Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 284 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2016

Accountability, or the lack of it, in governance generally, and civil services, in particular, is a major factor underlying the deficiencies in governance and public administration. Designing an effective framework for accountability has been a key element of the reform agenda. A fundamental issue is whether civil services should be accountable to the political executive of the day or to society at large. In other words, how should internal and external accountability be. reconciled? Internal accountability is sought to be achieved by internal performance monitoring, official supervision by bodies like the—Central— Vigilance Commission—and—Comptroller and Auditor— General, and judicial review of executive decisions. Articles 311 and 312 of the Indian Constitution provide job security and safeguards to the civil services, especially the All India Services. The framers of the Constitution had envisaged that provision of these safeguards would result in a civil service that is not totally subservient to the political executive but will have the strength to function in larger public interest. The need to balance internal and external accountability is thus built into the Constitution. The issue is where to draw the line. Over the years, the emphasis seems to have tilted in favour of greater internal accountability of the civil services to the political leaders of the day who in turn are expected to be externally accountable to the society at large through the election process. This system for seeking accountability to society has not worked out, and has led to several adverse consequences for governance. Some special measures can be considered for improving accountability in civil services. Provisions of articles 311 and 312 should be reviewed and laws and regulations framed to ensure external accountability of civil services. The proposed Civil Services Bill seeks to address some of these requirements. The respective roles of professional civil services and the political executive should be defined so that professional managerial functions and management of civil services are depoliticized. For this purpose, effective statutory civil service boards should be created at the Centre and in the states. Decentralization and- devolution of authority to bring government and decision making closer to the people also helps to enhance accountability.
Which one of the following is the essential message implied by this passage?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (D)

The passage explicitly highlights deficiencies in governance and public administration stemming from a lack of effective accountability in civil services. It then proceeds to discuss the need for designing an effective framework for accountability, proposing "special measures" and "reforms" such as reviewing Articles 311 and 312, defining roles, creating statutory civil service boards, and promoting decentralization. This clearly indicates that the essential message is the identified need and scope for reforms to enhance civil service accountability.

Incorrect Options:

The passage states that the system for seeking accountability to society "has not worked out" and has led to "adverse consequences." This implies a failure in the mechanism of accountability to society, rather than a complete absence of it. The core issue presented is the imbalance between internal accountability to the political executive and external accountability to society, not a declaration that civil services are entirely unaccountable.

The passage focuses on the structure and functioning of civil services and their accountability mechanisms. It does not discuss the educational background, qualifications, or enlightenment levels of political leaders. Therefore, this option introduces an idea not supported or implied by the text.

The passage mentions that the framers of the Constitution "had envisaged" a civil service that would function in the larger public interest, protected by safeguards like Articles 311 and 312. It then notes that the emphasis has "tilted" over the years, leading to adverse consequences. This indicates a deviation from the framers' original intent due to the evolution of the system, rather than a failure on their part to anticipate all future problems. The framers' vision for an independent civil service is acknowledged.