Public Administration 2023 Paper II 50 marks Discuss

Q6

(a) "Civil Service Reforms along with a transparent transfer policy will go a long way in insulating civil servants from undesired political pulls and pressures." Discuss. 20 (b) "The withdrawal of AFSPA from Tripura has sent a positive signal across the State and North-Eastern Region." Do you think that now it is an appropriate time to take a more rational policy decision in this matter. 20 (c) The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is by far the most significant cleanliness campaign by the Government of India. Comment. 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) "सिविल सेवा सुधारों के साथ-साथ पारदर्शी स्थानांतरण नीति सिविल सेवकों को अवांछित राजनीतिक खींचतानी एवं दबावों से बचाने में काफी मददगार होगी।" विवेचन कीजिए। 20 (b) "त्रिपुरा से अफ्स्पा (AFSPA) को वापस लेने से पूरे राज्य तथा सम्पूर्ण उत्तर-पूर्वी क्षेत्र में सकारात्मक संकेत दिया गया है।" क्या आप समझते हैं कि इस मामले में अधिक तार्किक नीतिगत निर्णय का अब उपयुक्त समय आ गया है। 20 (c) स्वच्छ भारत अभियान भारत सरकार का स्वच्छता के लिए अब तक का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण अभियान है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। 10

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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' requires a balanced examination of arguments for and against the proposition, supplemented by critical analysis. For part (a) carrying 20 marks, allocate approximately 40% of the answer (~200-250 words) examining how transparent transfer policies like fixed tenure provisions can insulate civil servants, while acknowledging limitations; for part (b) also 20 marks, spend another 40% (~200-250 words) critically evaluating AFSPA withdrawal in Tripura (2015) as a precedent for Manipur, Nagaland and other NE states, weighing security concerns against human rights; for part (c) with 10 marks, use remaining 20% (~100-125 words) to comment on SBA's significance while noting implementation gaps. Structure: brief composite introduction, three distinct sections with clear sub-headings, and integrated conclusion linking reforms to good governance.

Key points expected

  • For (a): Analysis of how transparent transfer policies (fixed tenure under DOPT rules, ARC recommendations on 'tenure security') reduce arbitrary political interference; counter-arguments regarding continued political control through cadre management and posting preferences
  • For (a): Specific reform mechanisms — Civil Services Board recommendations, e-governance in transfer orders (PARASTAR portal), Supreme Court directives in T.S.R. Subramanian case (2013) on insulating bureaucracy
  • For (b): Tripura AFSPA withdrawal context (2015) — improved security situation, reduced insurgency; comparison with ongoing demands in Manipur (Irom Sharmila's struggle, 2023 violence), Nagaland (Mon killings 2021), and J&K (post-Article 370)
  • For (b): Rational policy alternatives — partial/disturbed area notification, police modernization, Sixth Schedule autonomy strengthening; critique of military's operational concerns vs. human rights commissions' recommendations
  • For (c): SBA's significance as behavioural change campaign (nudge theory), ODF achievement data, but critical gaps in solid waste management (SWM Rules 2016), manual scavenging persistence, and urban-rural disparity
  • Cross-cutting: Link between administrative neutrality (a), security-governance balance (b), and citizen-centric service delivery (c) as pillars of democratic governance

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Precisely defines 'political pulls' (arbitrary transfers, posting-industry nexus) and AFSPA provisions (Section 4, 5, 6); distinguishes SBA Phase I (toilets) from Phase II (SWM); correctly identifies 2015 Tripura withdrawal and 2013 SC judgment on civil service reformsBasic understanding of transfer policy and AFSPA but conflates AFSPA with UAPA or misstates SBA as only toilet construction; vague on legal provisionsFundamental errors — confuses AFSPA with PSA, describes SBA as Swachh Survekshan, or suggests transfer policy is purely state subject ignoring All-India Services rules
Theoretical anchor20%10Applies Weberian bureaucracy (neutrality, tenure security), ARC II recommendations on 'Ethics in Governance', Second Administrative Reforms Commission on civil service neutrality; uses 'nudge theory' for SBA; cites Paul Appleby or Riggs on development administration for NE contextMentions ARC or Weber superficially without linking to question specifics; generic reference to 'good governance' without theoretical depthNo theoretical framework; purely descriptive answer without conceptual grounding in public administration theories
Indian administrative examples20%10Cites specific cases: T.S.R. Subramanian vs. Union of India (2013) on fixed tenure; Ashok Khemka/Pradeep Sharma transfer controversies; Tripura 2015 AFSPA withdrawal under Manik Sarkar; Manipur's 2023 violence; Nagaland's AFSPA review committee; SBA's behavioural change in rural Maharashtra/Gujarat vs. urban challengesGeneral references to 'some states' or 'recent Supreme Court judgment' without specifics; mentions Irom Sharmila but no dates or contextNo Indian examples; hypothetical or foreign illustrations (e.g., UK civil service) without connecting to Indian administrative reality
Reform / policy angle20%10Proposes concrete reforms: Civil Services Board autonomy per ARC; 'disturbed area' sunset clauses for AFSPA; SBA 2.0 focus on scientific waste management and Faecal Sludge Management; critiques PM's recent 'Mission Karmayogi' and National Programme for Civil Services Capacity BuildingGeneric reform suggestions ('training needed', 'AFSPA should be reviewed') without specific policy mechanisms or implementation pathwaysNo reform orientation; purely descriptive or accepts status quo without critical evaluation of policy alternatives
Conclusion & forward look20%10Synthesizes three parts into coherent governance vision: insulated bureaucracy enables effective SBA implementation; AFSPA rationalization builds trust for citizen-centric administration; forward look includes 16th Finance Commission's local governance recommendations and need for police reforms (Ribeiro Committee follow-up)Summarizes main points separately without integration; generic conclusion on 'need for political will'No conclusion or abrupt ending; mere repetition of introduction without forward-looking perspective on administrative reforms

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