Q15 · UPSC Prelims 2020 · Set A · Polity and Governance

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In the context of India,which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

A An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy
B An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism
C An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth
D An Agency for the implementation of public policy

Correct answer: (d) An Agency for the implementation of public policy

Explanation

  1. A

    An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy

    Widening parliamentary democracy. A political, not bureaucratic, job.

  2. B

    An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism

    Strengthening federalism. Courts and lists do more of that.

  3. C

    An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth

    Political stability and growth. Outcomes, not the defining task.

  4. D

    An Agency for the implementation of public policy

    Implementation of public policy. Weber: the permanent executive carries out what the political executive decides.

Summary. Official key is (d). Bureaucracy’s appropriate characteristic here is as the agency that implements public policy — not as the engine of democracy, federalism or growth.