Embarking on the journey of preparing for the UPSC Mains examination is no small feat, especially when it comes to choosing the right optional subject. For many aspirants, Public Administration stands out as a popular and dynamic choice, offering a comprehensive understanding of governance and administrative structures. In this blog series, we delve into the invaluable resource of previous year questions to illuminate the crucial topic of State Government and Administration (2013-2023) within the Public Administration optional for UPSC Mains. By analyzing and dissecting questions from the past decade, aspirants can gain insights into the evolving nature of the examination, refine their preparation strategies, and enhance their grasp on the intricacies of state-level governance in India.
As we navigate through the labyrinth of Public Administration optional questions, the focus remains on the State Government and Administration domain. This period, spanning from 2013 to 2023, encapsulates a significant juncture in India’s administrative landscape, witnessing transformative changes and challenges. By scrutinizing the past questions, we not only unlock the keys to approaching this specific topic but also uncover the broader trends and thematic nuances that the UPSC examiners emphasize. Join us on this exploration, as we unravel the layers of State Government and Administration in the context of UPSC Mains, and empower aspirants with the knowledge needed to navigate this critical dimension of public service examinations.
State Government and Administration – Public Administration – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
Union – State administrative, legislative and financial relations
1. Analyse the specific areas of controversies with regard to Union-State financial relations, particularly in the context of one nation – one tax policy. (2022)
2. Even if all the States combine together, they cannot have their way in the decision- making in the GST Council, unless the Union agrees to it. Analyze this in the perspective of federalism in India. (2020)
3. 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 analyse. (2019)
4. “Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to a paradigm shift in the Centre-State relations, both financially and politically.” Analyse with examples. (2017)
5. Examine the efficacy of the measures taken to redefine and execute cooperative federalism in India. (2016)
6. “Introduction of G.S.T. (Goods and Services Tax) no doubt has economic benefits, but tends to compromise the States’ inherent right to impose taxes.” In this context, comment on the changing nature of Union-State financial relations. (2016)
7. Briefly discuss the main recommendations of the Punchhi Commission (2010) on Centre-State relations for transforming Indian Federal System. (2015)
8. Comment on the recent changes in the approach and methodology of devolution of responsibilities and transfer of funds from the Union to the States. (2015)
9. “The Centre State relations have acquired new dimensions in recent times due to several political parties being in power at the Centre and the States.” (Second administrative, commission). Do you agree? Give reasons to support your arguments. (2014)
10. “There is a tendency of centralism in Indian federalism, but it is not because of its institutional framework but because of its socialist goals and centrally devised plan development.” Explain the statement in the context of Union-State relationship. (2013)
11. What are the tension areas in Union-State relations in Planning? (2008)
12. There is a separate Central Ministry or Department on each subject allocated to State List. Does it mean supremacy of the Union Government or an emphasis on development administration? Analyse. (2007)
13. “The main problem of Centre-State relations in India is bottenecks in fiscal federalism.” Comment. (2006)
14. “One of the greatest weakness inherent in a Federal polity is the possibility of conflict of loyalty and responsibility on the part of public servants as between Central and State Government.” – Elaborate and comment. (2004)
15. “Among several other problems, the problem of financial relationship is perhaps the most complex one.” Explain in the context of recent developments in Union-State relations in India. (2000)
16. “The legislative and executive powers of the States are comprehensive, but the exercise of these powers are subject to regulation, abridgement and even suspension by the Union.” Comment. (1999)
17. “The States are constitutionally obliged to ensure that the laws passed by Parliament are implemented.” Explain the constitutional position fully. (1997)
18. “The legislative relations between Union and State governments are more biased towards Union government.” Comment. (1997)
19. “The Union-State financial relation, as provided in the Constitution, are biased towards Union Government in the context of borrowing.” Comment. (1996)
20. Critically review the constitutional provisions relating to centre-state administrative relations in India during normal times within the framework of a normative federal system. (1994)
21. ‘In the case of the centre-tit in the administrative relations between Centre and State, neither the Causes are unknown nor are they incurable.’ Discuss and Suggest measures to improve this relationship. (1991)
22. ‘The planning commission of India in the post-Nehru period has conduced to better Centre-State relations, but (it has) not necessarily brought about depoliticization of the planning process.’ Discuss and illustrate. (1990)
23. Discuss the various facets of the All India Services and examine the emerging patterns of Conflict and Co-operation between the Union and the State in Indian Federalism. (1988)
24. Discuss the financial and administrative relationships obtaining between the Union and the States in India. Do you think States have been reduced to a position of glorified municipalities? (1987)
Role of the Finance Commission
1. The recommendations of National Finance Commissions are more norms based than the need based. In the light of this statement analyse the terms of references of 15th National Finance Commission. (2022)
2. 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. (2021)
3. Efforts to strengthen State Finance Commissions have faced apathy of State Government 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. (2019)
4. Critically examine the criteria adopted by the 15th Finance Commission for allocation of resources to States. What have been the major issues of contention since the 10th Finance Commission? (2018)
5. “The objectives of fiscal devolution to local bodies as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts has been derailed by the actual working of the State Finance Commissions.” Comment. (2016)
6. States with a record of good governance, it is argued by spokesperson of some states, lost their earlier share from the Finance Commission’s award. Comment. (2010)
7. “After the creation of the Planning Commission, the role of the Finance Commission has started diminishing.” Review the statement. (1996)
8. “The concept of Fiscal Federalism calls for the National Development Council to regulate plan decisions about discretionary grants-in-aid, which should in fact be distributed by the Finance Commission.” Comment (1993)
9. ‘The jurisdictions of Planning Commission and Finance Commission overlap and together the two circumscribe the Sovereign character of Indian Parliament.’ Comment. (1992)
Governor
1. 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. (2021)
2. 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. (2019)
3. “In the coalition era with elusive majority of a single party in the State Legislature, the role of the Governor becomes even more challenging.” Discuss. (2018)
4. “In very recent time, the role of the State Governor is found to be more of diplomatic than administrative nature.” Comment on the statement with suitable examples. (2015)
5. “The gubernatorial position of the Governor is comfortably placed in the fuzzy area between ‘Withdrawal of the pleasure of the President’ and ‘Compelling reasons for removal’.” Discuss with some recent examples. (2014)
6. Is there a need to dispense with the Office of the Governor? Examine in the context of coalition governments. (2013)
7. ‘The authority of the Governor in the discretionary field is not unrestrained. If it is misused … the President can check him/her and if necessary, he may even remove the Governor.’ Examine this statement critically in the context of the Office of the Governor. (2012)
8. “Because of several judicial pronouncements, Governors in States are no longer viewed as agents of the ‘Power’ at the Central level.” Evaluate. (2007)
9. “The position of Governors towards exercising their discretion and powers has considerably changed after 1967.” Discuss. (2004)
10. “Article 163 makes the Governor the sole judge in matters in which he is required to act in his discretion.” Explain. (2003)
11. “It would be a gross fallacy to regard the institution of the Governor as a faint presence like a full moon at midday.” Comment. (1999)
12. “The Governor of a State wears two hats, and therefore, dilemmas have arisen in practice.” Comment. (1996)
Chief Minister
1. ‘The Chief Minister is the real executive of the State, whose effectiveness is largely related to his personality traits and equation with central leadership.’ Explain and illustrate with relevant examples. (2008)
2. “The Chief Minister symbolizes ruling power structure and is the real executive head of the State Government.” Discuss the above statement in the light of his position in a Coalition Government. (2005)
Legislature and Council of Ministers
1. “The position of the Council of Ministers in a State is reduced to that of a body of secretaries in the presence of a domineering Chief Minister.” Critically analyse with examples. (2017)
2. “Legislatures have become a place for infighting rather than for proper policy making.” Comment in the context of the Working of State Governments. (2016)
Chief Secretary
1. “The Chief Secretary is the chief communication link between the state and central government”. Explain. (2022)
2. “The Chief Secretary is often termed as the alter ego of the Chief Minister.” Discuss, with examples, the dynamics of their relationships in State administration. (2017)
3. “The success and prestige enjoyed by a Chief Secretary depend, to a large extent, upon his equations with the varied sets of people and institutions that form the work environment.” Critically evaluate the statement and its relevance to the role of the Chief Secretary in the discharge of his functions. (2012)
4. “The highly significant and elevated position of Chief Secretary is significantly undermined in practice today.” Comment. (2004)
5. “In the Chief Secretary, the State Government has an officer whose counterpart does not obtain in the Union Government.” Elucidate. (2000)
6. “By virtue of his unique position as head of the official machinery and adviser to the State Council of Ministers, the Chief Secretary has an extremely important role to play in the state administration.” Comment. (1994)
7. ‘The Office of the Chief Secretary should be rotated among the top Civil Servants in the State Administration.’ Comment. (1989)
8. ‘The role of the Chief Secretary as Principal Co-ordinator in State administration is comparable with that of the Cabinet Secretary in Union Government.’ Do you agree or not? Give reasons. (1987)
State Secretariat
1. “The dispute between Secretariat and Directorate is the result of Generalist vs Specialist controversy.” Analyse. (2007)
2. ‘The Secretariat in State Government is an anachronism held over from the British regime. The sooner the secretariat disappears from the State administrative scene, the better it would be in the interests of improvement of administrative efficiency and promotion of equity between the officials at the levels of the secretariat and the Executive Departments.’ Comment. (1990)
Directorates
1. “State Directorates are administrative and implementation units assisting the Departments functioning from the Secretariat.” Explain. (2001)
2. “The Departments, the directorates, the corporations, the companies and the Boards have different organisational purposes and statutory functions in State administration.” Discuss. (1993)
3. ‘The Directorates in the departments of State Administration serve very little functional purpose.’ Comment. (1989)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of the State Government and Administration topic in the UPSC Public Administration optional?
Understanding State Government and Administration is crucial as it forms the bedrock of governance at the regional level. This topic delves into the intricacies of state-level policies, decision-making processes, and administrative structures, providing candidates with a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in public administration.
Q: How can analyzing previous year questions on State Government and Administration benefit UPSC aspirants?
Analyzing previous year questions offers aspirants insights into the examiners’ preferences, the evolving nature of the subject, and the depth of understanding required. It helps candidates identify recurring themes, prioritize topics, and tailor their preparation strategies to align with the expectations of the UPSC.
Q: What are the key themes covered under State Government and Administration in the UPSC Mains syllabus?
The State Government and Administration section encompasses a wide range of themes, including federalism, state policies, fiscal federalism, local governance, and challenges specific to state-level administration. Familiarity with these themes is essential for a comprehensive preparation and a nuanced approach to the examination.
Q: How can aspirants stay updated on recent developments in State Government and Administration?
Keeping abreast of current affairs is crucial for success in the UPSC examination. Aspirants should regularly follow reputable news sources, government publications, and policy updates to stay informed about changes in state-level administration, emerging challenges, and innovative governance practices.
Q: Are there any specific case studies or examples that aspirants should focus on within the State Government and Administration domain?
While preparing for this topic, aspirants should be well-versed in case studies and examples illustrating effective state governance, challenges faced by state administrations, and successful policy implementations. A diverse range of examples from different states can enrich their answers and showcase a nuanced understanding of the subject.
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