Embarking on the challenging journey of preparing for the UPSC Mains examination, aspirants often find themselves navigating through a sea of information to decipher the most effective strategies. One crucial component of this journey is the selection of optional subjects, and for many, Public Administration stands out as a formidable yet rewarding choice. In this blog series, we delve into the heart of the Public Administration optional syllabus by focusing on a specific topic – Plans and Priorities. By meticulously analyzing the Previous Year Questions from 2013 to 2023, we aim to provide aspirants with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving trends, essential concepts, and the depth of knowledge required to master this segment. This series aims not only to serve as a valuable resource for those preparing for the upcoming UPSC Mains but also as a guide to navigating the nuances of Public Administration as a whole.
As we unravel the threads of Plans and Priorities, we will not only decode the question patterns but also shed light on the changing dynamics of the subject over the past decade. The UPSC Mains examination is not just a test of knowledge but a measure of analytical acumen and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Through this exploration, aspirants can expect insights into the thought processes of the UPSC examiners, enabling them to tailor their preparation strategies effectively. So, buckle up for an insightful journey through the annals of Public Administration optional questions, as we dissect the Plans and Priorities section to equip aspirants with the tools they need to navigate this challenging yet rewarding facet of the UPSC Mains examination.
Plans and Priorities – Public Administration – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
Machinery of Planning
1. “National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog has become super cabinet in formulating the development agenda of our country”. Examine the statement by giving suitable examples. (2022)
2. NITI Aayog has been constituted to implement the goal of co-operative federalism. Discuss. (2021)
3. ‘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 predecessors. Analyze. (2019)
4. It is argued that the NITI Aayog has broken the edifice of planning into fragments. Comment. (2018)
5. “Planning in India has failed to meet the challenges of economic development and social change.” Discuss the statement in the context of the emergence of NITI Aayog. (2016)
6. The objectives, approaches and organisational arrangements for decision-making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring the federal character of the Indian policy. Explain. (2015)
7. “Planning enables comprehensive and scientific understanding of problems.” Examine the statement in the context of planning methodology. (2013)
8. “Effective implementation of plan projects has been the weakest link in the chain of the entire planning programme.” Elucidate. (2004)
9. “Indian planning is highly centralized.” Comment. (2003)
10. ‘Planning in a federal system, needs to depoliticised.’ Comment. (1992)
Role, composition and functions of the Planning Commission
1. Explain the context and perspectives of the following statements: – (2010)
(i) The Planning Commission is “an armchair adviser”.
(ii) The Planning Commission should reinvent itself as a systems reforms commission in the backdrop of changed global and domestic scenarios.
2. “The Planning Commission continues to exist but some would say that it is withering away, along with real planning itself.” Comment. (1999)
3. “The organization of the Planning Commission is in consonance with its expert character.” Comment. (1994)
Role, composition and functions of the National Development Council
1. How far do you agree with the view that national development Council could resonate the demands of the state governments as long as planning commission is kept subservient to it? Critically examine. (2014)
2. “National Development Council is criticized as an usurping authority-functioning as a virtual super – cabinet.” Explain. (2005)
3. “National Development Council was established to co-ordinate between Union government, the Planning Commission and the State governments.” Comment. (2004)
4. “National Development Council gas virtually become a super-cabinet and tries to arrogate itself the functions of Parliament.” Comment. (2002)
5. “National Development Council, it seems, is like a super-Cabinet.” Comment. (2000)
6. ‘The National Development Council should be grafted as a Federal Economic Cabinet of the Prime Minister in the East Minister model of Indian democracy.’ Comment. (1992)
7. “The National Development Council (not the planning Commission) is the appropriate instrument to ensure linkages between the district, the State and the regional levels of nation planning processes. Do you agree? (1988)
8. Examine the inadequacies of machinery for planning to ensure democratic but depoliticised planning process in Indian federation. How does National Development Council accentuate or inhibit this process? (1987)
Indicative’ planning
1. “Indicative Planning, is a middle path of planning and market mechanism to ensure coordination between public and private activities.” Explain. (2022)
2. Considering India’s diversity, the planning pattern of ‘one-size-fits-all’ was discarded in favour of indicative planning. To what extent has it been useful to India? (2020)
3. “In the transition from the State-led economy to the market economy, India should rely more on ‘Indicative planning’.” Do you agree? Explain your position. (2018)
4. Justify ‘indicative’ planning in the context of LPG. (2012)
5. “From highly centralized planning system, India has moved towards indicative planning under which long-term strategic vision of the future is built and nation’s priorities are decided.” Elucidate. (2005)
Process of plan formulation at Union and State levels
1. Why has District Planning been marginalised in many States and remained prominent in a few States? Explain. (2015)
2. Discuss the problems in the planning process at the state and sub-state levels. (2008)
3. “State and district planning bodies in India have not been effective in achieving their goals.” Comment. (1998)
Constitutional Amendments (1992) and decentralized planning for economic development and social justice
1. Despite the constitutional status, the District planning committees remained a non-entity in preparation and implementation of plans. Discuss. (2022)
2. 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. (2021)
3. “Decentralised governance must serve as an instrument of realising social change and social justice.” Comment on the statement. (2015)
4. Despite the adoption of decentralised planning, participatory initiative remain marginalised and divisive live in many regions. Discuss. (2014)
5. “In spite of having Constitutional status the District Planning Committee is not able to implement decentralised planning bue to centralised nature of economic planning.” Comment. (2007)
6. “Welfare of the people has been a constitutional and legal obligation of the state, wherein – both the Centre and State Governments are required to discharge the obligation within available resources.” Does this stand true in the context of globalization? (2004)
7. “The emphasis in women’s development programmes has in recent years shifted from a purely welfare and consumption oriented one to a realistic one which recognizes women as contributors to the country’s economy.” Elaborate. (1995)
8. “Development administration ultimately boils down to effective project implementation, and it is implementation that has been badly negated in Indian planning. Critically examine the statement.” (1995)
9. How would you respond to the view that the welfare programmes for Women have touched the fringe of their problems. Account for the Existing state of apathy of the administration. Examine the working of a government agency involved in the implementation of a women’s welfare programme. (1990)
10. ‘The ultimate picture of the Planning Organisation in India has to be a network of planning units in the villages and enterprises, coordinated at successive higher levels by State Planning Commissions, which will ultimately feed the Planning Commission at New Delhi.’ Make out a case for decentralised and depoliticised federal planning in India. (1989)
Government Policies
1. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a progressive policy. Analyse. (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What key topics are covered under the Plans and Priorities section in Public Administration optional for UPSC Mains?
The Plans and Priorities section typically encompasses a range of topics such as budgeting, resource allocation, policy implementation, and evaluation. It explores the nuances of planning processes at various levels of government, shedding light on the strategic decision-making involved in achieving socio-economic objectives.
2. How can understanding Previous Year Questions on Plans and Priorities enhance my preparation strategy?
Analyzing Previous Year Questions provides aspirants with valuable insights into the recurring themes, question patterns, and the depth of knowledge expected by UPSC examiners. This strategic approach helps candidates tailor their study plans, focusing on key areas that have historically been emphasized in the examination.
3. Are there any recent changes or trends in the Plans and Priorities segment as reflected in the past decade’s questions?
Yes, the examination trends evolve over time. By examining questions from 2013 to 2023, aspirants can identify any shifts in emphasis, emerging topics, or changes in the level of difficulty. This understanding is crucial for staying abreast of current requirements and aligning one’s preparation accordingly.
4. How does mastering Plans and Priorities contribute to a broader understanding of Public Administration as an optional subject?
Plans and Priorities serve as the bedrock of effective public administration. Mastering this section not only prepares candidates for specific questions but also equips them with a holistic understanding of policy formulation, implementation challenges, and the intricate balance between administrative efficiency and socio-economic development.
5. How can I integrate real-world examples into my preparation for the Plans and Priorities section?
Incorporating real-world examples is essential for a comprehensive grasp of Plans and Priorities. By connecting theoretical concepts with practical instances from governance and policy domains, aspirants can enhance their answers, showcasing a nuanced understanding and application of the subject matter in diverse scenarios.
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