📘 Accountability & Control in Public Administration
1️⃣ Meaning of Accountability
Accountability refers to the obligation of public officials and institutions to explain, justify, and take responsibility for their actions to the public and constitutional authorities.
UPSC Line: Accountability is the backbone of democratic and responsible administration.
2️⃣ Legislative Control
- Parliamentary questions (Starred & Unstarred)
- Debates and discussions
- Committees (PAC, Estimates Committee)
- Approval of budget
Strength: Democratic and representative
Limitation: Political dominance of executive
3️⃣ Executive Control
- Hierarchy and supervision
- Rules and regulations
- Performance appraisal
- Administrative instructions
Merit: Immediate and continuous control
Demerit: Possibility of arbitrariness
4️⃣ Judicial Control
Judicial control ensures that administration acts within the limits of law and constitution.
- Judicial review
- Writs (Article 32 & 226)
- Administrative tribunals
Significance: Protects rights of citizens
5️⃣ Financial Control
- Budgetary control
- Audit and accounts
- Role of Comptroller and Auditor General of India
UPSC Link: Ensures transparency and financial discipline
6️⃣ Citizen & Social Control
- Right to Information (RTI)
- Media and public opinion
- Social audit
- NGOs and civil society
Modern Trend: Shift from internal to external accountability
7️⃣ Institutions for Accountability
- Lokpal
- Lokayuktas
- Central Vigilance Commission
Goal: Corruption-free and citizen-centric administration
📝 UPSC Answer Enrichment
- Compare internal vs external accountability
- Link with Ethics (integrity & transparency)
- Add recent governance reforms
Prepared for UPSC Aspirants by Shaktimatha Learning
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