Q. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
1.N. Gopalaswamy Iyengar Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
2.In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: b) 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
Administrative Reforms in India
The recommendation for a minister and a secretary to be designated solely for administrative reforms did not originate from the N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar Committee. Instead, it was the Appleby Report in 1953, penned by American public administration expert Paul H. Appleby, which suggested the creation of an organization within the Government of India focused on administrative improvement. This proposal led to the establishment of the Organization and Methods Division in the Cabinet Secretariat.
Formation of the Department of Personnel
In line with the recommendations of the first Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), set up in 1966, the Department of Personnel was established in 1970. The ARC was tasked with examining the system of public administration and proposing reforms. The Department of Personnel was placed under the charge of the Prime Minister, highlighting the importance attached to the process of administrative reforms.