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IGNOU BPAC-113 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

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Q1. Explain the concept and objectives of development and development administration.

Ans. Concept of Development Development is a multi-dimensional and comprehensive concept that goes beyond mere economic growth. Traditionally, development was measured in terms of an increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. However, the modern perspective views development as a process focused on improving the quality of life, achieving social justice, equity, and the realization of human rights. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen introduced the ‘Capability Approach,’ which posits that development means expanding people’s capabilities to live the life they value. Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) uses the Human Development Index (HDI) , which measures indicators like life expectancy, education, and standard of living. Objectives of Development:

• Economic Objectives: To reduce poverty and inequality, create employment opportunities, and achieve stable and sustainable economic growth.
• Social Objectives: To ensure access to basic amenities like education, healthcare, and clean drinking water for all. To promote social justice and gender equality.
• Political Objectives: To strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, and ensure citizen participation in governance.
• Environmental Objectives: To ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and protect the environment.

Concept of Development Administration

Development administration is the part of public administration concerned with the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of government policies, projects, and programs to achieve development goals. It is an

action-oriented, goal-oriented, and change-oriented

administration.

It differs from traditional public administration, which primarily focused on maintaining law and order and revenue collection. Development administration emphasizes innovation, flexibility, and citizen participation. According to Edward Weidner, “Development administration is the process of guiding an organization toward the achievement of progressive political, economic, and social objectives.”

Objectives of Development Administration:

• To effectively implement development plans and programs.
• To mobilize financial, physical, and human resources for development activities.
• To encourage and facilitate people’s participation in the development process.
• To make administrative structures and processes more responsive to the needs of development by reforming them.
• To manage socio-economic change and achieve the goals of nation-building.

In essence, the goal of development is to enhance human well-being, and development administration is the instrument to achieve that goal.

Q2. Write a note on the concept of New Public Service.

Ans. New Public Service (NPS) is a contemporary paradigm of public administration proposed by Robert Denhardt and Janet Denhardt in their book, “The New Public Service: Serving, Not Steering.” This concept emerged as a response to the ‘New Public Management’ (NPM) of the 1990s and traditional public administration. The core tenet of NPS is that public administrators should serve citizens, not treat them as customers. It emphasizes democratic values, citizenship, and the public interest. Its key slogan is, “Serve citizens, not customers.” The main principles of New Public Service are as follows:

1. Serve Citizens, Not Customers: NPS argues that the public are ‘citizens’ with rights and responsibilities in a democracy, not ‘customers’ in a market. Public administrators should help citizens articulate their shared interests.
2. Seek the Public Interest: Administrators should contribute to building a collective, shared notion of the public interest through dialogue and engagement, rather than just aggregating individual self-interests.
3. Value Citizenship over Entrepreneurship: It posits that government work is not just about economic efficiency but also about promoting democratic values and civic engagement.
4. Think Strategically, Act Democratically: Policies and programs should be implemented effectively and responsibly through collaborative efforts with citizens and community groups, not just by top-down managerialism.
5. Recognize that Accountability Isn’t Simple: Public administrators are accountable not just to the market, but also to the constitution, laws, community values, political norms, and citizen interests.
6. Serve, Rather than Steer: NPS argues that public administrators should help and serve citizens in achieving their shared goals, rather than trying to ‘steer’ society from above.
7. Value People, Not Just Productivity: Public organizations and networks function more effectively through collaboration and shared leadership. Employees and citizens should be treated with respect and valued.

In summary, New Public Service is an attempt to re-establish the ethos of service, democracy, and citizenship in public administration. It is particularly relevant for development administration as it stresses collaborative governance and community empowerment to achieve sustainable and equitable development.

Q3. Examine the functions of urban local bodies in development administration.

Ans. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which include Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats, are crucial institutions of grassroots development administration in India. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 granted these bodies constitutional status and empowered them for planning, development, and administration in urban areas. Their role and functions in development administration are multi-faceted. The Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution lists 18 functions for ULBs, which are directly related to development administration. Their major functions are as follows: 1. Planning and Regulation:

• Urban Planning: Preparing and implementing master plans, including town planning, for the systematic development of cities.
• Regulation of Land-use: Controlling the use of land and construction of buildings to prevent haphazard urbanization.

2. Infrastructural Development:

• Roads and Bridges: Construction and maintenance of roads, culverts, and bridges within their jurisdiction.
• Water Supply: Ensuring the supply of clean drinking water for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes.
• Public Health and Sanitation: Solid waste management, drainage systems, maintenance of public toilets, and prevention of communicable diseases.

3. Social Development:

• Education and Culture: Promoting primary education and organizing cultural activities.
• Urban Poverty Alleviation: Implementing various welfare schemes for people below the poverty line and improving their living standards.
• Slum Improvement: Providing basic amenities in slum areas and rehabilitating their residents.

4. Economic Development:

• Formulating plans to promote local economic development and encouraging local businesses.

Examination of their Role in Development Administration:

ULBs are critical agents of development administration. They play a central role in implementing major central and state government development schemes such as

AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)

. They promote decentralized governance and enable citizen participation in their planning process, making development more responsive and relevant.

However, these bodies face numerous challenges. A

lack of financial autonomy, excessive dependence on state governments, absence of technical and managerial expertise, and political interference

limit their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the role of ULBs is indispensable for achieving urban development goals and ensuring citizen-centric administration. Inclusive and sustainable urban development is not possible without their empowerment.

Q4. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words : (a) Advantages of political parties (b) Composition and functions of Finance Commission

Ans. (a) Advantages of political parties Political parties are the cornerstone of any modern democratic system. They not only contest elections and form governments but also act as a vital link between the government and society. The main advantages of political parties are as follows:

• Representation and Interest Aggregation: Political parties represent different sections, groups, and ideologies within society. They aggregate the diverse demands and interests of the public and present them as a coherent policy platform.
• Formation and Operation of Government: The party that wins an election forms the government and runs the country. This provides political stability and an organized structure for implementing policies.
• Political Education and Mobilization: Parties educate the public on public issues, spread political awareness, and motivate citizens to participate in voting and other political activities.
• Policy Formulation: Political parties develop and present their policies and programs to the public, offering choices to the electorate. When in power, they strive to implement these policies.
• Link between Government and People: Parties communicate the government’s policies and programs to the people and convey the people’s grievances and aspirations to the government.
• Ensuring Accountability: Opposition parties check the government from becoming autocratic by criticizing its policies and actions, thereby keeping it accountable to the public.

Thus, political parties play an essential role in making democracy vibrant, competitive, and representative.

(b) Composition and functions of Finance Commission

The Finance Commission is a

constitutional body

constituted under

Article 280

of the Indian Constitution. It is a quasi-judicial and advisory body that plays a crucial role in defining the financial relations between the Centre and the States.

Composition:

The President of India constitutes a Finance Commission every five years, or earlier if required. It consists of a Chairman and four other members.

• Chairman: A person having experience in public affairs.
• Members: The qualifications for members are determined by the Parliament. They may include a person qualified to be a High Court judge, a person with special knowledge of government finance and accounts, a person with wide experience in financial matters and administration, and a person with special knowledge of economics.

Functions:

The major functions of the Finance Commission are:

1. Distribution of Taxes: To make recommendations to the President regarding the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States (Vertical Devolution) and the allocation of such proceeds among the States (Horizontal Devolution).
2. Grants-in-Aid: To recommend the principles that should govern the grants-in-aid to the States from the Consolidated Fund of India.
3. Resources for Panchayats and Municipalities: To recommend measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities, based on the recommendations of the State Finance Commission.
4. Other Matters: To advise on any other matter referred to it by the President in the interest of sound finance.

The recommendations of the Finance Commission are advisory in nature, but they are generally accepted by the government. It is a crucial institution for maintaining fiscal federalism.

Q5. “Voluntary organizations play a pioneering role in the country’s development.” Elaborate.

Ans. This statement is entirely true that Voluntary Organizations (VOs), often referred to as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), play a pioneering and indispensable role in the country’s development. These organizations are non-profit, non-political, and dedicated to the welfare and development of the weak and marginalized sections of society. They perform critical work even in areas beyond the reach of the government. The pioneering role of voluntary organizations in the country’s development can be elaborated through the following points: 1. Innovation and Experimentation: Due to their flexible structure and functioning, VOs are able to test new and innovative concepts of development. They have developed many successful models in areas like microfinance, watershed management, non-formal education, and community health , which were later adopted into government policies. They can take risks that are not feasible for the government machinery. 2. Service Delivery: These organizations act as a supplement to government efforts by providing services in critical sectors like health, education, sanitation, and disaster relief. They often reach remote and inaccessible areas where government services are inadequate. For instance, the organization ‘Pratham’ does significant work in education, and ‘Goonj’ in disaster relief and clothing management. 3. Advocacy and Policy Influence: VOs play a ‘watchdog’ role. They create public awareness on issues like human rights, environmental protection, child labour, and corruption, and they pressure the government for policy changes. The role of these organizations in the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act is a prime example. They give a voice to marginalized communities. 4. Capacity Building and Empowerment: These organizations work to empower local communities, especially women and weaker sections. They organize them into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) , provide them with skill training, and develop leadership qualities among them. The organization SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) is an excellent example of making women workers economically self-reliant. 5. Promoting Citizen Participation: VOs play a vital role in ensuring citizen participation in development processes. They make people aware of their rights and government schemes and motivate them to participate in planning and implementation, which ensures local ownership and sustainability of development projects. In conclusion, voluntary organizations act as innovators, service providers, advocates, and catalysts for empowerment. They strengthen democratic values and are an essential partner to the government in ensuring inclusive development.

Q6. What do you understand by Community Based Organizations ? Discuss their relevance and nature.

Ans. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are organizations that are formed, managed, and operated by the members of a specific geographical community to address their shared needs, problems, and interests. Unlike external organizations (like NGOs) that work ‘for’ a community, CBOs are ‘of’ and ‘by’ the community. They are grassroots organizations based on local knowledge and resources. Self-Help Groups (SHGs), youth clubs, women’s groups (mahila mandals), farmers’ clubs, and Village Development Committees are some common examples of CBOs. Nature of Community-Based Organizations:

• Grassroots Origin: These organizations emerge spontaneously from within the community to solve local problems.
• Membership-based: Their members are residents of the same community whose problems are being addressed. The members are the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries.
• Voluntary: Membership and participation in them are entirely voluntary.
• Self-governing: These organizations create their own management structure and rules, which are often based on democratic and participatory principles.
• Local Resource-based: They primarily depend on local resources such as member contributions, local donations, and labour, although they may also receive external support.
• Small Scale and Informal: CBOs are typically smaller and more informal than large NGOs, which makes them more flexible and responsive.

Relevance of CBOs in Development:

Community-Based Organizations are highly relevant for development administration and sustainable development.

1. Local Ownership and Sustainability:

Since CBOs are run by the community itself, the projects and activities they initiate are more attuned to local needs. This fosters a sense of local ownership over projects, which ensures their long-term sustainability.

2. Empowerment:

CBOs empower marginalized groups, especially women, Dalits, and Adivasis, by giving them a collective voice and a platform for action. Self-Help Groups have played a revolutionary role in the economic and social empowerment of women.

3. Building Social Capital:

These organizations promote trust, cooperation, and networking among community members, which is known as ‘social capital.’ This social capital is a crucial foundation for collective action and community development.

4. Cost-Effective Solutions:

By using local knowledge and resources, CBOs often provide effective solutions at a lower cost.

5. Partners in Decentralized Governance:

CBOs can act as important partners with Panchayati Raj Institutions and local administration in decentralized planning and development.

In short, CBOs are ‘agents’ of development, not just ‘beneficiaries.’ They promote a bottom-up approach to development that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

Q7. Write a note on the administrative reforms in India since independence.

Ans. Administrative reform has been a continuous process in India since independence. Its primary objective has been to transform the colonial-era, law-and-order-focused bureaucracy into one that is suited to the needs of a democratic, welfare, and development-oriented state. The efforts for administrative reforms in India can be understood through several phases and key commissions. Early Efforts (1950s-60s):

• A. D. Gorwala Committee (1951): This committee emphasized integrity and efficiency in administration.
• Paul H. Appleby Reports (1953, 1956): American expert Appleby reviewed Indian administration and recommended reforms in organizational structure, O&M (Organization and Methods), and the establishment of an Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

First Administrative Reforms Commission (First ARC, 1966-70):

This was the most comprehensive reform effort to date. Chaired initially by Morarji Desai and later by K. Hanumanthaiah, the commission submitted 20 reports covering almost all aspects of administration. Its key recommendations included:

• Establishment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and Lokayukta (in states) for redressal of citizens’ grievances.
• Reorganization of ministries and departments.
• Reforms in personnel administration and promotion of specialization.
• Streamlining of Centre-State relations.

Reforms in the Post-Economic Liberalization Era (1990s):

Following the economic reforms of 1991, the focus of administrative reforms shifted to changing the role of the state from ‘controller’ to ‘facilitator.’ It emphasized deregulation, disinvestment in public sector undertakings, and making the administration more market-friendly.

Second Administrative Reforms Commission (Second ARC, 2005-09):

Chaired by Veerappa Moily, this commission’s motto was

“Making Governance Citizen-Centric.”

It submitted 15 detailed reports recommending several transformative reforms. Key themes were:

• Right to Information: A master key to good governance, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Ethics in Governance: Measures to combat corruption and promote ethical values.
• Local Governance: Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
• e-Governance: Using technology to make government processes simple, transparent, and efficient.
• Refurbishing Personnel Administration and performance management.

Besides these commissions, the

Sarkaria Commission (1983)

on Centre-State relations and the

73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992)

were significant reforms towards decentralization by strengthening local self-government.

In conclusion, administrative reforms in India have made significant strides towards making the bureaucracy more accountable, transparent, and citizen-friendly, although the implementation of many recommendations remains a challenge.

Q8. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : (a) Role of Janaagraha (not for profit trust) (b) Decentralization of education initiatives

Ans. (a) Role of Janaagraha (not for profit trust) Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy is a non-profit trust based in Bengaluru, founded in 2001. Its primary mission is to improve the quality of life in India’s cities and towns. Janaagraha believes this goal can be achieved through better urban governance and active citizen participation. The role of Janaagraha can be understood in three main areas:

1. Urban Governance Reform: Janaagraha advocates for systemic reforms in urban governance. Its flagship tool is the “Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems” (ASICS) . This survey evaluates major Indian cities on parameters like urban planning, finance, governance structure, and transparency. The report serves as a powerful tool for policymakers and citizens to understand the state of their cities and press for improvements.
2. Citizen Participation: Janaagraha encourages citizens to actively participate in local governance. Its programs like ‘Bala Janaagraha’ and ‘Campus Janaagraha’ foster civic awareness among children and youth. It also promotes initiatives like community policing and participatory budgeting.
3. Use of Technology: Janaagraha has developed an online platform called ‘I Change My City,’ which enables citizens to report civic issues like potholes, garbage, and water problems directly to the concerned municipal authorities. This bridges the gap between citizens and the government and speeds up grievance redressal.

In short, Janaagraha acts as a think-tank, an advocacy group, and a grassroots mobilizer, playing a significant role in strengthening and making urban development administration in India citizen-centric.

(b) Decentralization of education initiatives

Decentralization in education refers to the transfer of authority and responsibility for planning, management, financing, and monitoring of education from central or state levels to local levels (such as district, block, and school). The fundamental aim is to make the education system more flexible, responsive, and relevant to local needs.

Several important initiatives for the decentralization of education have been undertaken in India:

• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992): These amendments assigned a role to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in the management of education, particularly primary and secondary education. This paved the way for educational planning at the local level.
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): This was a flagship program for the universalization of elementary education that promoted decentralization on a large scale. Under it, Village Education Committees (VECs) , Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and block/district level committees were formed to participate in school-level planning, monitoring, and management.
• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: This Act made decentralization a legal mandate. It provided for the formation of School Management Committees (SMCs) in every government school. These committees, with 75% parent members, are empowered to prepare School Development Plans and monitor the functioning of the school.

These initiatives aim to increase community participation and ownership in the education system, thereby improving the accountability and performance of schools. However, challenges such as limited capacity of local bodies, inadequate funds, and the incomplete devolution of real powers still persist.