UPSC Public Administration – Complete Ultimate Digital Library | Shaktimatha Learning

 

📘 Model Answer 28
Crisis of Accountability in Indian Administration

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 Question

“Despite institutional safeguards, Indian administration faces a crisis of accountability.” Critically examine.

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 Model Answer (250 Words)

Accountability is central to democratic governance, ensuring that public officials are answerable for their decisions and actions. India possesses constitutional, legislative, and administrative mechanisms such as the CAG, parliamentary committees, RTI Act, and vigilance institutions.

However, a perceived crisis of accountability persists. Increasing complexity of governance, diffusion of authority across multiple agencies, and politicization of institutions weaken oversight mechanisms. Delays in audits, limited enforcement of recommendations, and administrative opacity contribute to erosion of trust.

Additionally, coalition politics, bureaucratic inertia, and weak internal monitoring create accountability gaps. Emerging challenges in digital governance, including data privacy and algorithmic decision-making, further complicate traditional oversight structures.

While transparency initiatives and citizen participation mechanisms have strengthened scrutiny, implementation gaps remain significant. Social audits and digital dashboards improve monitoring but require institutional support.

Addressing the crisis demands strengthening independent institutions, ensuring timely audits, protecting whistleblowers, and promoting ethical leadership.

Thus, accountability in Indian administration is institutionally robust yet operationally challenged, requiring continuous reform and vigilance.

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Prepared by Shaktimatha Learning
Institutional Safeguards + Operational Gaps + Reform Imperative