IAS Mains Previous Years Paper : Public Administration (2001)

Paper-I:
Candidates should attempt Questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each Section. All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION 'A'
Q. 1. Comment on any three of the following in not more than 200 words each :
(a) "Administrative efficiency is enhanced by keeping at a minimum the number of organizational levels through which a matter must pass before it is acted upon." - (Herbert A. Simon) 20
(b) "A science of administration would be a body of for mal statements describing invariant relationships between measurable objects, units, or elements. Unquestionably, administrative research has produced definite precepts and hypotheses that are applicable to concrete situations."
- (Fritz Morstein Marx) 20
(c) ... "a more thorough consideration leads to the understanding that communication, authority, specialisation and purpose are all aspects comprehended in coordination." - (Chester I. Barnard) 20
(d) "Political environment conditions administrative system." - (F. W Riggs) 20

Q. 2. "... The paradigms of public administration may be understood in terms of locus an focus." - Golembiewski
In the light of the above statement describe the "five-paradigms" of Nicholas Henry about the evolution of the discipline of public administration. 60

Q. 3. "Information constitutes the life-blood of the functioning of organization." In the light of this statement, explain the utility and importance of communication in decision-making. 60

Q. 4. What opportunities are available to All India Services and state services in career development ? Do you agree that days of generalists in modern administrative state are numbered ? 60

SECTION `B'
Q. 5. Write short notes on any three of the following in not more than 200 words each :
(a) Budget as an instrument of socio-economic transformation. 20
(b) Judicial control over administration in India and concept of judicial activism. 20
(c) Effectiveness and utility of Central and State Administrative Tribunals. 20
(b) Work study and work-measurement in Indian Administration. 20

Q.6. Give reasons for the failure of Government of India to introduce the performance programme budgetary technique in Union Ministries. What type of budgetary system is being currently practised in India and why ? 60

Q. 7. "The weakest aspect of Indian Administrative System is utter disregard of accountability." Examine the current mechanism for enforcing accountability. What steps are necessary to make it more effective ? 60

Q. 8. Critically examine the approach and methodology adopted by Fred W. Riggs in his study of prismatic and sala societies. What is valid-content of Raj Krishna's criticism of refraction ? 60

Paper - II

INSTRUCTIONS
Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.
Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.
Candidates should attempt questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any THREE of the remaining questions selecting at least ONE question from each Section.
All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION 'A'
Q. 1. Comment on any three of the following in not more than 200 words each :
(a) "The period of British rule generated most of the structural and behavioural values of Indian Administration not by imitation but through interaction."
(b) "Though the dictatorship of the Cabinet is a stark reality in modern times, it does not mean that the Cabinet is omnipotent."
(c) "National Development Council, it seems, is like a super-Cabinet."
(d) "Indian Constitution confers vast legislative powers on the President."

Q. 2. "Among several other problems, the Problem of financial relationship is perhaps the most complex one." Explain in the context of recent developments in Union-State relations in India.

Q. 3. (a) "The leadership qualities of a civil servant are tested most during his tenure as the Cabinet Secretary - a dream-post for even-bureaucrat.- Elucidate.
(b) "All India Services play a crucial unifying role in the whole administrative system of the country." Explain.

Q.4. Discuss the major problems of management and working of Public Sector Undertakings in India. Give suggestions in the light of liberalization policy to improve their performance.

SECTION 'B'
Q. 5. Comment on any three of the following in not more than 200 words each :
(a) "Maintenance of law and order is a State subject but the Union Government can deploy armed forces in any State."
(b) "Most administrative reforms have a political cost."
(c) "It is a major challenge to balance the role of District Collector with the powers of democratic bodies."
(d) "A middle way- should be worked out to utilize the services of both generalists and specialists for the national development."

Q. 6. Do you think that our administration is sensitive to public grievances ? Discuss the existing grievances redressal mechanism and give suggestions for enhancing its capabilities.

Q. 7. (a) "Reservation policy and its implementation has had some positive impact in relative terms on the socio-economic development of the SCs and STs but it is very meagre in absolute terms. Comment.
(b) "In the Chief Secretary, the State Government has an officer whose counterpart does not obtain in the Union Government.' Elucidate.

Q. 8. Do you agree that globalization, liberalization and privatization policies are going to change the very fabric of Indian Administration? What, according to you, are the major challenges before it in the 21st century?