CSS Past Paper 2017 Public Administration Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Group 3 | 2017 | Part 2 | Descriptive
Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2017 Public Administration Descriptive (Part 2).
Question 2
Appropriate separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches ensure effective check and balance and hence accountable public administration. Discuss, the statement in the light of historic Watergate Scandal, which forced Nixon to resign as head of public bureaucracy.
Introduction
Separation of powers is a main principle in modern democratic governments. It means that the legislative (parliament), executive (government), and judiciary (courts) all have separate powers and responsibilities. When these powers are separated, no one branch can become too powerful. This creates check and balance system which helps in holding public officials accountable. A good example of this principle in action is the Watergate Scandal in the United States, which made President Richard Nixon resign. This incident proved how separation of powers ensures accountability in public administration.
What is Separation of Powers?
Separation of powers is when the functions of making laws (legislative), enforcing laws (executive), and interpreting laws (judiciary) are kept in different hands. This idea came from philosophers like Montesquieu, who believed that mixing powers causes corruption and dictatorship.
In countries like USA, this system works strongly. Each branch checks the other. For example, Congress can investigate the President, Courts can declare executive actions illegal, and the President can veto laws.
Importance in Public Administration
- Accountability: When powers are separated, government officials can’t hide wrongdoings easily. This helps in transparent working of bureaucracy.
- Checks and Balances: Every branch can control misuse of power by other branches.
- Protection of Laws: The judiciary protects the constitution and rights of people from being violated by executive or legislature.
- Reduced Corruption: If power is not in one hand, chances of corruption reduce.
The Watergate Scandal: A Historic Example
The Watergate Scandal is one of the best real examples of how separation of powers worked to protect democracy and bring accountability.
- In 1972, members of Nixon’s re-election campaign broke into the Democratic National Committee office at the Watergate building.
- The break-in was first seen as a minor issue, but later, media investigation (especially by Washington Post reporters) and Congress brought forward the link of this crime to White House.
- Nixon used executive powers to hide evidence and stop investigation, which showed abuse of power.
- But due to separation of powers:
- Congress started investigations.
- The Supreme Court ordered Nixon to hand over secret tape recordings.
- The Judiciary didn’t allow the President to stay above the law.
- Finally, Nixon had no choice and resigned in 1974.
Lessons for Public Administration
- Strong institutions can control abuse of power.
- A free judiciary and strong legislature can force even the highest official to follow the law.
- Media and civil society also played a role, but the constitutional setup made it possible.
- It shows how democracy can protect itself when all branches work independently.
Conclusion
The Watergate Scandal proved how important separation of powers is for public administration. Without it, President Nixon might have used his position to cover the crime. But because the legislative and judiciary worked independently, the truth came out. This system kept public administration accountable and protected democracy. For countries like Pakistan, this example shows the need of strong institutions and independent branches of power for good governance and to fight corruption.
Question 3
Privatisation as a global phenomenon has major implications for Bureaucratic role and scope, especially in state-dominated political system. Discuss, the statement with for or against arguments.
Introduction
Privatization means transferring ownership or control of public services or enterprises to private sector. It became a popular trend after 1980s when countries like UK under Margaret Thatcher and USA under Reagan promoted it to reduce government role. Many developing countries also adopted it including Pakistan. This global change has deeply affected how bureaucracy works, especially in countries where government had big control over economy and services.
Impact of Privatization on Bureaucratic Role – Arguments in Favour
1. Reduces Burden on Bureaucracy
When public institutions are sold or managed by private companies, government officials no longer have to run them. This makes bureaucracy focus more on policy-making than running businesses.
2. Increases Efficiency
Private sector mostly works for profit and performance. Bureaucracy, which is often blamed for red-tapism, gets reduced influence, so services become faster and better.
3. Promotes Accountability
Private firms are more accountable to shareholders and customers. When government outsources services, it forces bureaucrats to improve regulations and performance checking.
4. Encourages Innovation
Bureaucratic systems are slow and less innovative. Privatization brings competition, which motivates service improvement and use of new technologies.
5. Less Political Interference
In many state-run services, politicians interfere in appointments and decisions. Privatization reduces this pressure from bureaucracy and improves merit-based working.
Arguments Against Privatization – Negative Impacts on Bureaucracy
1. Loss of Public Control
Privatization reduces government control on key services like health, education, transport, etc. Bureaucracy loses its power and direct influence in public welfare.
2. Weakens Bureaucratic Capacity
As private firms take over operations, bureaucrats get less practical experience and exposure. Over time, their administrative and technical skills become weak.
3. Profit Over People
Private companies care about profit, not public interest. Bureaucracy, though slow, works for welfare. Privatization may result in high prices and inequality in access.
4. Corruption and Lack of Transparency
In many countries, the process of privatization is not transparent. Bureaucrats and politicians may misuse power and sell assets at low prices for personal gain.
5. Loss of Jobs and Morale
Privatization often causes layoffs of public employees. Bureaucrats may feel insecure and less motivated when their role and size are reduced.
Privatization in State-Dominated Systems (Pakistan)
In countries like Pakistan, government controls big sectors like power, railways, airlines, etc. Privatization efforts started in 1990s but faced issues like:
- Weak regulatory bodies
- Lack of transparency
- Political resistance
- Poor public trust
Privatization here affects bureaucracy more deeply because the state is a major employer. When services shift to private hands, bureaucracy becomes weaker and sometimes even irrelevant in those areas.
Conclusion
Privatization is a global trend that surely affects bureaucracy in many ways. It reduces its size, responsibilities, and power. In developed countries, this change helped in improving service delivery. But in developing and state-controlled systems, privatization can create problems like unemployment, corruption, and weakening of government institutions. The real solution is not just privatization, but balanced reform that keeps public interest first and makes bureaucracy more responsive and modern.
Question 4
Discuss in detail the Prismatic-Sala model enunciated by Fred Riggs in order to evaluate the under-developing society and its implications for public administration.
Introduction
Fred W. Riggs was a famous scholar in public administration who tried to explain why administrative systems in developing countries are not working properly. For this, he gave a model called Prismatic-Sala model. It shows the problems of societies which are moving from traditional to modern stage. These are not fully developed but not fully traditional also. He called them prismatic societies, and the administration in such societies faces special challenges.
What is Prismatic-Sala Model?
Riggs used three models to explain types of societies:
- Fused Model – traditional societies (like old villages)
- Prismatic Model – in-between stage (like developing countries)
- Diffracted Model – modern, developed societies (like USA)
In prismatic society, many old and new values exist together. The administration becomes confused and unbalanced. He used the term “sala” (Spanish for big hall with many functions) to describe such a system. For example, in such countries, one institution may perform many jobs, like a ministry doing education, health, and transport all at once.
Main Features of Prismatic-Sala Model
1. Heterogeneity
Society has mixed values — modern laws exist with traditional customs. This creates confusion. For example, democracy exists, but feudalism also controls politics.
2. Formalism
There are written rules and laws, but they are not followed in real life. Example: Public servants may have merit-based exams, but still, people get jobs through sifarish (recommendation).
3. Overlapping
Different institutions perform same work, creating duplication. For example, both local government and provincial government try to control schools or health centers.
4. Nepotism and Corruption
Personal relations are more important than merit. People use personal links to get jobs, promotions or contracts. This weakens administrative fairness.
5. Price Indeterminacy
In prismatic societies, there is no fixed rule of pricing in market or services. Black marketing, bribery, and under-the-table payments become common.
Implications for Public Administration
The Prismatic-Sala model shows that public administration in developing countries faces serious problems:
- Weak Institutions: Because of overlapping and formalism, the institutions fail to work effectively.
- Low Performance: Public servants follow traditions or political pressure instead of rules.
- Poor Service Delivery: Due to corruption and inefficiency, people don’t get good services.
- Resistance to Reform: Bureaucrats and elites don’t want change because they benefit from the current system.
Examples from Developing Countries (Pakistan)
- Recruitment Problems: People get jobs through political links, not on merit.
- Policy Failure: Policies are made well but fail in implementation because real control lies with elite groups.
- Multiple Authorities: For one issue, many departments are responsible, and none take real responsibility.
- Law vs Practice: Constitution says all citizens are equal, but in practice, rich people get better treatment.
Criticism of the Model
Some scholars say Riggs’ model is too theoretical and does not give real solutions. Also, societies are very different from each other, so one model cannot explain all. But still, it gives a good framework to understand issues in developing countries’ administration.
Conclusion
Fred Riggs’ Prismatic-Sala model is very helpful to understand the problems of public administration in under-developing societies. It shows how traditional and modern systems clash, causing inefficiency and corruption. The model also helps to see why reforms fail in such societies. For improving administration, countries like Pakistan need to reduce formalism, promote merit, and make institutions stronger and more professional.
Question 5
Harnessing intrinsic motivation within the public servants is prelude to better public service delivery and effective curb on corruption. Discuss the statement in the light of public service motivation paradigm and its requisite ingredients enunciated by James L. Perry.
Introduction
In every country, public servants play key role in delivering services like education, health, law and order, and development. But many times, people complain about bad attitude, corruption, and delay in government offices. One big reason is lack of motivation. If public servants are motivated from inside — not just by money or pressure — they work better and honestly. This is called intrinsic motivation. Scholar James L. Perry gave a model called Public Service Motivation (PSM) to explain how to improve this internal motivation.
What is Intrinsic Motivation?
Intrinsic motivation means doing work because you feel it is meaningful or right, not just for salary or promotion. In public sector, this kind of motivation helps in reducing corruption and increasing dedication. A motivated officer will work sincerely, even if supervision is less or pay is not very high.
James L. Perry’s Public Service Motivation Theory
James L. Perry introduced Public Service Motivation (PSM) theory in 1990 to explain why some people are more committed to public service. He said that public servants are not only motivated by money, but also by their inner values, desire to help society, and sense of duty.
Perry explained four main dimensions or ingredients of public service motivation.
Ingredients of Public Service Motivation (PSM)
1. Attraction to Public Policy Making
Some people feel passionate about making rules and policies for the society. They feel satisfaction in shaping systems and solving public problems.
2. Commitment to Public Interest
These are people who care about public good. They want to serve everyone equally and fairly, without favouritism.
3. Compassion
Compassion means feeling others’ pain and trying to reduce it. Many public servants, especially in health or social work, are driven by this feeling.
4. Self-Sacrifice
Some individuals are ready to give up personal gain for the sake of society. For example, working in poor areas or dangerous zones just to help people.
How Intrinsic Motivation Helps Public Administration?
- Better Service Delivery: Motivated public servants treat citizens better and do their duties seriously.
- Reduction in Corruption: When someone feels moral duty, they avoid taking bribes or using office for personal benefit.
- Higher Efficiency: Motivated staff don’t waste time or delay files.
- Strong Institutional Culture: It creates a culture of professionalism and public trust in government.
Relevance to Pakistan’s Public Sector
In Pakistan, most of the problems in bureaucracy are related to:
- Lack of motivation
- Political interference
- Corruption and inefficiency
If we apply Perry’s PSM model here, we can improve the system by:
- Hiring people who have public service spirit
- Giving training on ethics and responsibility
- Creating rewards for honest officers (not just promotions)
- Reducing political pressure so intrinsic motivation can grow
Many young officers in CSS already have public spirit, but the system sometimes kills their motivation. We need to protect and support such individuals.
Conclusion
Intrinsic motivation is very important for good governance. Perry’s Public Service Motivation model gives a solid framework to understand what drives honest and hardworking public servants. In countries like Pakistan, where corruption and inefficiency are high, this model can help in selecting, training, and managing public employees in a better way. Public administration becomes successful when the people inside the system believe in public service as a duty, not just a job.
Question 6
Public sector innovation creates value for society either through new or improved processes or services. Discuss factors which hamper procedural innovation in public sector in Pakistan.
Introduction
Innovation is very important in today’s fast-changing world. It means doing things in new and better ways. In public sector, innovation helps to improve government services, reduce corruption, and make administration more people-friendly. But in Pakistan, the public sector is often slow and old-fashioned. Many good ideas fail to work due to different challenges. This answer will explain what is procedural innovation, and what factors are stopping it in Pakistan’s public administration.
What is Procedural Innovation?
Procedural innovation means changing the methods, steps, or systems through which public services are delivered. For example, using online systems instead of paper files, or setting up one-window operations to reduce delays.
Types of procedural innovation include:
- E-governance systems (e.g., online tax filing)
- Simplified bureaucratic steps
- Automation of services
- Digital record-keeping
- Mobile apps for complaints or services
These methods can save time, reduce corruption, and improve citizen satisfaction. But in Pakistan, progress in this area is slow.
Factors That Hamper Procedural Innovation in Pakistan
1. Resistance to Change
Most government employees are used to working in old ways. They don’t want to learn new systems. There is fear of technology, and no motivation to change habits.
2. Lack of Technical Skills
Many public servants don’t have proper IT or digital training. Even if systems are installed, staff doesn’t know how to operate them efficiently.
3. Political Interference
In Pakistan, political leaders interfere in public offices. Sometimes they stop reforms that go against their personal interests, especially when innovation reduces their control.
4. Weak Institutional Capacity
Government departments are poorly managed. They don’t have project planning, innovation units, or monitoring systems. So new ideas fail in execution.
5. Corruption and Personal Interest
Old processes are often slow and confusing, which allows bribes and “sifarish” (influence) to work. Some officials don’t want procedural innovation because it can close their sources of illegal income.
6. Budget Constraints
Innovation needs money — for computers, software, training, etc. But many departments face budget cuts or delays. Sometimes, innovation is not a priority in spending.
7. No Reward for Innovators
Employees who try to bring change don’t get any reward or encouragement. This kills motivation, and others don’t take the risk to innovate.
8. Public Mistrust
Even when good innovations are introduced, people don’t trust them. For example, they still prefer manual procedures due to fear of online fraud or errors.
Examples from Pakistan
- NADRA has done good innovation with ID cards and biometric systems, but other departments like land records, police, or local governments are still very slow.
- E-policing and automation of FIR in Punjab police faced delays due to staff resistance and poor training.
- E-office system in ministries was launched, but many officers still use paper files due to lack of habit.
Conclusion
Procedural innovation is necessary to make public sector efficient, modern, and citizen-friendly. In Pakistan, although some steps are taken, there are many obstacles in the way like resistance to change, poor training, corruption, and lack of political will. To improve this, the government should train employees, reward innovation, reduce interference, and build strong institutions. Only then public administration will deliver better and faster services to the people.
Question 7
There are three major forms of administrative decentralization; deconcentration, delegation and devolution each with different set of characteristics. Argue which one is the most suitable form within the Pakistan’s socio-political context?
Introduction
Decentralization means transferring power from central government to lower levels. It is very important for improving governance and bringing administration closer to people. In public administration, decentralization is used to make services faster, more efficient and more accountable. There are three main types: Deconcentration, Delegation, and Devolution. Each has its own features. In countries like Pakistan, where governance issues are common, choosing the right type of decentralization is very important.
Three Major Forms of Decentralization
1. Deconcentration
It is the weakest form. Here, central government just sends its officials to provincial or local offices, but full control remains at the top. Example: A federal officer posted in a provincial office. Decisions are still made by the central ministry.
Features:
- Power stays with the center
- No local autonomy
- More like shifting workload, not authority
2. Delegation
It means giving some powers to semi-autonomous organizations or local departments. They have limited authority but are still under the control of central government.
Example: Development Authorities or Planning Boards
Features:
- More power than deconcentration
- Some decision-making freedom
- Can be taken back anytime by center
3. Devolution
It is the strongest form. Power is permanently given to elected local governments like union councils, tehsils, or district bodies. They have full authority to make decisions on local matters.
Features:
- Local autonomy
- Elected representatives
- Independent planning and budgeting
- Closer connection with people
Which One is Most Suitable for Pakistan? — Devolution
In Pakistan’s socio-political system, devolution is the most suitable and needed form of decentralization. Here’s why:
1. Brings Government Closer to People
Pakistan is a diverse country with different cultures, languages, and needs. Local governments under devolution can understand and solve local problems better.
2. Improves Service Delivery
When power is with local elected officials, health, education, water, and other services improve. People can hold them accountable more easily.
3. Reduces Bureaucratic Burden
Central and provincial governments are already overloaded. Devolution reduces their burden and makes administration more efficient.
4. Increases Participation
Devolution increases political participation. People get involved in local bodies, elections, and decision-making.
5. Supports Democracy
It strengthens democratic values from bottom to top. Local leaders are trained, which helps national politics in long run.
Challenges to Devolution in Pakistan
Even though devolution is best, it faces problems in Pakistan:
- Lack of political will: Provinces don’t want to give real power to districts
- Weak local capacity: Elected members don’t have training or staff
- Financial dependency: Local governments don’t get enough funds
- Interference from bureaucracy: DCs and commissioners still control many powers
Examples from Pakistan
- 2001 Local Government Ordinance under Musharraf was a strong devolution effort, with elected Nazims and councils.
- But after 2008, provincial governments ended those systems and replaced them with weaker ones.
- Even now, local bodies exist on paper but lack real powers and resources.
Conclusion
Out of all three forms, devolution is the most effective and suitable for Pakistan. It can make governance more transparent, efficient, and people-friendly. However, it needs strong political commitment, financial support, and capacity building. Without real devolution, the promise of decentralization will stay unfulfilled, and the public will continue to suffer from poor service delivery.
Question 8
Write substantive notes on any TWO of the following:
a. Zero based budgeting
b. Judicial Activism
c. Social Policy
a. Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB)
Introduction
Zero-Based Budgeting is a budgeting technique where every expense must be justified from zero every new period. Unlike traditional budgeting where last year’s budget is used as base, in ZBB, nothing is assumed — each activity is reviewed fresh.
Key Features
- Start from Zero: Every department starts with a zero base and must justify every cost.
- Decision Packages: Each activity is written in a package with cost and purpose, then ranked based on priority.
- Efficiency Focused: Helps remove useless or low-priority expenses.
- Flexible: Resources are given based on need and performance, not just tradition.
Advantages
- Controls wasteful spending
- Promotes accountability and transparency
- Links budget with performance and planning
- Encourages innovation in public sector
Disadvantages
- Very time-consuming and complex
- Requires trained staff and data
- Difficult to apply in big bureaucracies
Use in Pakistan
In Pakistan, ZBB is not fully practiced. Most budgets are incremental, where same amounts are repeated. But ZBB can help improve financial management if applied carefully, especially in sectors like health, education, and local government.
Conclusion
ZBB is a modern budgeting tool that can improve efficiency and make public spending more effective. But it needs political will, planning, and trained staff to apply it properly.
b. Judicial Activism
Introduction
Judicial activism is when courts go beyond just interpreting law and start making decisions on matters of public interest. It happens when judiciary plays an active role in protecting rights, enforcing laws, and filling gaps where executive or legislature fails.
Key Features
- Use of Suo Motu Powers: Especially in countries like Pakistan, courts take notice of public issues even without formal case.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Anyone can go to court for protection of collective rights.
- Checks on Government: Courts stop abuse of power and illegal actions by executive or politicians.
- Constitutional Interpretation: Courts sometimes give new meanings to laws for justice.
Examples in Pakistan
- Supreme Court took Suo Motu actions on issues like:
- Missing persons
- Water and sanitation
- Corruption scandals (e.g., Panama Papers case)
- Judiciary disqualified Prime Ministers and other officials using constitutional articles.
Benefits
- Protects fundamental rights
- Promotes good governance
- Makes government more accountable
- Fills gap when institutions are weak
Criticism
- Some say courts overstep and do job of executive
- Can disturb balance of power
- Not always consistent in decisions
Conclusion
Judicial activism is important in countries with weak governance. In Pakistan, it helped in promoting justice and accountability, but it must be balanced to respect roles of other institutions.
c. Social Policy
Introduction
Social policy refers to government actions and programs to improve the welfare of citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable. It covers areas like health, education, housing, employment, and social protection.
Main Objectives
- Reduce poverty and inequality
- Ensure basic needs and human rights
- Improve quality of life
- Support social justice
Components of Social Policy
- Health Policies: Like building hospitals, immunization programs, health insurance
- Education Policies: Free education, scholarships, building schools
- Housing: Low-cost housing schemes for poor
- Social Security: Pensions, BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme), Zakat
- Employment: Skill training, job creation programs
Importance for Pakistan
- Pakistan faces high poverty, low literacy, and poor health indicators
- Social policies can reduce frustration, unemployment, and social crimes
- Helps achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Challenges
- Poor implementation and corruption
- Budget constraints
- Political influence
- Lack of planning and data
Conclusion
Social policy is the backbone of public welfare. For a country like Pakistan, strong and fair social policies are needed to protect the poor, promote equality, and build a just society.
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