Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Public administration relies on diverse organizational structures to implement policies and deliver services. Departments, Boards, and Commissions represent distinct approaches to organizing governmental functions. While all aim to achieve public objectives, they differ significantly in their composition, authority, and, crucially, their accountability and responsibility frameworks. The increasing complexity of governance necessitates a clear understanding of these differences to ensure effective and transparent administration. This analysis will explore these dissimilarities, highlighting how each form navigates the challenges of accountability in a democratic setup.
Departments
Departments are the core building blocks of the executive branch, typically headed by a Minister and staffed by civil servants. They are directly accountable to the political executive (Minister) and, through them, to the Parliament.
- Accountability: Hierarchical and direct. Ministers are collectively and individually responsible to the Parliament (Article 75, Constitution of India). Civil servants are accountable to their superiors within the department.
- Responsibility: Clearly defined along functional lines. Departments are responsible for policy formulation and implementation within their assigned portfolios.
- Example: The Ministry of Finance is a department responsible for economic policy and management.
Boards
Boards are typically constituted for specific sectors or industries, often with a mix of government and non-government members. They possess quasi-judicial or regulatory powers.
- Accountability: More diffused than departments. Boards are accountable to the parent ministry, but the presence of non-official members introduces a degree of independence. Accountability is also ensured through judicial review of their decisions.
- Responsibility: Focused on regulation, development, or oversight of a specific sector. For example, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is responsible for administering direct tax laws.
- Example: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is a board responsible for monetary policy and banking regulation. It is accountable to the Parliament through annual reports and testimonies.
Commissions
Commissions are usually appointed for a specific purpose, often investigative or advisory. They are generally temporary in nature, though some become permanent statutory bodies.
- Accountability: Primarily to the appointing authority (Government). However, commissions often have statutory mandates that protect their independence. Their reports are usually public, subjecting them to public scrutiny.
- Responsibility: Focused on fact-finding, analysis, and recommendation. Commissions lack direct implementation powers.
- Example: The Law Commission of India is a permanent commission tasked with reviewing and recommending legal reforms. Its recommendations are advisory, and the government is not bound to implement them.
Comparative Table: Accountability & Responsibility
| Organizational Form | Accountability | Responsibility | Independence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departments | Direct to Minister & Parliament | Policy Formulation & Implementation | Low |
| Boards | Parent Ministry, Judicial Review | Regulation & Sector Oversight | Moderate |
| Commissions | Appointing Authority, Public Scrutiny | Investigation, Analysis & Recommendation | High |
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) have also led to the creation of various Boards and Commissions at the local level (State Finance Commissions, State Election Commissions) which have their own accountability structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Departments, Boards, and Commissions differ significantly in their accountability and responsibility frameworks. Departments exhibit the highest degree of direct political accountability, while Boards balance governmental control with sectoral expertise, and Commissions prioritize independent investigation and advice. The choice of organizational form should align with the specific function and desired level of autonomy. Strengthening accountability mechanisms across all forms, through transparency, robust oversight, and clear legal mandates, is crucial for good governance and public trust.
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.