Q7
(a) Policy problems are increasingly tending towards being wicked. Discuss the capacity and preparedness of the State to tackle such problems. (20 marks) (b) Zero-based budgeting was intended to get away from incrementalism, but ended up being the most incremental of any budgetary approach. Discuss. (15 marks) (c) ICT has immense potential to transform governance and empower citizens. Examine. (15 marks)
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) नीतिगत समस्याएं तेजी से हानिकारक होने की ओर प्रवृत्त हो रही हैं। ऐसी समस्याओं से निपटने के लिए राज्य की क्षमता और तत्परता की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) शून्य-आधारित बजट का उद्देश्य क्रमिक वृद्धिकता से परे होना था, परन्तु यह किसी भी बजटीय उपागम की तुलना में सबसे अधिक वृद्धिशील होने के कारण समाप्त हो गया। विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) आई० सी० टी० में शासन को परिवर्तित करने और नागरिकों को सशक्त बनाने की अपार संभावनाएं हैं। परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Directive word: Discuss
This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The question demands critical discussion across three distinct themes. For part (a) 'discuss', examine both capacity and preparedness with balanced critique; for (b) 'discuss', present the paradox of ZBB's intent versus outcome; for (c) 'examine', assess both potential and limitations of ICT. Structure: brief integrated introduction → three dedicated sections with approximate 40:30:30 word/time split reflecting marks weightage → synthesizing conclusion on state capacity in contemporary governance.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Define wicked problems (Rittel & Webber) with Indian examples—climate change, urbanization, pandemic response; assess state capacity through institutional coordination, epistemic competence, and adaptive governance frameworks
- Part (a): Evaluate preparedness via NITI Aayog's SDG localization, Disaster Management Act 2005, and limitations in horizontal-vertical coordination
- Part (b): Explain ZBB's origin (Pyhrr, 1970s) and theoretical break from incrementalism; analyze why it became incremental—political costs of thorough review, information asymmetry, time constraints, and 'sunrise-sunset' ritualization in India
- Part (b): Cite Indian experience—ZBB abandoned post-1980s, replaced by outcome budgeting and now performance budgeting; compare with PPBS experience
- Part (c): Examine ICT potential through Digital India, UMANG, e-Courts, GIS-based planning; assess citizen empowerment via grievance redressal (CPGRAMS), participatory platforms (MyGov), transparency (RTI online)
- Part (c): Critical balance—digital divide, surveillance concerns, exclusion errors, last-mile connectivity gaps in rural/tribal areas
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 20% | 10 | Precise definitions: wicked problems' ten features (no definitive formulation, no stopping rule, no true/false solutions), ZBB as 'decision package' ranking from zero base, ICT as socio-technical system not mere technology; no conflation with related concepts | Basic definitions present but incomplete or slightly conflated (e.g., wicked problems as merely 'complex'; ZBB as 'starting from zero' without decision unit analysis; ICT limited to digitization) | Mischaracterized concepts, factual errors (e.g., attributing ZBB to India as indigenous reform), or generic treatment without specific theoretical grounding |
| Theoretical anchor | 20% | 10 | Explicit engagement with Rittel-Webber (1973) on wicked problems; Wildavsky's critique of ZBB in 'The Politics of the Budgetary Process'; Fountain's 'Building the Virtual State' or Dunleavy's digital era governance for ICT; connects theories across all three parts | Names theories without elaboration or applies them mechanically; may cite one theorist adequately but miss others; limited integration across sub-parts | Absent theoretical framework or incorrect attribution; relies on commonsense reasoning without scholarly foundation |
| Indian administrative examples | 20% | 10 | Rich specificity: for (a)—COVID-19 management (successes/failures), farm laws controversy, NCRB data on crime as wicked problem; for (b)—ZBB in India (1977-80, Ministry of Agriculture pilot), shift to outcome budget 2005-06; for (c)—Aadhaar, DigiLocker, SWAYAM, PMGDISHA, specific state portals (Seva Sindhu, MeeSeva) | Generic mentions of Digital India or NITI Aayog without specifics; limited historical depth on ZBB; examples present but not tightly linked to conceptual analysis | No Indian examples or inappropriate foreign examples dominating; factual errors in naming schemes or institutions |
| Reform / policy angle | 20% | 10 | Critical policy analysis: for (a)—reforms needed (evidence-based policymaking, anticipatory governance, 6th CPC recommendations on capacity); for (b)—why ZBB failed structurally and alternatives (performance budgeting, mission-based budgeting); for (c)—addressing digital divide through BharatNet, data protection framework, algorithmic accountability | Lists reforms descriptively without critical evaluation; accepts official narratives uncritically; limited engagement with implementation gaps | Absence of reform perspective or purely aspirational wish-list without grounding in administrative realities; no recognition of political-economy constraints |
| Conclusion & forward look | 20% | 10 | Synthesizes across (a)-(c) to argue that state capacity in 21st century requires moving from hierarchical-bureaucratic to network-governance modes; acknowledges trade-offs (efficiency vs. equity in ICT, rationality vs. politics in budgeting); specific forward recommendations (capacity-building commission, hybrid budgeting models, rights-based digital governance) | Summarizes points made without synthesis; generic conclusion on 'need for reform'; no integration across the three thematic domains | Absent or abrupt conclusion; mere repetition of introduction; no forward-looking element or unrealistic/unsubstantiated claims |
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