Transparency and Accountability

14 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Transparency and Accountability, 2014 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Transparency and Accountability toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q16“Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2024 Q4“The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2024 Q18e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2023 Q8e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features ?10 marks · 150 words
5. 2021 Q4To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?10 marks · 150 words
6. 2021 Q15Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2020 Q2“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
8. 2018 Q5“The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.10 marks · 150 words
9. 2018 Q18The Citizens’ Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens’ Charter.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2017 Q5Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.10 marks · 150 words
11. 2016 Q4Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.12.5 marks · 200 words
12. 2015 Q14In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2015 Q15“If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate.12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2014 Q9National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards.12.5 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.