Explain the administrative changes that India’s first and second ARCs brought about.
Describe the administrative reforms introduced by the first ARC and second ARC in India.
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Explain the administrative changes that India’s first and second ARCs brought about.
Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): Introduction
The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in India has been instrumental in recommending measures to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of the administrative machinery. The first and second ARC made significant contributions towards administrative reform, addressing various challenges and recommending comprehensive strategies for governance enhancement.
1. Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC-I)
The first ARC was constituted in 1966 under the chairmanship of Morarji Desai. It focused on reviewing the structure and functioning of the administrative machinery in India and recommending measures for improving governance.
Key Recommendations:
Decentralization and Devolution of Powers: The ARC advocated for decentralization of authority and resources to local governments to enhance participatory governance and address regional disparities. It recommended strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies for effective grassroots administration.
Personnel Administration Reforms: ARC-I emphasized the need for merit-based recruitment, training, and performance evaluation systems to ensure a competent and professional civil service. It recommended reforms in recruitment processes, promotion policies, and disciplinary mechanisms to enhance administrative efficiency and integrity.
Citizen-Centric Service Delivery: The commission underscored the importance of citizen-centric service delivery and recommended measures to improve the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of public services. It advocated for the adoption of information technology (IT) tools and e-governance initiatives to enhance service delivery mechanisms.
Administrative Reorganization: ARC-I proposed structural reforms in the administrative setup, including the rationalization of administrative units, merger of departments, and streamlining of functions to improve coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness in governance.
Financial Management Reforms: The commission recommended reforms in financial management practices, budgetary processes, and fiscal accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency, efficiency, and prudence in public expenditure.
2. Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC-II)
The second ARC was constituted in 2005 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily. It focused on reviewing the administrative system in light of emerging challenges and recommending reforms to make governance more responsive, transparent, and accountable.
Key Recommendations:
Strengthening Local Governance: ARC-II reiterated the importance of decentralization and recommended further strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies. It emphasized the need for empowering local governments with greater autonomy, resources, and responsibilities for effective grassroots governance.
Ethics and Integrity in Governance: The commission emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and integrity in public service. It recommended measures to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance, including the adoption of codes of conduct, whistleblower protection mechanisms, and anti-corruption measures.
Improving Service Delivery: ARC-II focused on improving service delivery mechanisms and recommended reforms to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and quality of public services. It emphasized the use of technology, citizen charters, and grievance redressal mechanisms to make services more citizen-centric and responsive.
Human Resource Management Reforms: The commission recommended reforms in human resource management practices to attract, retain, and develop a skilled and motivated workforce. It emphasized the need for performance-based management systems, capacity building programs, and career advancement opportunities for civil servants.
Administrative Process Reengineering: ARC-II advocated for administrative process reengineering to simplify procedures, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and improve efficiency in service delivery. It recommended the adoption of modern management techniques, automation, and workflow redesign to streamline administrative processes.
Conclusion
The Administrative Reforms Commissions (ARC-I and ARC-II) in India have played a pivotal role in reviewing the administrative machinery and recommending reforms to enhance governance effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. Through their comprehensive recommendations on decentralization, personnel administration, service delivery, financial management, ethics, and integrity, the ARC reports have provided valuable insights and guidance for administrative reform efforts in India. However, the successful implementation of these reforms requires sustained political will, institutional capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration to realize the vision of efficient and responsive governance in the country.