Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Fred Riggs, a prominent scholar of comparative public administration, posited a complex relationship between Development Administration and Administrative Development, famously describing it as a “chicken and egg” situation. Development Administration refers to the processes and actions undertaken by public bureaucracies to implement development plans and achieve socio-economic progress. Conversely, Administrative Development signifies the strengthening and modernization of the administrative system itself – its structures, processes, and personnel – to enhance its capacity to manage development effectively. This interplay is crucial because neither can truly succeed without the other; development necessitates administrative capacity, while administrative reforms are often spurred by the demands of development.
Understanding the Terms
Development Administration, as conceived in the post-World War II era, moved beyond traditional public administration’s focus on maintaining order to actively promoting socio-economic change. It involves planning, implementing, and evaluating development programs, often requiring innovative approaches and a proactive role for the state.
Administrative Development, on the other hand, focuses on improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of the administrative machinery. This includes reforms in organizational structure, personnel management, financial administration, and the adoption of new technologies. It aims to create an administrative system capable of supporting and facilitating development initiatives.
The Reciprocal Relationship
Development Administration Driving Administrative Development
The demands of development often expose weaknesses in the existing administrative system, prompting reforms. For example, the Green Revolution in India (mid-1960s) highlighted the inadequacy of agricultural extension services, leading to investments in training agricultural officers and improving their reach to farmers. Similarly, the launch of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005 necessitated significant administrative reforms at the local level to ensure effective implementation and prevent corruption. The need for transparency and accountability in MGNREGA led to the use of technologies like the National Electronic Fund Management System (NeFS) for direct benefit transfer.
Administrative Development Enabling Development Administration
A well-functioning administrative system is a prerequisite for successful development. Improved administrative capacity enhances the effectiveness of development programs. The introduction of e-governance initiatives, such as the Digital India program (2015), aims to improve service delivery, reduce corruption, and enhance transparency, thereby creating a more conducive environment for development. The Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005, a key administrative reform, has empowered citizens and increased accountability, contributing to better governance and development outcomes.
Riggs’ Prismatic-Salaam-Folk-Traditional Model
Riggs’ model provides a framework for understanding this relationship. In transitional societies, he argued, administrative systems often exhibit characteristics of all four models – traditional, folk, prismatic, and salaam. The ‘prismatic’ society, characterized by a blend of traditional and modern elements, faces challenges in reconciling these competing forces. Development Administration attempts to move the system towards the ‘salaam’ model – a modern, efficient, and rule-based bureaucracy – but this process is often hampered by the persistence of traditional and folk administrative practices. The very act of attempting to move towards a ‘salaam’ system necessitates administrative development.
Challenges and Complexities
The relationship isn’t always smooth. Administrative reforms can be resisted by vested interests, and development programs can be undermined by bureaucratic inertia or corruption. Furthermore, the context-specificity of development challenges requires adaptive administrative strategies, which may not always be accommodated by rigid bureaucratic structures. The failure of some centrally planned development initiatives in the past can be attributed, in part, to the inability of the administrative system to respond effectively to local needs and conditions.
The relationship is also affected by political factors. Political will and commitment are essential for successful administrative reforms and effective implementation of development programs. Lack of political support can derail even the most well-designed initiatives.
Conclusion
The “chicken and egg” relationship between Development Administration and Administrative Development, as highlighted by Riggs, remains highly relevant today. Effective development requires a capable and responsive administrative system, while the demands of development drive administrative reforms. However, this relationship is complex and dynamic, influenced by political, social, and economic factors. A nuanced understanding of this interplay is crucial for policymakers and administrators seeking to promote sustainable and inclusive development. Moving forward, a focus on building adaptive capacity, fostering innovation, and promoting citizen participation will be essential for navigating the challenges of development administration in the 21st century.
Answer Length
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