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Answer the following questions within 500 words each: 10×5=50
1. Discuss briefly the powers and functions of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Examine the importance of CAG in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance and administration in India. (6+4)
Answer :
Introduction—
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is a constitutional authority established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution. The CAG is considered the guardian of the public purse and plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in public financial administration.
Powers and Functions of the CAG—
The powers and functions of the CAG are mainly derived from the Constitution of India and the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971. The key functions are as follows:
1. Audit of Government Accounts
The primary duty of the CAG is to audit the receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the State Governments, including those of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. This includes:
Civil expenditure
Defence services
Public sector undertakings (PSUs)
Autonomous bodies and authorities
2. Audit of Government Companies
Under the Companies Act, the CAG appoints the auditor for government companies and conducts a supplementary audit of their accounts. He audits companies in which the government holds at least 51% of the share capital.
3. Audit of Receipts and Expenditure
The CAG examines whether revenue is collected as per laws and ensures no tax revenue is lost due to inefficiencies. He also ensures that government expenditures are made in accordance with the sanction of the legislature.
4. Performance and Efficiency Audits
The CAG conducts performance audits to assess whether government programs and schemes achieve their intended objectives effectively, economically, and efficiently.
5. Submission of Audit Reports
The CAG submits audit reports relating to the accounts of the Union Government to the President, who places them before Parliament. In case of states, the reports are submitted to the Governor, who lays them before the state legislature. These reports are examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).
6. Role in Maintaining Parliamentary Control
The CAG supports Parliament and State Legislatures in exercising control over the executive by providing independent audit reports, thereby helping in ensuring financial accountability.
7. Audit of Local Bodies
The CAG may also audit Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, especially when these are financed through grants or funds from the government.
Significance of the CAG
The CAG is a vital institution for enforcing accountability in governance. It ensures that public money is used for the intended purposes and highlights irregularities, wasteful expenditures, and inefficiencies. The office of the CAG thus plays a key role in upholding the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability in public administration.
In summary, the CAG of India performs an essential constitutional function by auditing the finances of the government and its entities, thereby promoting good governance and safeguarding the interests of the taxpayers.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India plays a pivotal role in upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in the governance and administration of the country. As an independent constitutional authority, the CAG ensures that public funds are used efficiently and for the intended purposes, thereby strengthening democratic oversight.
Importance of CAG in Ensuring Transparency and Accountability—
1. Audit of Public Expenditure
The CAG audits the receipts and expenditure of the Union and State governments, including public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies. This audit ensures that public funds are used according to legislative sanction and for the intended objectives. Irregularities, misappropriations, and unauthorized expenditures are flagged in audit reports, making the functioning of the government transparent.
2. Ensures Legislative Oversight
The CAG submits its audit reports to the President or Governor, who places them before the Parliament or State Legislature. These reports are examined by Public Accounts Committees (PACs), which hold the executive accountable for any financial lapses. This process enforces legislative control over the executive and strengthens democratic accountability.
3. Promotes Financial Discipline
Through regular audits and performance evaluations, the CAG promotes fiscal prudence and discipline within government departments and public enterprises. Ministries and agencies become more cautious in their financial dealings, knowing their actions are subject to independent scrutiny.
4. Performance and Efficiency Audits
Beyond checking for legal compliance, the CAG conducts performance audits to assess whether government schemes and programs are achieving their objectives effectively and economically. These audits provide valuable insights into the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of government initiatives, aiding in policy reforms.
5. Deterrence Against Corruption and Mismanagement
By exposing misuse, misappropriation, and inefficiencies in the use of public resources, the CAG acts as a deterrent against corruption and arbitrary decision-making. The fear of being held accountable discourages malpractices in administration.
6. Enhancing Public Trust
CAG reports are public documents, and their findings are often highlighted in the media. This creates public awareness about the functioning of the government and its institutions, thereby enhancing citizen trust and engagement in democratic processes.
7. Audit of Local Bodies
The CAG audits local self-government institutions, which are increasingly important in decentralized governance. This ensures that funds allocated for grassroots development are properly used, promoting transparency at the local level.
Conclusion—
In a democratic setup like India, the CAG serves as a watchdog of public finances, ensuring that every rupee spent from the public exchequer is accounted for. By conducting independent audits, submitting objective reports, and fostering public and legislative scrutiny, the CAG plays an indispensable role in ensuring transparency, enforcing accountability, and promoting good governance across all levels of administration.
2. Explain the implications and importance of e-Governance in India.
Answer :
Introduction —
e-Governance refers to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve the activities of government. In India, it has become a key tool for transforming governance by making it more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. Through initiatives like Digital India, e-Governance aims to bridge the gap between the government and citizens, improve service delivery, and promote inclusive development.
Implications of e-Governance in India—
1. Improved Transparency and Accountability
One of the major implications of e-Governance is increased transparency in government functioning. Digital platforms reduce the need for middlemen and manual processes, thereby lowering the chances of corruption. For example, online portals for services like land records, income certificates, or RTI filing make processes traceable and open to public scrutiny, enhancing accountability.
2. Faster and Efficient Service Delivery
e-Governance has made access to government services much faster and easier. Services such as paying taxes, applying for documents, and checking application statuses are now available online 24/7. This reduces delays, long queues, and bureaucratic hurdles. Schemes like UMANG, DigiLocker, and e-District have simplified public service delivery significantly.
3. Cost and Time Savings
By automating processes and reducing paperwork, e-Governance cuts down administrative costs. Citizens also save time and money as they no longer need to travel to government offices or wait for long periods to get services. This leads to more efficient governance and better use of public resources.
4. Inclusive Governance
e-Governance plays a key role in bringing services to rural and remote areas through Common Service Centres (CSCs). These centres act as access points for digital services, especially in regions with low internet penetration. This helps include underprivileged communities in the governance process and promotes social equity.
5. Citizen Empowerment
Through e-Governance, citizens have better access to information and are more informed about their rights, schemes, and entitlements. Platforms like MyGov allow public participation in policy discussions and feedback, making the government more responsive to public needs.
6. Better Decision-Making
Digitally stored data and analytics help the government track the progress of schemes, measure outcomes, and make evidence-based decisions. It improves policy planning and resource allocation, enhancing overall governance quality.
7. Crisis Management
e-Governance also plays a crucial role in managing emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital tools were used for tracking infections, managing health resources, and providing direct benefit transfers to the needy.
Importance of e-Governance in India—
1. Enhancing Transparency and Reducing Corruption
One of the greatest challenges in India’s governance is corruption and lack of transparency. e-Governance reduces human intervention in government processes by digitizing transactions, which makes actions traceable and accessible to the public. Online platforms provide real-time updates on service delivery, financial transactions, and project progress. This openness discourages corrupt practices and builds public trust in government institutions.
2. Increasing Efficiency and Speed of Service Delivery
Traditional government services often involve long waits, multiple visits, and excessive paperwork. e-Governance automates many routine tasks and makes services available online 24/7, greatly reducing processing times. Citizens can apply for certificates, pay taxes, access welfare schemes, and track applications from anywhere at any time. This boosts overall administrative efficiency and improves citizens’ experience.
3. Promoting Inclusiveness and Accessibility
India has a vast rural population, many of whom face challenges accessing government services due to geographic or infrastructural constraints. e-Governance initiatives such as Common Service Centres (CSCs) and mobile-based services bridge this divide by bringing government services closer to rural and remote areas. This helps in reducing regional disparities and ensures that even marginalized communities can benefit from government programs.
4. Reducing Costs and Saving Time
Digital processes reduce the need for physical paperwork, storage, and manual labor, leading to significant cost savings for the government. At the same time, citizens save money and time as they no longer need to travel long distances or wait in queues to access government offices. This cost-effectiveness improves resource allocation and encourages more efficient public spending.
5. Empowering Citizens
e-Governance empowers people by providing them with easier access to information about their rights, government schemes, and services. Platforms like MyGov encourage citizen participation in policymaking and governance. Access to online grievance redressal systems helps citizens hold public officials accountable and promotes responsive governance.
6. Supporting the Digital India Vision
The Digital India initiative envisions transforming India into a digitally empowered society. e-Governance is central to this vision, helping achieve goals such as universal internet access, digital literacy, and electronic delivery of services. It facilitates the modernization of government departments and fosters a culture of innovation and technology adoption.
7. Enabling Data-Driven Governance
With digital systems, the government can collect and analyze vast amounts of data on service delivery, public needs, and resource utilization. This data-driven approach allows for better decision-making, targeted policy formulation, and improved monitoring of development programs.
Conclusion
e-Governance is a cornerstone of modern governance in India. By improving transparency, efficiency, inclusiveness, and citizen participation, it addresses many traditional challenges of governance. As India continues to digitize its government services, e-Governance will play an increasingly vital role in building a more accountable, responsive, and citizen-friendly state.
3. Write a note on Central Vigilance Commission.
Answer :
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): The Apex Vigilance Institution of India
Introduction —
The Central Vigilance Commission(CVC) is the premier integrity institution of the Government of India, mandated to address governmental corruption and to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in the public administration. Established as an independent, statutory body, it functions as the apex vigilance authority, free from executive control, to oversee the vigilance administration of all central government departments, organizations, and public sector undertakings.
Historical Context and Establishment —
The need for a specialized agency to combat corruption gained significant momentum after the recommendations of theSanthanam Committee (1962-64), which was formed in the wake of several corruption scandals. The Committee observed that the existing mechanisms were inadequate and recommended the creation of a single, powerful authority.
· 1964: The CVC was established by an executive resolution of the Government of India on February 11, 1964. Initially, it was a non-statutory body, deriving its authority from the government resolution.
· 2003: Following the Supreme Court's directive in the famous Vineet Narain case (1997), which emphasized the need for statutory status to ensure independence and effectiveness, the CVC was granted statutory status through The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. This Act formally defined its powers, functions, and responsibilities, solidifying its autonomy.
Composition and Structure The Commission is a multi-member body consisting of:
· A Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson)
· Not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (Members)
Appointment Process:
To ensure impartiality and insulate the appointment process from political influence, the CVC and VCs are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a high-powered committee. This committee comprises:
· The Prime Minister (Chairperson)
· The Minister of Home Affairs (Member)
· The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Member)
Tenure and Removal:
They hold office for a term of four years or until they attain the age of 65, whichever is earlier. They cannot be removed from office except by order of the President on the grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity, following a Supreme Court inquiry.
Key Functions and Powers
The CVC's role is advisory,supervisory, and inquisitorial. Its core functions include:
1. Supervision over CBI: The Commission exercises superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE), which is the CBI, in cases related to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This includes granting permission for initiation of inquiry or investigation against officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above (a process often linked to "single directive" provisions).
2. Advisory Role: The CVC advises the central government and its organizations on matters concerning vigilance and corruption. Its advice is mandatory in cases where a major penalty is imposed on a government servant. While its advice is not binding on the disciplinary authority, any deviation requires the authority to record reasons for doing so.
3. Inquiries and Investigations: The Commission can:
· Conduct a preliminary inquiry into any transaction where a public servant is suspected of acting corruptly, through the CBI or the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the concerned department.
· Refer matters to the CBI for investigation.
· Initiate suo-motu inquiries into alleged offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
4. Monitoring Vigilance Administration: It monitors the vigilance activities of all central government departments, ministries, and public sector banks, insurance companies, and other economic institutions. This is primarily done through the network of Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs), who are senior officers appointed in each major department to act as the eyes and ears of the CVC.
5. Whistleblower Protection: The CVC is designated as the "competent authority" under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, to receive complaints related to corruption or the wilful misuse of power and discretion against any public servant. It is tasked with protecting the identity of the whistleblower and ensuring no victimization takes place.
6. Promoting Good Governance: Beyond punitive measures, the CVC plays a proactive role in promoting good governance practices. It issues guidelines, frameworks, and toolkits on topics like transparency in procurement, integrity pacts, and e-tendering to help organizations systemically reduce opportunities for corruption.
Jurisdiction and Limitations The jurisdiction of the CVC extends to:
· All members of All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) serving in connection with the affairs of the Union.
· Group ‘A’ officers of the Central Government.
· Officers of the rank of Scale V and above in Public Sector Banks.
· Managers and above in General Insurance Companies.
· Senior officers in Central PSUs, Societies, and Local Authorities owned/controlled by the Central Government.
Key Limitations:
· Advisory Nature:
Its recommendations are not binding on the executive, which can limit its effectiveness.
· Lack of Prosecution Power:
The CVC is not an investigating agency itself. It depends on the CBI and the CVOs for this purpose.
· No Direct Control over Politicians:
Its jurisdiction is primarily limited to bureaucrats and officials, not over ministers or the political executive.
· Post-Facto Role:
It often acts on complaints after an alleged corrupt act has occurred, rather than preventing it.
Challenges and the Way Forward —
The CVC has been instrumental in creating a culture of vigilance,yet it faces challenges:
· Delays in Sanction for Prosecution:
A major hurdle is the delay in granting sanction by the government to prosecute corrupt officials, which often leads to impunity.
· Need for More Teeth:
There have been persistent calls to make the CVC's advice binding on the government and to grant it independent powers of investigation and prosecution.
· Manpower and Resources:
Like many oversight bodies, it often grapples with a high volume of cases and limited resources.
Conclusion —
The Central Vigilance Commission stands as a cornerstone of India's anti-corruption framework.From its origins as an advisory body to its current statutory status, it has evolved into a key institution for upholding integrity in public life. While its advisory role and dependence on other agencies present certain constraints, its supervisory authority, its power to advise on disciplinary matters, and its role as a protector of whistleblowers make it an indispensable part of India's democratic governance. Strengthening its autonomy and powers, while ensuring faster and more decisive action on its recommendations, remains crucial for enhancing its effectiveness in the ongoing fight against corruption.
4. Write briefly about Administrative Reforms of 1919 and Administrative Reforms of 1935 in the context of the evolution of the Indian administrative system. (5+5)
Answer :
Administrative Reforms of 1919: Introducing Dyarchy
The Government of India Act, 1919, represents a critical, albeit flawed, milestone in the evolution of the Indian administrative system. Enacted in the backdrop of World War I and rising nationalist demands, its key administrative innovation was the introduction of Dyarchy (dual rule) in the provinces.
Core Feature: Dyarchy
The Act divided provincial subjects into two categories:
1. Reserved Subjects:
Crucial areas like Finance, Law and Order, Irrigation, and Communications were kept under the exclusive control of the Governor and his Executive Council, who were accountable only to the British government in London.
2. Transferred Subjects:
Less critical areas like Education, Local Government, Health, Agriculture, and Industries were "transferred" to Indian ministers responsible to the newly elected Indian Legislative Councils.
This separation was designed to gradually introduce Indians to the responsibilities of self-government in a controlled manner.
Key Administrative Changes
· Expansion of Legislatures:
The Act established a bicameral legislature at the centre and significantly expanded provincial legislative councils, increasing the number of elected Indian members.
· Electorate Expansion:
It extended the franchise (the right to vote), though still based on a very narrow property qualification, bringing more Indians into the political process.
· Central Executive:
At the central level, no responsible government was introduced. The Governor-General and his Executive Council remained unaccountable to the legislature, firmly retaining central power in British hands.
Significance in Evolution
· A Training Ground:
For the first time, Indians were allowed to hold ministerial portfolios and gain practical experience in administration and governance.
· Principle of Accountability:
It introduced the crucial principle that some executive heads (the ministers) were accountable to an elected Indian body, planting the seed for future parliamentary governance.
· Increased Indianization:
The reforms accelerated the process of Indianization of the public services, albeit slowly.
Limitations and Failure
· Unworkable Division:
The division of subjects was irrational. For instance, a minister for Agriculture (transferred) had no control over Irrigation (reserved), a vital linked subject, leading to constant friction and administrative deadlock.
· Financial Constraints:
The ministers of transferred subjects had limited control over finances, as the Revenue department was a reserved subject. They were often starved of funds, making it difficult to implement policies.
· Lack of Real Power:
The Governor retained overriding powers to intervene in transferred subjects, rendering ministerial authority superficial.
Conclusion:
While the Dyarchy experiment was largely considered a failure due to its structural flaws and frequent breakdowns, its historical importance is profound. It served as a practical, if frustrating, learning experience for Indian politicians. The lessons from its failures were directly instrumental in shaping the next major constitutional step: the Government of India Act, 1935, which abandoned Dyarchy and proposed a fuller provincial autonomy. Thus, the 1919 reforms were a necessary, transitional phase in India's gradual journey from colonial administration to self-government.
Administrative Reforms of 1935: A Blueprint for Governance
The Government of India Act, 1935, stands as the most significant constitutional and administrative reform enacted by the British Raj before independence. It was a lengthy and complex piece of legislation designed to address the failures of the 1919 Dyarchy and respond to Indian demands for self-government. While it never achieved its full form due to the outbreak of World War II and political opposition, its framework became the direct predecessor to the Indian Constitution.
Key Administrative Features
The Act proposed a radical restructuring of Indian administration with two primary features:
1. Provincial Autonomy:
This was the cornerstone of the Act. It abolished the flawed Dyarchy system in the provinces and introduced, in principle, responsible government. All provincial subjects were now placed under the control of Indian ministers, who were collectively responsible to the newly elected provincial legislatures. The Governor was required to act on the advice of ministers, though he retained "special powers" to intervene in matters of peace, security, and the protection of minorities, which kept ultimate power in British hands.
2. All-India Federation:
The Act envisioned the creation of a Federation of India, incorporating the British Indian provinces and the princely states. Subjects were divided into three lists:
· Federal List (for the central government, e.g., defence, foreign affairs)
· Provincial List (for provincial governments, e.g., law and order, education, health)
· Concurrent List (where both could legislate)
This structure of divided legislative powers was retained in the post-independence constitution.
3. Bicameralism and Expanded Franchise:
It established a bicameral federal legislature and further expanded the electorate, granting voting rights to around 10% of the population.
4. Establishment of Institutions:
The Act provided for the creation of key institutions that would become permanent features of the Indian administrative system, including:
· The Federal Public Service Commission and Provincial Public Service Commissions.
· The Reserve Bank of India (1935).
· A Federal Court.
Significance in Evolution
· Architectural Blueprint:
The 1935 Act provided the fundamental skeletal structure—the division of powers, the federal framework, the emergency provisions, and the details of public service commissions—that was extensively borrowed by the framers of the Indian Constitution of 1950.
· Practice in Self-Governance:
The provincial elections held in 1937 saw Congress ministries assume office in several provinces. This provided invaluable practical experience in running a government, drafting legislation, and managing administration, which proved crucial for the post-independence political leadership.
· Formalizing a Federal Structure:
It was the first serious attempt to formally structure a federal system of government for India, a model essential for governing a vast and diverse country.
Limitations
· Limited Franchise:
The franchise, though expanded, remained narrow and based on property qualification.
· Safeguards and Veto Powers:
The Governor-General and Provincial Governors retained extensive reserve and veto powers, making full autonomy illusory.
· Failed Federation:
The proposed All-India Federation never materialized, as the princely states refused to join.
Conclusion:
Despite its limitations and its ultimate failure as a British statute, the Government of India Act, 1935, was of monumental importance. It served as the primary constitutional and administrative bridge between a colonial state and a independent republic. By providing a ready-made, detailed framework for governance, it ensured a remarkable continuity and stability in the Indian administrative system during the turbulent transition from British rule to independence.
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