Comprehension
Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.
Passage II
A close look at the facts relating to political interference in administration shows that it is not a one-way process. There is often a nexus between power hungry and corrupt politicians and civil servants with convenient principles. Many civil servants are only too anxious to oblige the politicians, and then cash the obligation when they need some special favour. So the attitude of self-righteousness adopted by the civil service is sometimes only a way of covering their own flaws by blaming others.
Every now and then some retired civil servant comes out with his memoirs, painting a glorious picture of the heights of administrative efficiency reached during his reign. There is often the suggestion that had there not been so much political interference, things would have been even more fantastic. It is not unusual for the self-styled hero to blame not only interfering politicians but also fellow civil servants who are idiots or crooks, for his failures. This attitude of smug self-satisfaction is, unfortunately, developed during the years of service. Self-preservation rather than service is encouraged by our whole system of rules and procedures
The remedy has to be drastic and quickly effective. The over protection now granted to civil servants must end. Today to remove an erring civil servant is just not possible. And the only thing that the highest authority in the Government,both in the State and at the Centre, can do is to transfer an official from one job to another. The rules for taking disciplinary action are so complicated that, in the end, the defaulting civil servant gets away, and gets his full emoluments even for the period of the disciplinary proceedings, thus making it a paid holiday for him.
The result is that the administration has become rule-oriented and not result-oriented. Action is possible against the official who takes some interest in his work, but no action is ever taken against a person who does not deliver the goods. If the country is to adopt a result-oriented approach, it is necessary to link job performance with job retention.
Passage II
A close look at the facts relating to political interference in administration shows that it is not a one-way process. There is often a nexus between power hungry and corrupt politicians and civil servants with convenient principles. Many civil servants are only too anxious to oblige the politicians, and then cash the obligation when they need some special favour. So the attitude of self-righteousness adopted by the civil service is sometimes only a way of covering their own flaws by blaming others.
Every now and then some retired civil servant comes out with his memoirs, painting a glorious picture of the heights of administrative efficiency reached during his reign. There is often the suggestion that had there not been so much political interference, things would have been even more fantastic. It is not unusual for the self-styled hero to blame not only interfering politicians but also fellow civil servants who are idiots or crooks, for his failures. This attitude of smug self-satisfaction is, unfortunately, developed during the years of service. Self-preservation rather than service is encouraged by our whole system of rules and procedures
The remedy has to be drastic and quickly effective. The over protection now granted to civil servants must end. Today to remove an erring civil servant is just not possible. And the only thing that the highest authority in the Government,both in the State and at the Centre, can do is to transfer an official from one job to another. The rules for taking disciplinary action are so complicated that, in the end, the defaulting civil servant gets away, and gets his full emoluments even for the period of the disciplinary proceedings, thus making it a paid holiday for him.
The result is that the administration has become rule-oriented and not result-oriented. Action is possible against the official who takes some interest in his work, but no action is ever taken against a person who does not deliver the goods. If the country is to adopt a result-oriented approach, it is necessary to link job performance with job retention.
Question: 1
The facts relating to the problem of political interference indicate that:
The facts relating to the problem of political interference indicate that:
Updated On: Oct 24, 2024
- Honest bureaucrats are always being troubled by politicians
- Politicians are often misled and trapped by civil servants.
- Politicians and civil servants co-operate to gain mutual advantages
- Politicians and civil servants use interference as an excuse for victimizing the common man.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C):Politicians and civil servants co-operate to gain mutual advantages.
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Question: 2
The attitude of self-righteousness adopted by the civil service, according to the writer:
The attitude of self-righteousness adopted by the civil service, according to the writer:
Updated On: Oct 24, 2024
- Is not welcomed and supported by politicians.
- Is dishonest and conceals the facts.
- Is very difficult to maintain because of opposition.
- Does not really help the public get fair treatment.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B):Is dishonest and conceals the facts
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Question: 3
Civil servants who write their memoirs after retiring:
Civil servants who write their memoirs after retiring:
Updated On: Oct 24, 2024
- Claim that they would have achieved outstanding success if interference had not come in the way
- Prove that constant political interference made it impossible for them to do anything properly.
- Complain that the credit for their achievements goes to dishonest politicians.
- Prove that people of inferior quality in the civil service bring about interference.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (A):Claim that they would have achieved outstanding success if interference had not come in the way
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Question: 4
The problem with the present set-up needing urgent action is:
The problem with the present set-up needing urgent action is:
Updated On: Oct 24, 2024
- A lack of accountability on the part of civil servants.
- A lack of control over the power of politicians.
- A neglect of the ideals of self-righteousness.
- omplicated rules and procedures that greatly reduce efficiency
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The Correct Option is A
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The correct option is (A):A lack of accountability on the part of civil servants.
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Question: 5
The expression linking job performance with job retention refers to a policy in which:
The expression linking job performance with job retention refers to a policy in which:
Updated On: Oct 24, 2024
- Selection to civil service jobs is on the basis of rigorous performance tests.
- Selection to civil service jobs is on the basis of rigorous performance and a minister's opinion is not the basis of transfer or promotion
- Retention of good government servants by discouraging their going to private companies
- Continuation in service will depend on satisfactory performance.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D):Continuation in service will depend on satisfactory performance.
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