UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I

Question 15: Polity and Governance

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

aAn agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy

bAn agency for strengthening the structure of federalism

cAn agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth

dAn agency for the implementation of public policy

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

A bureaucracy's characteristic role is to carry out the policies and laws made by the political executive and legislature, through a hierarchical, rule-bound and in principle politically neutral organisation. Widening democracy, strengthening federalism, stability and growth are outcomes of the wider political and economic system. The bureaucracy contributes to them, but implementing public policy is what defines it.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: widening parliamentary democracy is the work of elected institutions and citizens.
(b) Wrong: federalism is structured by the Constitution, though officers serve both Union and States.
(c) Wrong: stability and growth depend on many factors; this is an outcome, not its defining role.
(d) Right: the bureaucracy implements public policy.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.