or malicious complaints can be rejected, and the complainant may face penalties or legal action. However, the bill related to the establishment of LOKPAL is yet to be passed in both houses of the legislature. The LOKAYUKTA deals with corruption complaints against State Ministers at the state level. However, the establishment of Lokayukta offices in states remains limited, with many states lacking such bodies.

Conclusion

Efficient redressal mechanisms are essential to bridge the gap and foster a harmonious relationship between citizens and the administration. Citizens have several avenues to address grievances, including seeking assistance from elected representatives, approaching the judiciary, utilizing specialized administrative tribunals, and participating in Lok Adalats. Moreover, bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission and the concept of ombudsmen play crucial roles in combating administrative corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability. By strengthening these channels of redressal and increasing awareness among citizens, the relationship between citizens and the administration can be improved, leading to a more effective and responsive governance system.