UPSC CSE (Main) 2021 · Optional
Public Administration · Paper II · 2021
28 questions from UPSC's own paper, Indian Administration.
UPSC's question paper: PDF ↗ (UPSC's file, as hosted by civilserviceindia.com)
- Section A
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Q1(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
The Preamble to the Constitution of India provides a foundational framework of ideals and values for the Indian administration. Discuss.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
Examine the extent to which the ideal of Constitutionalism as 'government by limited powers' has been a functional reality in India.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Red-tapism is a major obstacle to the implementation of 'good governance'. Comment.
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Q1(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
The role and status of the Speaker in parliamentary system have their foundation in the Speaker's stance on neutrality. Comment.
4. Union Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
The Union government develops and practices strategies to administer increasing number of existing local government services by sidelining local initiatives and discretion. Examine.
7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(a) · 20 marks
Kautilya envisages protection, welfare and prosperity of the State and its people as the utmost concern of a ruler. In this context, discuss the significance of Kautilya's emphasis on governing, accountability and justice in contemporary India.
1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(b) · 20 marks
District Collector is the most important functionary in district administration in India. In light of the above statement, discuss the multidimensional responsibilities of District Collector in effecting coordinated developmental administration in India.
7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(c) · 10 marks
The role of the Governor is of a sagacious counsellor, mediator and arbitrator rather than that of an active politician. In this context, examine the role of the Governor in state politics in India.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(a) · 20 marks
Recruitment is the cornerstone of the whole public personnel structure and it revolves around the problem of attracting the best. Discuss the essential elements of a good recruitment system.
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Q3(b) · 20 marks
Traditionally structured administrative systems have outlived their utility. Discuss as how administrative reforms can revamp, restructure and redesign the existing governmental structure to meet the new challenges faced by the Indian administrative set-up.
10. Administrative Reforms since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(c) · 10 marks
The government policy of large scale privatization of the key sectors of economy may affect India's economic health. Comment.
3. Public Sector Undertakings Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(a) · 20 marks
As a constitutionally mandated body the Finance Commission stands at the centre of fiscal federalism. Evaluate the role of Finance Commission in ensuring just and equitable resource sharing among the states and the union.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(b) · 20 marks
Recent market approaches to public services present serious challenges to traditional and state-sponsored public service values. Evaluate the statement in the context of Indian administration.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(c) · 10 marks
The increasing criminalization of politics is a major threat to the basic fabric of Indian democracy. Comment.
13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
- Section B
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Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
No rural development strategy can succeed unless it is complemented by appropriate Panchayati Raj Institutions. Examine the statement.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
NITI Aayog has been constituted to implement the goal of co-operative federalism. Discuss.
5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Responsibility and accountability are two major goals of Good Governance. Discuss the statement in the context of Indian administration.
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Q5(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
The Prime Minister's Office has become a powerful institution in itself by virtue of its role in decision-making on strategic issues of utmost importance. Examine the statement.
4. Union Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Well planned and goal oriented training programmes are the backbone of the civil service system in India. Examine the statement.
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Q6(a) · 20 marks
Budget proposals in the Parliament / State Legislatures fail to ensure their effective scrutiny. Identify the factors which constrain effective scrutiny of the budget proposals.
9. Financial Management Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(b) · 20 marks
73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts aimed at making the third tier of government more powerful and effective for democratic decentralization. Critically examine the extent to which this goal has been transformed into reality.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(c) · 10 marks
National Human Rights Commission is handicapped by its jurisdictional limitations of not being able to investigate the cases of violation of human rights by the armed forces. Discuss.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(a) · 20 marks
Contemporary urbanism advocates the integration of diverse modes of urban planning and management concerns. Discuss the above statement in light of urban development in India.
12. Urban Local Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(b) · 20 marks
Rural development programmes are designed to facilitate multifaceted growth of rural poor. Evaluate the role of some key rural development programmes in India in this context.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(c) · 10 marks
Police-public relations in India need to be improved. Suggest measures to strengthen relations between police and public.
13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(a) · 20 marks
In past two decades India's public policy on Disaster Management has shifted its focus from rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts to holistic management of disaster. Analyse.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(b) · 20 marks
The institutional legacy of 'well-entrenched state' affected the post-reforms promises in India. Explain the statement in the light of economic reforms in India.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(c) · 10 marks
Do you agree with the view that the civil service in India is losing its neutral and anonymous character? Argue your case.