Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Public Administration, historically, was deeply intertwined with the state, often characterized by a hierarchical structure, centralized control, and a focus on implementing state policies – a distinctly ‘statist’ approach. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed the rise of the concept of ‘good governance,’ emphasizing citizen-centricity, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. Good governance, as defined by the UNDP, encompasses the rule of law, effective and efficient public service, responsiveness to the needs of the people, and the protection of human rights. This paradigm shift has fundamentally altered the discipline of Public Administration, moving it away from a purely state-focused perspective towards a more inclusive and participatory model.
The Statist Character of Traditional Public Administration
Traditionally, Public Administration was heavily influenced by the principles of Max Weber’s bureaucracy. This model, prevalent throughout the 20th century, emphasized:
- Hierarchy: A clear chain of command and centralized decision-making.
- Formal Rules: Strict adherence to rules and regulations, often prioritizing process over outcomes.
- Impersonality: Objective and impartial application of rules, minimizing personal discretion.
- Specialization: Division of labor and specialized roles within the bureaucracy.
This ‘statist’ approach prioritized state interests and efficiency, often at the expense of citizen participation and responsiveness. The focus was on control and implementation, with limited emphasis on accountability to the public. The administrative systems in post-independence India, heavily influenced by the British model, initially reflected this statist character.
The Emergence of ‘Good Governance’
The concept of ‘good governance’ gained prominence in the 1990s, driven by factors like:
- Economic Liberalization: The failure of centrally planned economies and the rise of market-oriented reforms.
- Democratization: Increased demand for citizen participation and accountability.
- Globalization: Increased interconnectedness and the need for international standards of governance.
- Civil Society Activism: Growing pressure from NGOs and civil society organizations for greater transparency and responsiveness.
Good governance principles challenged the core tenets of the statist model by advocating for:
- Transparency: Open access to information and decision-making processes. (Right to Information Act, 2005)
- Accountability: Mechanisms for holding public officials responsible for their actions. (Citizen’s Charters, Social Audit)
- Participation: Involving citizens in policy-making and implementation. (Participatory budgeting, Gram Sabhas)
- Rule of Law: Equal application of laws and independent judiciary.
- Responsiveness: Addressing the needs and concerns of citizens.
The Shift in Public Administration
The adoption of good governance principles has led to significant changes in Public Administration:
- New Public Management (NPM): Emphasis on market-based principles, performance measurement, and customer service.
- Citizen-Centric Administration: Focus on delivering services that meet the needs of citizens. (e-Governance initiatives like Digital India)
- Decentralization: Transferring power and responsibility to local governments. (73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, 1992)
- Collaborative Governance: Partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector. (Public-Private Partnerships)
- Ethical Governance: Emphasis on integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in public service. (Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommendations)
Examples of the Shift
Several initiatives demonstrate this shift away from a statist approach:
- Right to Information Act (2005): Promotes transparency and accountability by granting citizens access to government information.
- Aadhaar Enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Reduces corruption and leakages in welfare schemes by directly transferring benefits to beneficiaries.
- e-Governance initiatives (Digital India): Improves service delivery and citizen engagement through online platforms.
- Social Audit: Involves citizens in monitoring the implementation of government programs and ensuring accountability.
| Traditional Public Administration | Good Governance-Oriented Public Administration |
|---|---|
| State-centric | Citizen-centric |
| Top-down approach | Participatory approach |
| Emphasis on control | Emphasis on collaboration |
| Limited transparency | High transparency |
| Bureaucratic hierarchy | Networked governance |
Conclusion
The entry of ‘good governance’ has undeniably reshaped the discipline of Public Administration, moving it away from its historically statist character. While the state remains a crucial actor, the focus has shifted towards creating a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive administrative system. This transformation is ongoing, and challenges remain in fully implementing good governance principles. However, the trend is clear: Public Administration is increasingly embracing a citizen-centric approach, recognizing that effective governance requires the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.