Exploring the intricacies of public administration is paramount for aspirants gearing up for the UPSC Mains examination. Among the myriad optional subjects, “District Administration since Independence” stands out as a critical focus area. In this blog series, we delve into the wealth of knowledge encapsulated in the previous year questions on this specific topic from 2013 to 2023. The examination pattern often draws upon the historical context, contemporary challenges, and evolving paradigms within district administration. As we navigate through the years, we aim to unravel the evolving landscape of district governance, providing aspirants with a comprehensive understanding of the nuances and changes that have shaped this critical aspect of public administration in the Indian context.
Embarking on this journey through the past questions, we seek not only to decode the examination trends but also to foster a deeper comprehension of the subject matter. District administration is the bedrock of effective governance, and a nuanced understanding of its evolution over the years is indispensable for any aspirant eyeing success in the UPSC examination. So, join us as we traverse the historical trajectory of district administration since Independence, shedding light on the key themes, challenges, and reforms that have shaped this integral component of public administration in India.
District Administration since Independence – Public Administration – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
Changing role of the Collector
1. “The office of the District Collector admirably survived the changing times from colonialism to the present times”. Comment. (2022)
2. 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. (2021)
3. At the district level, police functions under the overall supervision and control of the District Magistrate. Comment. (2020)
4. 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. (2019)
5. “The separation between regulatory and development functions in many States has not only weakened the District Collector but also development administration.” Critically examine the need to relook at this policy. (2016)
6. “District Collector’s role in the development process has been overemphasised.” Comment on the statement. (2015)
7. “District collector is a legacy of the British Raj and has largely remained insulated from the demands of contemporary professionalism.” Discuss. (2014)
8. “Reducing the size (geographical area) of the district will provide relief to the overburdened and overworked collector.” Comment. (2013)
9. Explain the emerging ambiguity in respect of the developmental role of the District Collector in the wake of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. (2012)
10. “District Administration is like a small tortoise carrying the load of an elephant.’ Discuss. (2008)
11. “The District Collector, the Additional Deputy Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Officer, have virtually become ‘officers-in-attendance’ and have lost initiative and independent of judgement.” Comment. (2006)
12. “One of the most distinctive characteristics of Indian Administrative Service is its multipurpose character.” Comment. (2005)
13. “District Collector Has increasingly become multi-dimensional.” Comment. (2003)
14. “Collector is the representative of the State government in the district and also represents public interest.” Comment. (2002)
15. “The District Collector admirably survived the historical change of role from an alien regime to a national one.” Comment. (2001)
16. ‘The office of collector created by the British forms the basis of district administration in India, but today it needs a new look to metamorphise itself into a Key office of District Government.’ Comment. (1992)
17. ‘The designation “District Collector” is a misnomer at the present juncture, the correct designation would be “Chief District Administrator”. He is the pivot, in district administration, of the stability and progress of the district, but his performance in both these respects depends on the co operation of and co-ordination with the officials in various departments in the district.’ Elucidate the statement in the light of the experience, particularly during the eighties and nineties. (1990)
18. ‘The role of District Collector has changed but not diminished for now he has an additional function of guiding democratic bodies and has to carry conviction with members of these democratic institutions.’ Comment. (1987)
Union-state local relations
1. The Union government develops and practices strategies to administer increasing number of existing local government services by sidelining local initiatives and discretion. Examine. (2021)
2. “Indian federalism is passing through a state of potential maturity.” Discuss this statement in the context of the views of the Commission on Centre-State Relations (Justice M.M. Punchi). (2011)
3. “Many of the programmes of development being implemented at the State and the Local level have been initiated or financed by the nature of Indian federalism.” Critically examine this assessment. (2009)
4. “Autonomy of local bodies is conditioned by state-local relations and the managerial capability of the local bodies themselves.” Comment. (1994)
5. Examine some of the Challenges to Development Administration in the Panchayati democracy of rural India. Do you think that the Constitutionalisation of three-tier Federalism will be a viable model for future? (1992)
Imperatives of development management and law and order administration
1. “Development management advocates self-sustaining customer-friendly institutions at the district level.” Comment. (2018)
2. “The primary emphasis in District Administration has to be on implementation of development programmes in cooperation with active support of people.” Elucidate. (2005)
3. “The District Collector is an overburdened officer due to the expansion and increasing developmental activities.” Comment. (2005)
4. Critically review the evolving relationship between the district magistrate and the superintendent of police in the fiend of law-and-order management in a district.” (1995)
District administration and democratic decentralization
1. District administration is the most important unit in governance. Most of the Central and State Government schemes and programmes are directed towards the district administration. In this context, discuss the challenges and problems posed to the district administration. (2020)
2. It is observed that non-functioning of District planning Committees is preventing the Convergence of rural and urban planning needs. Do you agree? Justify. (2019)
3. “Digitalisation of land records is a necessary but not sufficient precondition for ensuring transparent distict administration.” Explain. (2017)
4. NGOs demand greater autonomy from the State and are now ‘new actors’ in development. How effective are they as instruments of decentralisation and debureaucratisation? Critically evaluate. (2012)
5. “The district officer as a chief agent and representative of state serves as a channel of communication between the Government and the residents of the district.” Explain. (2004)
6. “It is at the district level that the common man comes into direct contact with the administration.” Elucidate. (2003)
7. “It is a major challenge to balance the role of District Collector with the powers of democratic bodies.” Comment. (2000)
8. “The Bengal pattern of district administration was based on the Zamindari system of land tenure.” Explain. (1994)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What key historical events have significantly influenced the evolution of district administration since Independence?
Understanding the historical context is crucial for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination. This FAQ will delve into the major milestones and events that have shaped the district administration system in India since Independence, providing aspirants with a foundation to comprehend the subject.
Q: How has the role of District Collectors changed over the years, and what are the key responsibilities they hold in contemporary times?
This question aims to explore the dynamic nature of the role of District Collectors. By tracing the changes in their responsibilities over the years, aspirants can gain insights into the evolving expectations and challenges faced by these key administrators at the district level.
Q: What are some of the notable reforms and policies that have influenced district administration, and how have they impacted governance at the grassroots level?
Exploring the impact of reforms and policies on district administration provides a holistic view of the subject. Aspirants can expect to encounter questions related to specific initiatives and their implications for governance during the UPSC examination.
Q: How do issues such as decentralization and local governance play a role in shaping district administration policies and practices?
District administration doesn’t exist in isolation; it is intricately connected to broader principles of decentralization and local governance. This FAQ will shed light on how these concepts influence decision-making processes and the overall functioning of district administrations across the country.
Q: What are the contemporary challenges faced by district administrations, and how have they evolved over the years?
A forward-looking perspective is essential for UPSC aspirants. This question will address the current challenges faced by district administrations and highlight how these challenges have evolved over time. Aspirants will gain valuable insights into the issues they may encounter in their roles as future administrators.
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