Public Administration
Public Administration
INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION
Prepared by
Dr.K. Eswar Reddy
Dept. of Political Science
DEPARTMENT
OF
POLITICAL SCIENCE & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
SEMESTER-III
INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Unit: I
1. All India Services - Central Services - State Services - Importance of All India Services
2. UPSC & SPSCs Powers and Functions - NITI Aayog
Unit: III
L.D. White, “The arts of Administration is the direction, coordination and control of many
persons to achieve some purpose or objective.”
The scholars of public administration have expressed two divergent view on the nature of
public administration viz., integral view and managerial view
The Integral View: According to this view, public administration encompasses all the activities
which are undertaken to accomplish the given objective. In other words public administration is
the sum total of managerial, technical, clerical and manual activities. Thus, administration,
according to this view, constitutes the activities of all persons from top to bottom. L.D.White
and Dimock subscribed to this view.
The Managerial View: Public Administration, in this context, encompasses only the managerial
activities and not the technical, clerical and manual activities which are non-managerial in
nature. Thus, administration, according to this view, constitutes the activities of only the top
persons. Luther Gulick, Simon and Smithburg adopt this view. Administration, according to
this view is same in all the spheres as the managerial techniques are same in all the fields of
activities.
Administration can be Public or Private. It is private when it relates to private affairs like club,
shop, a company, a school and like. It is public when it is relates to the activities of all the people
of the state. Since the government of a state acts for all the people, the term public is taken to
mean government and, in this way, public administration means government administration.
The use of the term Public with the term Administration also specifies that it is different from
private administration. So, there are a number of similarities between public and private
administration and There are a number of dissimilarities between public and private
administration.
Many Administrative thinkers like Henry Fayol, M.P Follet, Luther Gulick, and Lyndall Urwick
deny the distinction between these two. According to them all administrative systems, it’s either
public or private administration have to perform similar kinds of functions. The similarities
between public and private administration are-
1. Similarity in Functions
Both the administrations are governed by a number of general principles. Henry Fayol speaks of
14 principles, Luther Gulick calls this general principle as POSDCORB (Planning, Organizing,
Staffing, Directing, Coordination, Reporting, and Budgeting).
2. Training
Another similarity between the two administrations is that they provide appropriate training to
employees in need of special administrative experience and skills.
3. Service-Oriented
The activities of some private administrations like public administration can touch public life in
terms of service. Privately owned transport systems, power supply, etc. are as important as
public administration nowadays.
4. As a Group Efforts
In both the public and private spheres, the administration is a kind of group effort, where
different levels of employees execute a particular objective through mutual interaction or
means.
5. Facing Problems
Both public and private administrations may face a number of specific problems such as
decision-making problems, problems in managing director-management relationships, and
problems in the production or supply of consumer goods. However, the form and character of
the problem may vary depending on the field and the environment.
Major Differences between Public and Private Administration
There are some key differences between public and private administration. Paul H. Appleby,
Herbert A Simon, and Peter Drucker have made a clear distinction between public and private
administration. They are –
1. Differences in Goals and Objectives
The purpose of public administration is to perform its functions keeping in view the interest or
welfare of the people. The success of government administration depends on the protection of
the public interest or the acceptance of the basic demands of the people. The prime goal of
public administration is to implement public policy introduced by the government.
The private administration as a whole is not engaged in the public interest. Here the
administration is employed according to the needs and interests of the management of a private
or non-government organization.
The main goal of the private administration is to fulfill the personal aspirations of the owner of
that particular organization. So, it can be said that private administration is a profit-oriented
administration.
The most important thing which differentiates public administration from private
administration is its political character. Public administration is run by political direction and
regulation. The main task of public administration is to implement public policies.
On the other side, private administration is completely separated from politics. There is no
political influence in the operation of private administration. Its functions are directed by
market forces.
The main sources of revenue of public administration are mainly taxes, duties, fees, etc. whereas
private administration generates their income from selling their products and services.
5. Differences in Scope
There is a big difference between public and private administration in terms of their scope.
Public administration is much wider than private administration. The citizen can get almost
every service from public administration like food, health facilities, education, communication,
housing, transportation, and so on.
But on the other hand, private administration deals with those sectors from which they earn
profits.
Conclusion
From the light of the discussion on differences between public and private administration, it can
be concluded that there are a lot of fundamental differences between public and private
administration, but it is true that there are some similarities also.
UNIT - 2
1.Write a note about Union Public Service Commission (V Imp)
Role of the Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission of India was constituted by the British Government
during the British rule. The Lee Commission, in 1924 had suggested in its report for the creation
of an unprejudiced and independent Public Service Commission. On the basis of such
suggestions, the Union Public Service Commission was constituted in 1926.
Afterwards, by the Government of India Act of 1935, the Public Service Commission were
created independently for both the state government and central services.
Union Public Service Commission
According to Article 315 of the Indian constitution, there shall be a permanent UPSC (Union
Public Service Commission). This body will conduct exam to appoint candidates to different
posts of Indian Civil Services under the government of India. Article 315 to 323 of the Indian
Constitution deals with the appointment of UPSC members, functions and powers of UPSC.
Members are nominated by union government, who also appoints the Chairperson as well as
other officers of the UPSC
* Each UPSC member may serve for a period of 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever
comes first
* Anyone who has previously served on a Public Service Commission is barred from being
reappointed
* A representative of the Union Public Service Commission can retire from his or her position
by forwarding a resignation letter to the President
* The Chairperson or any official of the UPSC may be dismissed only by official notice from the
President
* The President retains the authority to dismiss the Chairperson or any official whose case has
been referred to the supreme court
* Any member of the UPSC might well be terminated if he is deemed insolvent, participates in
any paid work apart from the responsibilities of his/her office throughout his/her tenure in
office, or according to the President’s judgement, is unsuitable to remain in office due to mental
or physical incapacity
Conducting Exams: It shall be the duty of the Union and the State Public Service
Commissions to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and
the services of the State respectively.
Assistance to SPSC: It shall be the duty of the UPSC to assist the States upon their request
in framing and operating schemes of joint recruitment for any services for which
candidates possessing special qualifications are required.
Consultations with the PSCs: The UPSC and SPSC shall be consulted:
o On all matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts.
o In making appointments to civil services and posts and in promotions and transfers
from one service to another depending upon the suitability of candidates.
o On all disciplinary matters affecting a person serving under the Government of India
or the Government of a State.
o It shall be the duty of a Public Service Commission to advise on any matter referred to
them by the President of India or the Governor of the State.
The All India Services (AIS) encompass three civil services in India that are shared between the
central and state governments. These services include
Civil servants recruited through the All India Services by the central government are allocated
to various state government cadres, and some may also serve the central government on
deputation at later stages in their careers. All officers belonging to these three services adhere to
the All India Services Rules, governing aspects such as pay, conduct, leave, and various
allowances.
The All India Services Act of 1951 allows for the creation of two additional All India Services,
namely, the Indian Service of Engineers and the Indian Medical and Health Service.
The Cadre Controlling Authority for all three All India Services is the central government.
Regarding promotion regulations, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and
Pensions is the authority for IAS, the Ministry of Home Affairs is the authority for IPS, and the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change holds authority for IFS/IFoS. Recruitment
for these services is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through the
annual Civil Services Examination for IAS and IPS, and the Forest Service Examination for
IFS/IFoS.
The All India Services (AIS) hold significant importance in the governance structure of India
due to several key reasons:
1. Uniformity and National Integration: All India Services, comprising the Indian
Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS), ensure
uniformity in administrative, police, and forest management across the country. This uniformity
helps in promoting national integration by ensuring that all states and union territories are
governed by officers who are selected through a common competitive examination and have a
similar training background.
2. Expertise and Specialization: AIS officers are recruited through a rigorous selection process
and are trained extensively in various aspects of administration, law enforcement, and forest
management. They bring specialized knowledge and expertise to their roles, which is crucial for
effective governance and management of complex issues at both state and central levels.
3. Efficiency and Accountability: AIS officers are known for their efficiency and accountability.
They are responsible for implementing government policies and programs at the grassroots
level, ensuring effective delivery of services to citizens. Their extensive training equips them to
handle diverse challenges and manage resources effectively.
4. Policy Formulation and Implementation: AIS officers play a pivotal role in policy
formulation and implementation. They provide valuable inputs based on their field experience
and ground-level understanding, which helps in designing policies that are pragmatic and
suitable for diverse socio-economic conditions across the country.
5. Flexibility and Mobility: AIS officers have the flexibility to work in different states and
central government departments during their career. This exposure enables them to gain a
broad perspective and experience in handling various administrative, law enforcement, and
environmental challenges.
7. Constitutional Safeguards: The All India Services are mentioned in the Constitution of India
(Articles 312 to 315), which underscores their importance in the governance framework of the
country. They operate under constitutional safeguards, ensuring their autonomy and
impartiality in carrying out their duties.
Conclusion:
The All India Services are crucial for promoting administrative efficiency, ensuring uniformity
in governance, and fostering national integration. They play a pivotal role in implementing
government policies and programs effectively, thereby contributing significantly to the socio-
economic development of India.
4.Explain about the Structure, Functions, and Importance of NITI Aayog (V Imp)
NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, was established on January 1,
2015, to serve as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, replacing the
erstwhile Planning Commission. The structure of NITI Aayog reflects its role as a dynamic body
aimed at fostering cooperative federalism and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth
across India.
1.Governing Council: Chaired by the Prime Minister of India, the Governing Council includes
all Chief Ministers of states and union territories, along with members from various sectors. It
provides a platform for cooperative federalism, enabling states to actively participate in the
formulation and implementation of national policies.
2.Regional Councils: NITI Aayog has constituted Regional Councils to address specific regional
issues and promote balanced development across states and regions within the country.
3.Full-Time and Part-Time Members: The Aayog comprises full-time members who oversee
specific areas such as agriculture, health, education, and more. Part-time members, including
experts and professionals, provide specialized insights and advice.
4.Support Staff: The Aayog is supported by a team of professionals and experts from various
fields who assist in research, policy analysis, and the implementation of initiatives.
Functions of NITI Aayog:
1.Policy Formulation: NITI Aayog acts as a think tank that formulates strategic and long-term
policies for sustainable development and economic growth. It provides recommendations and
policy inputs to the central and state governments based on research and analysis.
3.Monitoring and Evaluation: NITI Aayog monitors the implementation of policies and
programs, evaluates their outcomes, and suggests course corrections as needed. It plays a
crucial role in ensuring accountability and efficiency in governance.
5.Special Initiatives: NITI Aayog undertakes special initiatives in critical sectors such as health,
education, infrastructure, and agriculture. It identifies bottlenecks, proposes reforms, and
implements pilot projects to drive sectoral growth and development.
1.Strategic Planning: NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in charting the course of India's
development by formulating long-term strategic plans and policies aligned with national
priorities and global best practices.
Conclusion:
NITI Aayog serves as a catalyst for transformative change in India's governance framework by
promoting inclusive and sustainable development through strategic planning, cooperative
federalism, innovation, and evidence-based policy making. Its role in fostering dialogue,
driving reforms, and fostering a conducive environment for growth underscores its importance
as a key institution in India's journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
UNIT 3
In India, the legislature exerts control over the administration through a variety of mechanisms,
ensuring that the executive branch remains accountable and operates within the legal
framework established by Parliament. Here are the key methods of legislative control over the
administration in India:
1. Question Hour:
Parliamentary Questions: During Question Hour, members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions
to ministers about the functioning of their ministries. This is a crucial tool for obtaining
information and holding the government accountable for its actions.
2. Zero Hour:
Raising Issues: MPs can raise urgent public issues during Zero Hour without prior notice. This
allows legislators to bring attention to important matters that require immediate government
response.
3. Parliamentary Committees:
Standing Committees: These permanent committees scrutinize the work of various ministries
and departments. They examine bills, budgets, and policies, and submit reports with
recommendations.
Select Committees: Formed for specific purposes, often to scrutinize particular bills or issues in
depth.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Reviews the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor
General (CAG) and examines the use of public funds by the executive.
Estimates Committee: Examines the estimates included in the budget and suggests economies
in public expenditure.
4. Budgetary Control:
Budget Approval: The Union Budget, presented by the Finance Minister, must be approved by
Parliament. MPs can debate and amend budget proposals, ensuring that public funds are
allocated appropriately.
Grants and Appropriations: Parliament approves grants and appropriations, which authorizes
government expenditure. Detailed scrutiny of demands for grants ensures accountability.
Calling Attention Motion: MPs can call the government's attention to urgent matters of public
importance and seek an explanation from the relevant minister.
6. No-Confidence Motion:
Government Accountability: MPs can move a no-confidence motion against the Council of
Ministers. If passed, it leads to the resignation of the entire Council, ensuring that the
government remains accountable to Parliament.
7. Censure Motion:
Ministerial Responsibility: MPs can move a censure motion against individual ministers or the
entire government, expressing disapproval of specific actions or policies.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): The CAG audits government accounts and submits
reports to Parliament. These reports are reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC),
which ensures financial accountability.
Audit Reports: Parliament examines audit reports on public expenditure and performance,
highlighting inefficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
Conclusion:
These mechanisms enable the legislature in India to exercise control over the administration,
ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance.
In India, the executive branch exerts significant control over the administration through various
mechanisms, ensuring that government policies and programs are effectively implemented.
Here are the key aspects of executive control over the administration in India:
1. Appointments and Removals:
President: As the head of the state, the President of India appoints the Prime Minister and, on
the advice of the Prime Minister, appoints the Council of Ministers. The President also appoints
governors, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and other key officials.
Prime Minister and Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
have the authority to appoint and remove secretaries and heads of various ministries and
departments, ensuring that key administrative positions are filled with individuals aligned with
the executive's policies.
Cabinet Decisions: The Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, formulates policies and
decisions that guide administrative actions.
Executive Orders and Notifications: The executive issues orders and notifications that have the
force of law, directing administrative agencies on specific actions and policies.
3. Budgetary Control:
Annual Budget: The Union Budget is prepared by the Ministry of Finance under the guidance
of the executive and is presented to Parliament for approval. This budget outlines the allocation
of funds to various ministries and departments.
Financial Management: The executive ensures proper management of public funds and
oversees the implementation of budgetary provisions.
4. Regulatory Oversight:
Regulations and Rules: The executive has the power to frame rules and regulations for the
implementation of laws passed by Parliament. These rules and regulations govern the
functioning of various administrative agencies.
Regulatory Agencies: Many regulatory bodies, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI),
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and others, operate under the guidance and
control of the executive.
5. Administrative Management:
Operational Procedures: The executive sets procedures, standards, and practices for
administrative operations, ensuring consistency and accountability.
Accountability Systems: Systems are established to monitor and report on the performance and
accountability of administrative actions.
These mechanisms ensure that the executive branch in India effectively controls and directs the
administration, aligning its actions with the government's policy objectives and ensuring
responsive governance.
1. Digital India: Launched in 2015, the Digital India program is a flagship initiative to transform
India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It encompasses various
projects aimed at improving digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and the delivery of
government services. Key components include the BharatNet project for broadband
connectivity in rural areas, DigiLocker for secure storage of documents, and e-Hospital for
health services.
2. Aadhaar: The Aadhaar program, managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI), has been a game-changer in e-Governance. It provides a unique identity number to
residents, which is used for direct benefit transfers, reducing leakages, and improving service
delivery. Aadhaar has become the cornerstone of various e-Governance applications, including
subsidies, pensions, and public distribution systems.
5. e-Courts: The e-Courts project aims to digitize the Indian judiciary, providing online access to
court services, case status, and judgments. It enhances transparency and efficiency in the
judicial process, reducing delays and improving access to justice.
Challenges
2. Cybersecurity: With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, the risk of cyber-attacks and
data breaches has also risen. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and protecting citizens' data
is crucial for the success of e-Governance.
Conclusion
E-Governance in India has come a long way, transforming the landscape of public service
delivery and governance. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of increased
transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation are undeniable. By continuing to invest in
digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting digital literacy, India can further
strengthen its e-Governance framework, paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient
governance model.
Good governance initiatives in India aim to enhance the efficiency, transparency, accountability,
and inclusiveness of the government. Administrators play a critical role in implementing these
initiatives and ensuring that government functions effectively. Here’s an overview of key good
governance initiatives and the functions and roles of administrators in India:
1. Digital India:
Aim: Transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Key Components: Broadband highways, universal access to mobile connectivity, public internet
access, e-Governance, and digital literacy.
Key Components: Opening of bank accounts, issuance of debit cards, and provision of
insurance and pension schemes.
3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
Aim: Transfer subsidies and benefits directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts, reducing
leakages and ensuring efficient delivery.
Key Components: Digitization of beneficiary databases, linking of Aadhaar with bank accounts,
and using electronic payment systems.
Key Components: Construction of toilets, solid waste management, and public awareness
campaigns.
5. Make in India:
Key Components: Ease of doing business, attracting foreign direct investment, and fostering
innovation.
Aim: Simplify the indirect tax structure by implementing a single tax on the supply of goods
and services.
Key Components: Centralized tax system, reduction of tax evasion, and creation of a common
national market.
7. Aadhaar:
Key Components: Biometric identification, linking Aadhaar with government schemes, and
reducing duplication and fraud.
1.Policy Implementation:
Administrators are responsible for implementing government policies and programs efficiently.
They ensure that the objectives of these initiatives are met within the stipulated timelines.
2. Service Delivery:
Ensuring the effective delivery of public services such as health, education, sanitation, and
social welfare schemes.
Administrators enforce laws and regulations, ensuring compliance with legal and policy
frameworks.
4. Resource Management:
Budget planning, allocation, and utilization to ensure optimal use of public funds.
Conclusion : Good governance initiatives in India are designed to create a more efficient,
transparent, and inclusive government. Administrators play a pivotal role in achieving these
goals through effective policy implementation, resource management, public engagement, and
adherence to legal and ethical standards. By leveraging technology and fostering innovation,
administrators ensure that the benefits of good governance reach all sections of society,
contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.