Administrative System of Andhra Pradesh | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Andhra Pradesh was established on 1st November, 1956, as part of the States' reorganization scheme. It stands as the fifth largest state, covering an area of 2,76,754 sq. km, which contributes to 8.4% of India's total landmass.
• Notably, Andhra Pradesh boasts the longest coastline among all Indian states, extending up to 972 km.

Executive Government Administrative Structure

• The administrative structure of the executive government is the system in which the permanent civil service operates under the guidance of the political executive. This framework aims at coordinating various governmental functions and interactions with external entities.
• Historical changes in administrative structures were often implemented with the expectation that improved structures would yield better outcomes. Formerly, many countries relied on legislative changes imposed on outdated organizational setups, rather than addressing underlying structural issues directly.
• Presently, a more comprehensive approach to reform involves functional reviews, seeking to balance internal restructuring with evolving relationships between public administration and society. This process involves redefining roles, missions, and functions of administrative layers, identifying redundancies, and optimizing functions.
• Structural rationalization aims to establish strategic mechanisms and processes for policy formulation and decision-making coordination. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that structural reform alone cannot guarantee enhanced public service delivery. The competence of personnel is equally vital, as capable individuals can navigate suboptimal structures more effectively than the reverse scenario.

Evolution of Secretariat

• The Andhra Pradesh Secretariat's historical roots trace back to the establishment of Fort St. George in 1640 during the Madras Settlement, serving as the seat of the Tamilnadu Secretariat today.
• The Tamilnadu Secretariat originated in 1670 with the Public Department, which was responsible for governmental affairs under a Secretary's administration.
• As the colony expanded, new departments emerged sequentially, such as the Military Department in 1752, the Revenue Department in 1774, the Secret Department in 1796, and the Judicial Department in 1798.
• Five distinct Boards including the Board of Revenue, Board of Trade, Military Board, Hospital Board, and Marine Board were set up in 1786 to oversee field administration, each managing specific areas of governance.
• The role of Chief Secretary was established in 1800, overseeing political and secret departments, along with the addition of Finance Department in 1811 and Law Department in 1815.
• By 1831, the Chief Secretary managed a broad spectrum of departments, encompassing Finance, Law, Commercial, Ecclesiastical, and General Branches under the public department's umbrella.

State Executive and the Government Secretariat

• The system of Cabinet Government in India follows the Commonwealth tradition, consisting of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
• In a State, the Executive power is vested in the Governor by Article 154 of the Constitution, who exercises it directly or through subordinate officers.
• The State's executive structure includes the political executive (Council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister) and the administrative structure (comprising the permanent Civil Service).
• The Government Secretariat acts as the administrative headquarters serving the Head of Government, Council of Ministers, and Ministers.
• The Secretariat's primary responsibility is derived from the collective responsibility of the Ministers in the Council.
• It plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the political and administrative aspects of governance.
• The Secretariat manages relationships upwards to ministers, downwards to public service departments, and outwards to private sector organizations and NGOs.

Field Organizations of Government

• Secretariat departments may have field organizations under them, such as statutory authorities, heads of departments, statutory corporations, Government companies, cooperatives, societies, etc., collectively known as "instrumentalities of the State" as per Article 12 of the Constitution.
• Heads of regular departments under the Government are bound by laws, rules, codes, and procedures set by the Government. On the other hand, agencies like corporations and societies, established by the Government for development or welfare functions, have the autonomy to create their own rules and regulations.
• Heads of Departments are designated by the Government for financial budgetary functions and cadre control of Civil Servants.

Local Government Institutions

• Devolution of powers under the Constitution to local government institutions aims to establish a three-tier hierarchical structure for rural local bodies and urban local bodies.
• Rural local bodies consist of Zilla Parishad, Mandal Praja Parishad, and Gram Panchayat. Urban local bodies include Nagar Panchayat, municipal council, and Municipal Corporation.
• The 73rd & 74th amendments to the Constitution introduced the 11th & 12th schedules, listing subjects allocated to the third tier of Government.
• State Government has full legislative and executive powers over State subjects listed in the portfolios of local bodies, determining the extent of powers of local Governments concerning these subjects.