BPAC-133: ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM AT UNION LEVELS

BPAC-133: Administrative System at Union Levels

Introduction

BPAC-133: Administrative System at Union Levels is a comprehensive course offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as part of its Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Public Administration. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the administrative structure and functioning at the union level in India. It covers various aspects of the Indian administrative system, including its historical development, organizational framework, functions, and the role of different constitutional bodies. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to comprehend and analyze the complexities of the administrative system in India.

 BPAC-133 Course Objectives

The primary objectives of the BPAC-133 course are:

• To provide a detailed understanding of the administrative system at the union level in India.
• To examine the historical evolution of the Indian administrative system.
• To analyze the organizational structure and functioning of various union-level administrative bodies.
• To study the roles and responsibilities of key constitutional authorities.
• To develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the effectiveness of the administrative system.

Historical Development

The Indian administrative system has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The course begins with an exploration of the historical development of administration in India, starting from the Mauryan and Gupta empires to the Mughal administration. It then delves into the British colonial period, which significantly shaped the current administrative framework. The British introduced several administrative reforms, including the establishment of the Indian Civil Services, which laid the foundation for the modern administrative system.

Organizational Structure

Understanding the organizational structure of the administrative system at the union level is crucial for comprehending its functioning. The course covers the various levels and branches of the union government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It provides a detailed overview of the roles and functions of the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and various central ministries and departments. The course also examines the relationships and interactions between these different branches and bodies.

The Executive

The executive branch is one of the most important components of the union-level administrative system. The course provides an in-depth study of the role and powers of the President of India, who is the head of state. It also covers the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, and the Council of Ministers. The course discusses their functions, responsibilities, and the process of their appointment.

The Legislative

The legislative branch consists of the Parliament of India, which includes the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The course provides a detailed analysis of the structure, composition, and functions of both houses of Parliament. It also examines the legislative process, including how laws are made, debated, and passed.

The Judiciary

The judiciary plays a crucial role in the Indian administrative system. The course covers the structure and functioning of the Supreme Court of India, which is the apex court, and the High Courts. It also examines the role of the judiciary in maintaining the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring justice.

Functions of Administrative Bodies

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the functions of various union-level administrative bodies. It covers the roles and responsibilities of central ministries and departments, which are responsible for implementing government policies and programs. The course also examines the functions of regulatory bodies, commissions, and boards, which play a critical role in overseeing different sectors and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Central Ministries and Departments

The course provides an overview of the key central ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of External Affairs. It discusses their functions, organizational structure, and the role they play in the administration of the country.

Regulatory Bodies

Regulatory bodies are essential for the effective functioning of the administrative system. The course covers the roles and responsibilities of key regulatory bodies such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). It examines their functions, regulatory mechanisms, and their impact on various sectors.

Role of Constitutional Bodies

The course also focuses on the role of various constitutional bodies in the union-level administrative system. These bodies include the Election Commission of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and Finance Commission. The course provides a detailed analysis of their functions, powers, and contributions to the administrative system.

Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. The course covers its structure, functions, and the electoral process. It also examines the role of the Election Commission in maintaining the integrity of the electoral system.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

The CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the union and state governments. The course provides an in-depth understanding of the functions and powers of the CAG, as well as its role in promoting transparency and accountability in government finances.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations for the recruitment of civil servants. The course covers the functions and responsibilities of the UPSC, the examination process, and its role in ensuring a merit-based selection of candidates for public service.

Finance Commission

The Finance Commission is responsible for recommending the distribution of financial resources between the union and state governments. The course provides an overview of the functions and significance of the Finance Commission in ensuring fiscal federalism.

Evaluation of the Administrative System

The BPAC-133 course encourages students to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the administrative system at the union level. It covers various challenges and issues faced by the administrative system, including bureaucratic inefficiency, corruption, and the need for administrative reforms. The course also explores potential solutions and strategies to address these challenges and improve the functioning of the administrative system.

Conclusion

BPAC-133: Administrative System at Union Levels is a vital course for students pursuing a degree in public administration. It provides a thorough understanding of the structure, functioning, and challenges of the administrative system at the union level in India. By equipping students with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills, the course prepares them to contribute effectively to the field of public administration and governance.