Public Administration 2021 Paper II 50 marks Discuss

Q2

(a) Kautilya envisages protection, welfare and prosperity of the State and its people as the utmost concern of a ruler. In this context, discuss the significance of Kautilya's emphasis on governing, accountability and justice in contemporary India. (20 marks) (b) District Collector is the most important functionary in district administration in India. In light of the above statement, discuss the multidimensional responsibilities of District Collector in effecting coordinated developmental administration in India. (20 marks) (c) The role of the Governor is of a sagacious counsellor, mediator and arbitrator rather than that of an active politician. In this context, examine the role of the Governor in state politics in India. (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) कौटिल्य ने राज्य तथा इसके लोगों के संरक्षण, कल्याण एवं समृद्धि को अवधारित किया जो कि एक शासक का अंतिम सरोकार होना चाहिये । इस संदर्भ में समसामयिक भारत में सुशासन, जवाबदेहता तथा न्याय पर कौटिल्य के प्रभाव के महत्व का विवेचन कीजिये । (20 अंक) (b) भारत में जिला प्रशासन के शीर्ष पर जिलाधिकारी एक अति महत्वपूर्ण पदाधिकारी है । उपर्युक्त कथन के संदर्भ में भारत में समन्वित विकासात्मक प्रशासन लाने हेतु जिलाधिकारी के बहुआयामी उत्तरदायित्वों की विवेचना कीजिये । (20 अंक) (c) राज्यपाल की भूमिका एक सक्रिय राजनीतिज्ञ की अपेक्षाकृत एक दूरदर्शी परामर्शदाता, मध्यस्थ तथा विवाचक की होती है । इस संदर्भ में भारत की राज्यीय राजनीति में राज्यपाल की भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिये । (10 अंक)

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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 directive 'discuss' demands a balanced, analytical treatment across all three parts. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) on Kautilya (20 marks), 40% to part (b) on District Collector (20 marks), and 20% to part (c) on Governor (10 marks). Structure: brief introduction linking ancient and modern governance → three distinct sections with sub-headings → integrated conclusion emphasizing continuity and reform in Indian administration.

Key points expected

  • For (a): Kautilya's Saptanga theory, Rajarshi ideal, elaborate spy system and accountability mechanisms; relevance to RTI, Lokpal, and citizen-centric governance in contemporary India
  • For (a): Concept of Danda (punishment) and Nyaya (justice) connecting to rule of law, judicial independence and welfare state obligations under Directive Principles
  • For (b): District Collector's coordinating role across line departments, revenue administration, magisterial functions, and developmental responsibilities under flagship schemes like MGNREGA, PMGSY
  • For (b): Challenges of coordination in district administration: district planning committees, role in disaster management (NDMA guidelines), and SDG localization
  • For (c): Governor's constitutional position under Articles 153-167; distinction between constitutional head and active politician as per Sarkaria and Punchhi Commission recommendations
  • For (c): Controversial use of discretionary powers: Article 356 imposition, reservation of bills, appointment of Chief Ministers in hung assemblies; need for impartiality
  • Comparative thread: Evolution from Kautilya's monarchical accountability to modern democratic accountability through institutions like CAG, CVC, and Election Commission
  • Synthesis: How ancient administrative wisdom informs contemporary reforms in ethics, integrity, and good governance (Second ARC recommendations)

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Accurately defines Kautilya's key concepts (Rajarshi, Saptanga, Dandaniti) without conflating with other thinkers; correctly distinguishes Collector's statutory powers under CrPC, IPC, and land revenue laws; precisely identifies Governor's discretionary vs. situational powers under ConstitutionBasic understanding of Kautilyan concepts but mixes some terminology; general description of Collector's role without legal specificity; vague understanding of Governor's constitutional positionMisidentifies Kautilya with Manu or other texts; conflates Collector with SP or DM roles; confuses Governor's powers with President's or describes Governor as mere nominal head
Theoretical anchor20%10Integrates Riggs' prismatic model for district administration; cites Second ARC on district governance; references Sarkaria/Punchhi/M.M. Punchhi on Governor; connects Kautilya to modern public service ethics frameworksMentions some commissions or theories but without systematic application; limited theoretical linkage between parts; basic reference to Arthashastra without analytical depthNo theoretical framework; purely descriptive answer; missing any reference to administrative reform commissions or comparative administrative theory
Indian administrative examples20%10Cites specific instances: Kautilya's relevance seen in RTI Act 2005, Lokpal Act 2013; Collector's role in COVID-19 management, Amphan/Idai disaster response; Governor controversies in Karnataka 2018, Maharashtra 2019, or recent state examples with balanced analysisGeneral references to contemporary governance without specific cases; mentions disasters or political events but without administrative detail; examples from only one or two partsNo contemporary examples; purely theoretical treatment; outdated or incorrect examples; no connection between ancient and modern Indian administration
Reform / policy angle20%10Critically evaluates: Second ARC recommendations on district administration (district councils, separation of regulatory and developmental roles); need for Governor's office codification; how Kautilyan accountability mechanisms inform e-governance, social audit, and citizen charters; suggests concrete reformsMentions some reforms superficially; describes Second ARC without critical assessment; limited policy prescription; reform discussion confined to one partNo reform discussion; ignores contemporary debates on district governance or Governor's role; no critical perspective on institutional effectiveness
Conclusion & forward look20%10Synthesizes three parts into coherent narrative on administrative ethics and accountability from ancient to modern India; offers nuanced forward look on district governance reforms, Governor's institutional strengthening, and embedding Kautilyan wisdom in civil service values without romanticizing pastSeparate conclusions for each part without integration; generic statement on good governance; limited forward-looking elementNo conclusion or abrupt ending; purely summarizes points already made; no synthesis across three parts; missing forward-looking perspective entirely

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