Public Administration Video Lessons from IGNOU

Dear Friends,

Please visit this below link for all Public Administration IGNOU videos. It helps you to get all the Pub.Admin topic at once place.

http://publicadministrationforias.blogspot.in/2009/10/public-administration-video-lessons.html

You can find this link in the separate section "Videos for IAS" in blog.

Please join in Mission IAS- 2015,Team work for CSE-2014 and Team Work for CSE-2015 groups in Facebook which hosted valuable material and others need for your preparation.
All the best for your preparation.

Regrads,
Gopinath
Admin

Certain salient aspects of ethics in Public administration

• Maxim of Legality and Rationality: An administrator will follow the law and rules that are framed to govern and guide various categories of policies and decisions.

• Maxim of Responsibility and Accountability: An administrator would not hesitate to accept responsibility for his decision and actions. He would hold himself morally responsible for his actions and for the use of his discretion while making decisions. Moreover, he would be willing to be held accountable to higher authorities of governance and even to the people who are the ultimate beneficiaries of his decisions and actions.

• Maxim of Work Commitment: An administrator would be committed to his duties and perform his work with involvement, intelligence and dexterity. As Swami Vivekananda observed: “Every duty is holy and devotion to duty is the highest form of worship.” This would also entail a respect for time, punctuality and fulfillment of promises made. Work is considered not as a burden but as an opportunity to serve and constructively contribute to society.

• Maxim of Excellence: An administrator would ensure the highest standards of quality in administrative decisions and action and would not compromise with standards because of convenience or complacency. In a competitive international environment, an administrative system should faithfully adhere to the requisites of Total Quality Management.

• Maxim of Fusion: An administrator would rationally bring about a fusion of individual, organizational and social goals to help evolve unison of ideals and imbibe in his behavior a commitment to such a fusion. In situation of conflicting goals, a concern for ethics should govern the choices made.

• Maxim of Responsiveness and Resilience: An administrator would respond effectively to the demands and challenges from the external as well as internal environment. He would adapt to environmental transformation and yet sustain the ethical norms of conduct. In situations of deviation from the prescribed ethical norms, the administrative system would show resilience and bounce back into the accepted ethical mold at the earliest opportunity.

• Maxim of Utilitarianism: While making and implementing policies and decisions, an administrator will ensure that these lead to the greatest good (happiness, benefits) of the greatest number.

• Maxim of Compassion: An administrator, without violating the prescribed laws and rules, would demonstrate compassion for the poor, the disabled and the weak while using his discretion in making decisions. At least, he would not grant any benefits to the stronger section of society only because they are strong and would not deny the due consideration to the weak, despite their weakness.

• Maxim of National Interest: Though universalistic in orientation and liberal in outlook, a civil servant, while performing his duties, would keep in view the impact of his action on his nation’s strength and prestige. The Japanese, the Koreans, the Germans and the Chinese citizens (including civil servants), while performing their official roles, have at the back of their mind a concern and respect for their nation. This automatically raises the level of service rendered and the products delivered.

• Maxim of Justice: Those responsible for formulation and execution of policies and decisions of governance would ensure that respect is shown to the principles of equality, equity, fairness, impartiality and objectivity and no special favors are doled out on the criteria of status, position, power, gender, class, caste or wealth.

• Maxim of Transparency: An administrator will make decisions and implement them in a transparent manner so that those affected by the decisions and those who wish to evaluate their rationale, will be able to understand the reasons behind such decisions and the sources of information on which these decisions were made.

• Maxim of Integrity: An administrator would undertake an administrative action on the basis of honesty and not use his power, position and discretion to serve his personal interest and the illegitimate interests of other individuals or groups.

There could be many more tenets added to the above catalog of maxims of morality in administration. However, the overall objective is to ensure ‘Good Governance’ with a prime concern for ethical principles, practices, orientations and behavior. There are no dogmas involved in defining administrative ethics. The chief concern while doing so is the positive consequence of administrative action and not just ostensibly rational modes of administrative processes.

Topic: National Green Tribunal : By Jaimin Shah

Q. National Green Tribunal?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been established under the NGT Act, 2010 on 18th October, 2010 is headed by Chairperson L.S. Panta, a Retired Supreme Court Judge.

The Tribunal has been established for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The Law Commission in its 186th Report recommended for setting up of environmental courts in each State or for a group of States for exercising all powers of a civil court in its original jurisdiction and with appellate judicial powers against orders passed by the concerned authorities under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

The Law Commission’s Report was considered in the Ministry. In view of the growing environmental challenges, it was decided to set up a green tribunal as a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.

Q. What are the highlights of National Green Tribunal Act, 2010?

The Tribunal has the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.

The Tribunal’s dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher Courts.

The Tribunal is mandated to make an endeavor for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

Initially, the NGT is proposed to be set up at five places of sittings and will follow circuit procedure for making itself more accessible. The five places of its sitting are at Delhi, Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.

The Tribunal has the original jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environment, including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment is involved.

The Tribunal shall hear disputes arising out of the implementation of environmental laws mentioned in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010.

The Government is empowered to add any Act of Parliament having regard to objectives of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources.

The Tribunal is competent to provide relief over and above as is admissible under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991. In order to ensure access to justice, pollution control boards and local authorities have also been empowered under the NGT Act to file an application or appeal before the Tribunal on behalf of the affected person.

Appeal against any order of the Tribunal shall lie to the Supreme Court.

No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any appeal in respect of any matter which the Tribunal is empowered to determine under its appellate jurisdiction.

No injunction shall be granted by any civil court or other authority in respect of any order passed by the Tribunal.

At present, the Tribunal consists of Chairperson and 3 Expert Members and 2 Judicial Members. The Expert Members are experts in physical and life sciences, engineering and law including persons having practical knowledge and administrative experience in the field of environmental policy and regulation. The Ministry is in the process of filling up of the remaining vacancies of Members in the Tribunal since NGT Act, 2010 provides for a minimum of 10 Expert Members and equal number of Judicial Members.

DRAFT Twelfth Five Year Plan 2012-17

DRAFT
Twelfth Five Year Plan 2012-17

Planning Commission
Government of India

Process of Formulating the 12th Plan

•We have commenced a very wide consultative process on the challenges for the 12th Plan
• Over 900 CSOs across the country have participated, as well as many industry associations and ‘think tanks’
• Internet being used for first time to reach out to broader community including several hundred sectoral experts
• Planning Commission has launched a dedicated website http://12thplan.gov.in This site is also linked to Facebook. 32,000 netizens have visited these two sites and have left many insightful comments
• A series of regional consultations with States are planned in May
• Dialogue with other stakeholders continues

Eleventh Plan Experience

• GDP growth likely to average 8.2% over 11th Plan: short of the 9% target, but remarkable given the global crisis and drought
• In the 10th Plan GDP growth averaged 7.7 %
• We have also seen progress on inclusiveness: Agricultural growth, Poverty Reduction, Education, Health, Upliftment of SCs/STs, Minorities etc.
• However progress on inclusiveness less than expected. We are likely to miss Millennium Development Goals (MDG), except perhaps on poverty
• Inflation has accelerated in the last two years
• Current international environment is very uncertain
Global pressure on food, oil and other commodity prices
Financial conditions & exchange rates are likely to be volatile due to sovereign debt related problems in Europe/US, and readjustment of extra-ordinary monetary/fiscal easing

Key Messages from Consultations

• Strong demand from all sectors of society to improve Implementation, Accountability and Service Delivery
• Citizens Groups broadly support the stated objectives of existing government programmes. However, the design and institutional arrangements are weak. Greater devolution and empowerment needed
• Government programmes need a new architecture: greater localisation, break-down of silos, feedback from citizens, and mechanisms for learning and sharing of best practices
• A major contribution to economic growth now comes from the private sector. A policy environment that supports this dynamism is therefore important
• Create environment for nurturing enterprise, improving markets, supporting innovation, providing access to finance and inculcating respect for common pool resources

Twelfth Plan Objectives

• Basicobjective:Faster,MoreInclusive,andSustainableGrowth
• Is 10% growth feasible? Realistically, even 9% will need strong
policy action. Could aim at 9.0 to 9.5 percent
• Energy, Water and Environment present major sectoral challenges. Can
we address them without sacrificing growth?
• Canwefindresourcestocreateaworldclassinfrastructure?
• For growth to be more inclusive we need:
-> Better performance in agriculture
->Faster creation of jobs, especially in manufacturing
->Stronger efforts at health, education and skill development
->Improve effectiveness of programmes directly aimed at the poor 
->Special programmes for socially vulnerable groups
-> Special plans for disadvantaged/backward regions

Agriculture and Rural Development

• Target at least 4% growth for agriculture. Cereals are on target for 1.5 to 2% growth. We should concentrate more on other foods, and on animal husbandry and fisheries where feasible
• Land and water are the critical constraints. Technology must focus on land productivity and water use efficiency.
• Farmers need better functioning markets for both outputs and inputs. Also, better rural infrastructure, including storage and food processing
• States must act to modify APMC Act/Rules (exclude horticulture), modernize land records and enable properly recorded land lease markets.
• RKVY has helped convergence and innovation and gives State governments flexibility. Must be expanded in Twelfth Plan
• MGNREGS should be redesigned to increase contribution to land productivity and rain-fed agriculture. Similarly, FRA has potential to improve forest economies and tribal societies. But convergence with NRLM required for enduring rural livelihoods

Water

• Revisit India’s water balance estimates basin-wise. Must map all aquifers over next five years to facilitate aquifer management plans
• AIBP is not achieving its objectives. It must be restructured to incentivise irrigation reform and efficiency of resource use. Setting of Water Regulatory Authority must be a precondition
• Strong case for higher priority to watershed management
• Separation of electricity feeders for agriculture can improve quality of
power availability
• Proportion of water recycled by urban India and industry to be raised to protect water levels, and improve surface and groundwater quality
• Rational water use may need :
New Groundwater Law reflecting Public Trust Doctrine New Water Framework Law (as in the EU)
Need to evolve political consensus. Perhaps discuss in a special NDC
• Need National Water Commission to monitor compliance with conditionalities imposed in the investment clearance of important projects

Industry (1)

• Manufacturing performance is weak. Need to grow at 11-12% per year to create 2 million additional jobs per year. Growth in 11th Plan is in 8% ballpark
• Indian industry must develop greater domestic value addition and more technological depth to cater to growing domestic demands and improve trade balance
• Tune-up FDI and trade policies to attract quality investment in critical areas
• Improve business regulatory framework: ‘cost of doing business’, transparency, incentives for R&D, innovation etc.
• Land and infrastructure constraints are a major problem. States should develop ‘special industrial zones’ with good connectivity and infrastructure
• ‘Clusters’ need to be supported to enhance productivity of MSMEs
• Better consultation and co-ordination in industrial policy making

Industry (2)
• Some sectors should be given special attention because they contribute most to our objectives eg:
Create large employment: textiles and garments, leather and footwear; gems and jewelry; food processing industries
Deepen technological capabilities: Machine tools; IT hardware and electronics
Provide strategic security: telecom equipment; aerospace; shipping; defence equipment
Capital equipment for infrastructure growth: Heavy electrical equipment; Heavy transport and earth-moving equipment
Sectors with global competitive advantage: automotive; pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
MSMEs: innovation, employment and enterprise generation
• Sectoral plans are being prepared for each of the above with involvement of industry associations and the concerned Ministries

Education and Skill Development
• Must aim at universalisation of secondary education by 2017
• Must aim at raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher
Education to 20 percent by 2017 and 25 percent by 2022
• Must focus on quality of education (11th Plan emphasis was on quantity). Must invest in faculty development and teachers’ training
• Must aim at significant reduction in social, gender and regional gaps in education. Targets to be set for this purpose
• Major curriculum reforms in vocational/skill development to ensure employability in response to changing market needs
• Development and operationalisation of PPP models in School and Higher Education in accordance with the needs of a fast growing economy
• Research and innovation in higher education must be encouraged with cross-linkages between institutions and industry

Health
• Better health is not only about curative care, but about better prevention
Clean drinking water, sanitation and better nutrition, childcare, etc. Convergence of schemes across Ministries is needed
• Expenditure on health by Centre and States to increase from 1.3% of GDP to at least 2.0%, and perhaps 2.5% of GDP by end of 12th Plan
• Desperate shortage of medical personnel. Need targeted approach to increase seats in medical colleges, nursing colleges and other licensed health professionals
• Improve quality of NRHM services vs. quantity of NRHM infrastructure. Structured involvement of PRIs/CSOs can help
• Role of PPP in secondary and tertiary healthcare must be expanded
• Health insurance cover should be expanded to all disadvantaged
groups
• Focus on women and children; ICDS needs to be revamped

Energy (1)
• Commercial energy demand will increase at 7% p.a. if GDP grows at 9%. This will require a major supply side response and also demand management
• Energy pricing is a major issue. Petroleum and Coal prices are significantly below world prices and world prices are unlikely to soften.
1. Power Sector Issues
• We must set a target of 100,000 MW capacity in 12th Plan (against likely achievement of 50,000 MW in Eleventh Plan)
• Coal availability will be a major constraint
• Long term health of power sector seriously undermined (losses `70,000 crore per year). AT&C losses are coming down, but too slowly. State governments must push distribution reform
• Hydro-power development seriously hindered by forest and environment clearance procedures. Himalayan States complain strongly
• Electricity tariffs not being revised to reflect rising costs. Regulators are being held back from allowing justified tariff increases
• Open access is not being operationalised

Energy (2)
2. Coal Production
• On optimistic assumption about Coal India production, we will need to import 250 million tonnes in 2017-18
• Must plan for corresponding expansion of rail and port capacity
• Coal India must become a coal supplier and not just a mining company. Should plan to import coal to meet coal demands. This requires blending of imported and domestic coal as supplied by Coal India
• Environment and forest clearances of coal mining projects, including few private sector captive projects, will be critical. GoM is examining this
3. Petroleum and Natural Gas
• Need further expansion of new NELP blocks. Stable and clearer production sharing contracts will incentivise exploration and encourage investment
• Pipeline network for transportation of natural gas and LNG is limited. Need quick expansion

Energy (3)
4. Other Energy Sources
• Nuclear power programme must continue with necessary safety review
• Solar Mission is seriously underfunded. Is bidding sufficiently
competitive?
• Need longer term energy solution for cooking in rural areas. Expand LPG network (with cash subsidy for the deserving, not subsidised prices). Also use off grid solar and bio-mass energy
• Wind power development, including off shore wind power, needs to be encouraged
5. Demand Side Management
• Expansion in supply will need to be supported by demand side management
Rational energy pricing will help
Energy standards for high energy consuming industry, electrical appliances, energy efficient buildings or enhanced use of electric/ hybrid vehicles

Transport Infrastructure
• Railways’ Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) must be completed by the end of the Twelfth Plan
• High Speed Rail link between Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata in the Twelfth Five Year Plan
• Use more PPP in railways and state highways to complement government investment. Capital intensive transport projects should rely on private investment to release resources for other priorities
• Complete the linkages between the ports and the existing road and rail network. Need to deepen existing ports. Increase bulk/container capacity
• Ensure sufficient provision for maintenance of the already-built roads
• Invest in unified tolling and better safety on highways
• Improve bus services/public transport in smaller cities, towns and districts.
• Metros in urban areas through PPPs wherever feasible

Managing Urbanisation
• India’s urban population is expected to increase from 400 million in 2011 to about 600 million or more by 2030
• Critical challenges are basic urban services especially for the poor: water, sewerage, sanitation, solid waste management, affordable housing, public transport
• Investment required in urban infrastructure is estimated at `60 lakh crore over the next 20 years
• We need to develop and propagate innovative ways of municipal financing, through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
• Land management strategies key for good urban development as well as financing urban infrastructure development
• Need training and capacity building for urban planning and urban services management; for corporators and municipal officials
• Reform of JNNRUM for the next phase, and convergence with RAY for an integrated approach

Resource Allocation Priorities in 12th Plan
• Health and Education received less than projected in Eleventh Plan. Allocations for these sectors will have to be increased in 12th Plan
• Health, Education and Skill Development together in the Centre’s Plan will have to be increased by at least 1.2 percent point of GDP
• Infrastructure, including irrigation and watershed management and urban infrastructure, will need additional 0.7 percentage point of GDP over the next 5 years
• Since Centre’s GBS will rise by only 1.3 percentage points over 5 years, all other sectors will have a slower growth in allocations
• Must reduce the number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to a few major schemes. For the rest, create new flexi-fund which allow Ministries to experiment in other CSS areas
• Use of PPP must be encouraged, including in the social sector, i.e. health and education. Efforts on this front need to be intensified
• Distinction between plan and non-plan being reviewed by Rangarajan Committee

Issues for Special Category States
• Large number of Government employees means very limited scope for States’ own resources for the Plan
• Private Sector investment relatively subdued – implies greater role for public investment
• Infrastructure gaps lead to higher cost of goods and services: Accelerated efforts are required to develop infrastructure
• High proportion of forest cover and mountain eco-systems become constraints on rapid development. Forest clearances are difficult to get and States have to pay NAV. They demand monetary compensation for providing “eco services” to the nation
• States’ share for Centrally Sponsored Schemes is not uniform
North Eastern States contribute only 10% share for most CSS
States such as J&K, HP and Uttarakhand have to contribute normal state share under many CSS

Governance and Empowerment
• Citizen feedback reveals general dissatisfaction with state of public service delivery. Total Quality Management needs to be introduced at all levels. Delivery and policy functions need to be separated in Government Ministries
• Social Mobilisation: People should be active agents of change. Flagship programmes need to provide human and financial resources for social mobilisation, capacity building and information sharing
• Professionally managed delivery organisations are needed with clear mandates and accountability. We need much better mechanisms for convergence of government departments on systemic issues
• Devolution can be effective only if the autonomy of PRIs/ULBs is increased and their human resource capabilities improved. How can the Centre help?
• Mechanisms need to be created at all levels to understand the needs of vulnerable sections of the society and inform policy-makers
• Diagnostics of Failure and Mainstreaming of Success: horizontal linkages need to be created for exchange of information and best practices
• Institutional mechanisms for conflict resolution, particularly for land and water

Summary of approved 12th Five Year Plan

Planning Comission Documents on Twelfth Five Year plan

                                          (Click Here)

Summary of decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Investment since 30th January 2013

The Cabinet in its meeting held on 13.12.2012 approved the proposal of D/o Economic Affairs for constituting a new Cabinet committee on Investment. Accordingly, the Cabinet Committee on Investment was constituted by the Cabinet Secretariat letter no 1/11/3/2012-Cab dated 02.01.2013. The functions of the Committee are as under:

(i) to identify key projects required to be implemented on a time-bound basis, involving investment of Rs 1000 cr or more, or any other critical projects, as may be specified by the Committee, in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, etc.; 
(ii) to prescribe time limits for issue of requisite approvals and clearances by the Ministries/Departments concerned in respect of projects in identified sectors;
(iii) to monitor the progress of identified projects including the time prescribed/taken to obtain each approval each approval/clearance and delays, if any; 
(iv) to review implementation of projects, that have been delayed beyond the stipulated timeframe, including issues causing delay in grant of clearance/approvals; 
(v) to review the procedures followed by Ministries/Departments to grant/refuse approvals and clearances; 
(vi) to take decision regarding grant/refusal of approval/clearance of specific projects that are unduly delayed , if deemed necessary; 
(vii) to consider and decide measures required for expeditiously granting/refusing approvals/clearances in identified sectors including simplification of rules/procedures followed by the respective Ministries/Departments for decision making; and
(viii) to require statutory authorities to discharge functions and exercise powers under the relevant law/regulation within the prescribed time frames for promoting investment and economic growth. 

2. Accordingly, all the concerned Ministries/Departments have been requested to review projects, both in public and private sectors, having investment of Rs 1000 cr or more that are pending on account of delay in according clearances/approvals and to formulate and circulate the proposals for the consideration of the CCI, after due inter-ministerial consultations, in respect of such delayed projects. If the Administrative Ministry/ Department feels that a proposal needs to be considered by the Committee of Secretaries first, it should send a note/proposal for consideration by the Committee of Secretaries to the Cabinet Secretariat. 

3.Security Clearance for Exploration and Production activities in NELP Blocks

3.1 In the first meeting of the CCI held on 30.1.2013, the proposal of M/o Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding “Clearance for Carrying Out Exploration and Production Activities in NELP Oil & Gas Blocks” was considered. The contracts for 40 blocks under consideration were awarded between April 2000 and June 2010. However, security clearance was withdrawn between February 2010 and May 2012. The issue was pending since then. According to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, an investment of US$ 13.42 billion has already been made in these 40 blocks and an investment of US$ 2.542 billion is envisaged in the next 3-4 years. The Committee noted that exploration and production activities have been allowed by Ministry of Commerce in respect of one block. The CCI directed M/o Petroleum & Natural Gas and M/o Defence to evolve workable solution in respect of seven blocks within 30 days and to examine the conditions attached by the M/o Defence in respect of 32 blocks in terms of their essentiality and/or feasibility within 3 months. 

3.2 The CCI in its meeting held on 20.3.2013 considered the proposal of the M/o Petroleum and Natural Gas and approved the conditional clearance given in respect of 5 blocks. Total investment made in these blocks is US$ 10.546 billion (about Rs 56,921 cr) and investment envisaged is US$ 0.29 billion (about Rs 1,566 cr). The bottlenecks in respect of other 31 other blocks are in advanced stage of resolution. The CCI has directed that outstanding issues be resolved within a week. 

4. Pooling of Price of Imported Coal with Domestic Coal 

Investment made in a number of thermal power projects are not being optimally utilized at present due to shortage of domestic coal. This situation could be remedied by plugging the gap between demand and supply through import of coal. However, the price of imported coal is higher than the price of domestic coal. In view ofthis,on 5.2.2013, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs considered the proposal of the Ministry of Coal regarding “Pooling of Price of Imported Coal with Domestic Coal” and approved the broad guidelines for the pricing and pass through of higher cost of the imported coal. The Committee also directed that the proposal based on the approved guidelines be placed within 5 weeks. 

5. Location of North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project of NTPC 

In the second meeting of the CCI held on 20.02.2013, two proposals, one each of the M/o Coal and M/o Power regarding North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project (NKSTPP)(3*660 MW) by NTPC. The project location falls in a potential coal bearing area containing coal reserve of about 6 billion tonne.The project has been pending since March 2000 on the issue of the location of the project. The CCI decided that the power plant be constructed at the present site with some specific conditions. The Committee also decided, in principle, to restore the original coal linkage granted to the plant with certain stipulations. According to the Ministry of Power, this project would lead to an investment of about Rs 14000 cr and generation of 1980 MW of power. 

6. Environment and Forest Clearance to Coal Mining projects

The CCI, in its meeting held on 20.02.2013, considered the proposal of the Ministry of Coal regarding fast tracking of the approvals for the Environment and Forest Clearances in respect of 12 coal mining projects. According to the Ministry of Coal, these 12 projects would lead to annual coal production of 36.97 Million Tonne and an investment of Rs 1347.63 cr. The Committee noted that in respect of six coal mines, environment clearance has been accorded and directed that in respect of remaining cases relating to environment/forest clearances, Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests and Secretary, Ministry of Coal will hold mutual discussions and finalize within one month, the time-frame for processing such cases. 

7. Decision taken to streamline the processes relating to Environment and Forest Clearances: Meeting of the CCI held on 20 March 2013 

7.1 To help boost investments in the critical sectors of the economy, a number of steps have been taken in the last three months to streamline the process of granting forest and environment clearances. The CCI, in its meeting held on 20.03.2013 reviewed the progress made in this regard so far and set deadlines for the activities that are yet to be completed. 

7.2 Environment Clearance (EC) for mining projects

7.2.1 For one time capacity expansion of 25% or less, coal mining projects have now been exempted from public hearing provided that public hearing had taken place at the time of obtaining the existing EC and the mining is confined to the existing lease area. This would help boost production of coal which is in short supply in the country. MoEF informed the CCI that an OM has been issued to this effect on 19.12.2012. 

7.2.2 It has also been decided that no fresh EC shall be required for a mining project at the time of renewal of mining lease, if EC was obtained under the EIA Notification of 2006. In this regard, the required Notification has been sent to the printing press for publication. CCI directed MoEF to ensure within a week that similar dispensation is made for projects that had obtained EC under the EIA Notification of 1994. 

7.3 Environment Clearance (EC) and Forest Clearance (FC) for linear projects. 

7.3.1 In order to protect the rights of STs and Other Forest Dwellers (STOFD) under the Forest Rights Act, the MoEF in its guidelines of 03.08.2009 had made it mandatory to get the consent of all the Gram Sabhas whose lands were involved in a project. Linear projects like roads, transmission lines etc. generally pass through a large number of villages. A number of projects were getting delayed as obtaining consent of each Gram Sabha is time consuming. The CCI was informed that an OM has been issued on 05.02.2013 whereby such projects are now exempt from obtaining the consent of Gram Saha provided that the rights of the Primitive Tribal Groups/Pre-agricultural Communities are not affected and the State Government has certified that all rights under the Forest Rights Act have been recognized and vested. This would help enormously reduce the time taken in obtaining FC and would also ensure that the rights of STOFD are fully protected. 

7.3.2 Many a time linear projects involve only small stretches of forest land. Earlier work could not be taken up even on the non-forest portion unless FC was available for the forest land. CCI was informed that this anomaly has been removed through an OM that MoEF issued on 07.01.2013. Now, work on non-forest part can begin (subject to certain conditions) during the pendency of the FC. 

7.3.3 Based on the order passed by the Supreme Court in the Lafarge matter, EC for a project is not being granted unless FC has been granted first. Therefore, pending FC work cannot begin in the non-forest portion of a linear project despite the easing of norms as described in para7.3.2 above. On being approached by the MoEF, the Supreme Court on 12.03.2013 has allowed delinking of EC and FC in case of linear projects. The CCI directed MoEF that the requisite guidelines to delink the grant of EC and FC for linear projects should be issued expeditiously. 

7.3.4 In its judgment dated 27.02.2012, the Supreme Court has made it mandatory (until rules are framed under MMDR Act) to obtain EC even for mining of minor mineral which includes brick/ordinary earth. Therefore, in the States, where relevant rules are yet to be framed, digging of earth for highway projects requires EC. The CCI was informed that an OM has been issued on 18.12.2012 obviating the need for obtaining a separate environment clearance for mining of soil/earth from borrow areas of highway projects. Further, based on experience gained, it is proposed to amend this OM to the effect that broad coordinates of areas from which borrow area may be selected, may be provided by the project proponent at EC stage instead of the TOR stage; and that likely impact on environment due to proposed mining of soil/earth may also be provided at EC stage instead of at the ToR stage. The CCI directed the MoEF to issue the requisite amendment expeditiously. 

7.4 Environment Clearance (EC) and Forest Clearance (FC) for other projects

7.4.1 Under MoEF’s letter dated 13.05.2011, no FC is required for creation of certain critical infrastructure involving less than 5 Ha forest land in 60 identified districts. The CCI was informed that through OM dated 10.12.2012 this has been extended to 22 more districts and through OM dated 01.02.2013 this exemption has further been extended to all categories of roads and quarrying of materials used in construction of public roads. 

7.4.2 The CCI was informed that, through OM dated 01.11.2012 EC procedure for SEZs has been brought in line with the framework prescribed for NIMZs under the National Manufacturing Policy. This would allow the State Govts. to delegate powers to the State Pollution Control Boards and would exempt individual units from public hearing, if the SEZ, as a whole, has undergone public hearing. 

7.4.3 The CCI was informed that a Committee has been constituted under Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member, Planning Commission, to review the provisions of EIA Notifications, 2006 relating to building, roads and SEZ projects. The Committee is to give its report by 22.03.2013. The CCI directed the MoEF that the decisions on the recommendations of the Committee should be taken expeditiously. 

7.4.4 An Expert Committee has been constituted on 30.01.13 to further streamline EC processes. The issue relating to mandatory EC for brick earth and ordinary earth from areas less than 5 Ha has been referred to this Committee. The Committee has given its recommendations which are under examination. The CCI directed MoEF to complete the requisite action within a month.

Public Administration Paper 1 & 2 (Mains-2011)

Public Administration

Paper I

Time Allowed: Three Hours                            Maximum Marks: 300

INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.

Answers must be written U1 the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No marks will be given for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.

Candidates should attempt Questions no. 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each Section.

The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.

SECTION A

1. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20x3 = 60

(a) 'A crisis of credibility' in the administrative system can be overcome only by 'reinventing government'. Comment.

(b) 'Media is a Parliament of citizens.' Explain.

(c) E-governance is the' final arrival of Max Weber's 'iron cage of rationality', Discuss,

2. (a) In the evolution of' the discipline of Public Administration, Minnowbrook Conferences I, II and III reflect the discipline's reconceptualisation and its changing values. Elucidate, 30

(b) Critically examine conflict resolution according to M.P. Follett. Explain how McGregor took forward her ideas in the context of complex organizations. 30

3. (a) Whereas Downs' model is largely dependent on a theory of psychological motivation, Niskanen's model is framed by neo-classical thinking. In the light of the above, discuss the public choice approach to decision-making.  30

(b) The Systems Approach is relevant .even today for organisational analysis. Discuss how Chester Barnard and David Easton adopted this approach in their respective areas of study. 30

4. (a) Whereas 'value for money' audit aims at economy and 'performance' audit seeks efficiency, 'social' audit goes beyond both, to examine the effectiveness of a programme or activity. Examine this statement with suitable illustrations.

          
(b) (i) Make a critical assessment of Dicey's understanding of the Rule of Law and Droit Administratif.   15

(ii) Make out a case for Delegated Legislation.  15

SECTION B

5.  Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20 x 3 = 60

(a) 'Budget is a series of goals with price-tags attached.' Explain.

(b) 'Policy is being made .as it is being administered arid administered as it is being made.' Comment.

(c) 'Position Classification can be problematic. A serious complaint in its practice is that it dehumanises the employee.' Discuss.

6. (a) Neither Edward Weidner nor Fred Riggs was able to describe the process of development administration adequately. Explain the drawbacks and weaknesses in their theoretical analyses. 30

(b) Indicate the milestones in the story of development from the Nehruvian Model to the Liberalisation Model. 30

7. (a) Civil Servants must be social moralists in action, living up to Paul Appleby's dictum that 'responsible government is ethical government'. Examine this statement in the light of rod governance.  30

(b) Critically examine the following statements in the field of Policy Sciences.

(i) The instrumentalist paradigm posits a conservative tendency In public policy making.  15

(ii) Dror's Optimal Model is a fusion of the economically rational model with the extra-rational model. 15

8. (a) (i) What are the main functions of an O and M office?  15

(ii) A system of Information ties planning and control by managers to the, operational system of implementation. Elaborate. 15

(b) An administrator uses the budget as a framework for communication and co-ordination, as well as for exercising administrative discipline throughout the administrative structure Explain.   30

Public Administration

Paper-II

Time Allowed: Three Hours                  Maximum Marks: 300 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.

Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission .Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-Book in the space provided for the .purpose. No marks will be given for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.

Candidates should attempt Question Nos. 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from, each Section.
The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question. 

Section-A 

1.  Attempt the following m not more than 200 words each:  20 x 3 = 60

(a) "Over-dependence on bureaucracy for bringing about socio-economic development in India has proved to be dysfunctional." Comment.

(b) "The performance of Lok Ayuktas in various States has been uneven." Comment with examples.

(c) Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface between' political culture and bureaucratic culture in contemporary India.


2.  (a) Discuss the evolution of the role of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) since independence. 30

(b) "Administrative reforms get diluted because of constant tinkering on the margin rather than a holistic transformation." Discuss the statement in the context of reforming district administration in India. 30

3. (a) Comment on the following statement: 30

"The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India is a prosecutor with a law that hobbles. its functioning, a judge without the 'power to sentence and a litigant with no right to appeal."

(b) "Indian federalism is passing through a state of potential maturity." Discuss this statement in the context of the views of the Commission on Centre-State Relations (Justice M. M. Punchi). 30

4. (a) "The theme of Police Reforms continues to haunt the Parliament." In the light of this statement, discuss the state of Criminal Justice System administration in India.  30

(b) 'Performance Appraisal Systems' with special reference to the Performance Management and Evaluation System (PMES) are expected to transform the bureaucratic culture of Indian administration. Do you agree? Give reasons.  30

Section-B

5. Attempt the following in not more than 200 words each: 20x3=60

(a) "The real problem of administrative reforms in India at the State and the local levels is that they are imposed from above." Comment.

(b) Discuss the basic principles of 'New Localism' as a part of the global-local debate.

(c) "Absence of District Planning Committees in a large number of districts has prevented convergence of planning at the district level." Examine the above statement with examples.

6.  (a) (i) "One Lok Pal, howsoever strong I it may be, cannot eliminate corruption in the , politico- administrative system in India." Comment.  15

(ii) "Grievance redressal system is perhaps the weakest link in India's civil service management," Comment.  15

(b) "Community policing has become a victim of elite capture." Discuss the concept of community policing and bring out the implications of the above statement.  30

7. (a) Can the holding company's structure act as an institutional change to add to efficiency? Give your answer with appropriate illustrations.  30

(b) Examine the institutional  vulnerability of municipal. governance in the midst of an ‘emerging spectre of multiple partnerships.  30

8. (a) (i) Identify the different conceptual categories of disasters. 15

(ii) Write a note on the the new culture of disaster management. 15

(b) "Disaster insurance is 'desirable but not an easy proposition to implement." Illustrate with suitable examples. 30