UPSC CSE (Main) 2019 · Optional
Public Administration · Paper II · 2019
28 questions from UPSC's own paper, Indian Administration.
UPSC's question paper: official PDF ↗ · archived copy ↗
- Section A
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Q1(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
In the text of Arthashastra, "the State is neither a police State nor merely a tax gathering State". Comment.
1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
The economic reforms have significantly infringed the basic values and spirit of the Indian Constitution. Examine.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Macaulay's ideas on Indian Civil Service corresponded to the elite theory of bureaucracy, which continue to persist. Do you agree? Justify.
1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
There has been an opinion that the ethos of Indian Judicial System continue to be colonial. Suggest measures for raising the level of judicial excellence for achieving speedy justice.
4. Union Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Various commissions have reiterated the crucial role of the Governor in Indian system of governance, but the successive governments have not heeded to make the Governor's office apolitical. Examine with examples.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(a) · 20 marks
Article 356 acts "very much like the proverbial bolt from the blue ... without giving an opportunity or notice to the State Government to correct its alleged shortcomings". This phenomenon not only undermines the autonomy of the State Government, but also demeans the status of the President of India. Critically analyze.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(b) · 20 marks
Public Sector Undertakings were expected to take the Indian economy to the 'commanding heights', instead the successive governments have been pushing for disinvestment. Critically examine how the scenario has changed over the years.
3. Public Sector Undertakings Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(c) · 10 marks
Emerging developmental aspirations of the society necessitate the constitutional amendment to change the present safeguards available to the civil servants. Evaluate the pros and cons of such amendment.
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Q3(a) · 20 marks
"Strong PMO is anti-thesis to the feature of collective responsibility of Council of Ministers." Examine the issues in relation to the position of PMO vis-á-vis Council of Ministers in the light of this statement.
4. Union Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(b) · 20 marks
Capacity issues relating to employees have hampered the implementation of several government programmes. Trace the reasons in the context of the provisions of the National Training Policy, 2012.
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Q3(c) · 10 marks
The strategy to deal with the non-performing assets of banks may lead to overburdened taxpayers. Examine the role of government to protect the interests of both.
9. Financial Management Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(a) · 20 marks
Considerable attention has been paid to the restructuring of the administrative systems at the Central and local levels, but very few reforms have been undertaken at the State level. What steps would you suggest to rectify it?
10. Administrative Reforms since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(b) · 20 marks
It is observed that non-functioning of District Planning Committees is preventing the convergence of rural and urban planning needs. Do you agree? Justify.
5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(c) · 10 marks
The police-public interface is punctuated with distrust and fear. Suggest how the police can reform its image in the eyes of the public.
13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
- Section B
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Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
The evidences suggest that the dream of deliberative democracy could not be realized in practice at the grassroot level. Evaluate the impediments in the functioning of Gram Sabha.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
"The RTI has started its journey, but is far from its destination." In the view of the statement, examine the present status of the RTI movement.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
The concept of new localism arrangement may defeat the very purpose of local self-governance. Do you agree? Justify.
12. Urban Local Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
Effective 'Performance Management System' needs to precede 'taking deadwood out' from bureaucracy. Comment.
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Q5(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
All weather rural connectivity scheme to even unconnected rural habitations has the potential to transform the rural economy. Do you agree? Justify.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(a) · 20 marks
The office of the District Collector has merely become a bureau for funnelling government schemes, collecting statistics and an officer on attendance for unending VIP duties. Critically examine its role in the light of the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission.
7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(b) · 20 marks
Minimal accountability being the dominant norm in the political system, the Lokpal can only be an ideal institution with limited effectiveness. Explain.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(c) · 10 marks
'Sevottam Scheme' had great potential to reform service delivery, but opportunity is frittered away. Comment.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(a) · 20 marks
The National Policy on Disaster Management envisages a paradigm shift from hitherto reactive post-disaster relief centric regime to more pro-active and enabling environment. Examine the responses of State Governments in this regard.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(b) · 20 marks
Efforts to strengthen State Finance Commissions have faced apathy of State Governments over the years, which has also affected the successive Central Finance Commissions in recommending appropriate fiscal transfers to local bodies. Substantiate the answer with examples.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(c) · 10 marks
Accountability of regulatory bodies would address the problem of over-regulation and help make them truly facilitators. Analyze the present status of regulators and suggest measures to induce accountability in the mechanism.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(a) · 20 marks
'NITI Aayog' has changed the way India strategized for economic development, but its effectiveness is yet to be seen, especially when its financial powers are far less than its predecessor. Analyze.
5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(b) · 20 marks
Even though the law and order administration is a State subject, it is paradoxical that the Central agencies—NIA or paramilitary forces under the Union Government—have restricted the powers of State Governments. Discuss.
13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(c) · 10 marks
Performance grants devolved by Finance Commission of India have increased the financial accountability of the local bodies. Elaborate.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →