The Administrative Reforms Commissions are set by the Government of India to make recommendations regarding reformation in the administrative system. India till now has set up two Administrative Commissions. One in the Nehru era in 1966 under the Chairmanship of Morarji R. Desai / K Hanumanthaiya and the other in 2006 under the Chairmanship of Veerappa Moily.

In this article, let us see the historical background of Administrative Reforms in India and briefly look at the details of the two Administrative Reforms Commission constituted till now.

Historical Background

• The administration is a body that ensures that services are delivered in a way that meets the demands of citizens.
• The administrative system is very important to achieve the socio-economic development of the country.
• The administration system is a dynamic process that requires constant reforms to keep up with new innovations and correct flaws in existing systems.
• Administrative reform strives to establish and put into practice the necessary adjustments for a government's administrative entities to effectively implement public policies.
• The first administrative reform in India is the change from colonial rule and British law to Democracy and the Republic of India.
• Many Commissions were set up since independence to suggest reforms in the administrative mechanism. Some of them are
  • Gopal Swami Ayyangar Committee (1949): The Gopalaswamy Ayyangar advocated the establishment of bureaus such as the bureau of trade and industry, among others.
  • Gorwala Committee (1951): This committee was formed to oversee the design and development of the administrative system in order to bring about reforms in the country.
  • Paul H. Appleby Committee (1953): After conducting a survey, this group advised the creation of an "organization and management division" to improve the country's administrative processes and procedures.
  • Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-70): This commission was established to study India's administrative structure and provide recommendations such as the establishment of Lokpal and Lokayukta, as well as other critical recommendations.

There are two Administrative Reforms Commissions which are set up till now.

First Administrative Reforms Commission 1966

Mandate

• The first Administrative Reforms Commission(ARC) was tasked with looking at the need to ensure the efficiency of the government's administrative structure.
• It was instructed to make public administration a fundamental component of implementing the country's socio-economic policies and goals for growth.
• The Key areas which were asked to be looked upon by the first ARC are
  • Centre-State Relation
  • Financial, Personnel, District, Agricultural and Economic administration
  • Government machinery, and its procedure
  • Planning system at every level
  • State-level administration
  • Citizen grievances redressal problems

Recommendations

• The first ARC resulted in a total of 20 reports and 537 recommendations.
• The first ARC presented the following 20 Reports to the Government for consideration:
  1. Problems of Redress of Citizens Grievances (Interim)
  2. Machinery for Planning
  3. Public Sector Undertakings
  4. Finance, Accounts & Audit
  5. Machinery for Planning (Final)
  6. Economic Administration
  7. The Machinery of GOI and its procedures of work
  8. Life Insurance Administration
  9. Central Direct Taxes Administration
  10. Administration of UTs & NEFA
  11. Personnel Administration
  12. Delegation of Financial & Administrative Powers
  13. Center-state Relationships
  14. State Administration
  15. Small Scale Sector
  16. Railways
  17. Treasuries
  18. Reserve Bank of India
  19. Posts and Telegraphs
  20. Scientific Departments
• The most important recommendation was the 13th report on centre-state relations. Some of the recommendations are:
• Under Article 263 (b) and (c) of the Constitution, an Inter-State Council would be established to consider all subjects of national importance in which the States are interested.
• Guidelines for the Governor to practice his discretionary powers must be set by the Inter-state council.
• Procedure for appointment of High Court Judges must be shifted from Ministry of Home Affairs to Ministry of Law.

Second Administrative Reforms Commission 2005

Mandate

• The Second ARC was tasked with recommending methods to achieve a responsible, powerful, capable, and productive administration at all levels of government for India.
• The Key areas which were asked to be looked upon by the second ARC are
  • Enhancing financial management system
  • Modernizing personnel administration
  • Measures to ensure powerful State and District Administration
  • Disaster Management
  • Supporting E-Governance
  • Good conduct in the administration
  • The regulatory structure of the Indian Government, etc.

Recommendations

• The second ARC produced 15 reports and provided suggestions depending on the topics they were allocated to look into.
• On the reports it produced, the commission offered about 1500 recommendations. The majority of the suggestions were aimed at state governments.
• The second ARC presented the following 15 Reports to the Government for consideration:

1. Right to Information: Master Key to Good Governance
2. Unlocking human capital: Entitlements and Governance
3. Crisis Management: From Despair to Hope
4. Ethics in Governance
5. Public Order
6. Local Governance
7. Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution
8. Combating Terrorism
9. Social Capital – A Shared Destiny
10. Refurbishing of Personnel Administration – Scaling New Heights
11. Promoting e-Governance – The Smart Way Forward
12. Citizen-Centric Administration – The Heart of Governance
13. The organizational structure of the Government of India
14. Strengthening Financial Management System
15. State and District Administration

*click on this link to know more details regarding Second Administrative Reforms Commission 1966 - Indian Polity Notes

Conclusion

The Administrative Reform Commission is a body tasked with making recommendations to the government in order to improve its efficiency. Until yet, two commissions have been established that have made several proposals, the majority of which have been almost reviewed and accepted by the administration. Reform is a dynamic notion that must be continued in order for the country to progress. Significant reforms have already been implemented, however, the administrative system still has many flaws.

FAQs

Q1: What is the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)?

Q2: What were the objectives of the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)?

Q3: How is the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) different from the First ARC?

Q4: What is the importance of the Second ARC in Indian governance?

Q5: How many reports were submitted by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission?

MCQs

1. When was the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) established?

a) 1950

b) 1966

c) 1975

d) 1980

2. Which of the following is a key recommendation of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)?

a) Establishment of the NITI Aayog

b) Implementation of e-governance

c) Formation of the Planning Commission

d) Introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)

3. How many reports were submitted by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission?

a) 5

b) 10

c) 15

d) 20

4. Which of the following issues was addressed by the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)?

a) Disaster management

b) E-governance

c) Decentralization of administration

d) Implementation of the RTI Act

5. Which commission recommended measures to improve ethics in governance?

a) Planning Commission

b) First ARC

c) Second ARC

d) Sarkaria Commission

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Discuss the role of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in promoting e-governance in India.

Answer: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) played a critical role in promoting e-governance in India. The ARC recognized that e-governance is a powerful tool for enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. In its 11th report, titled "Promoting e-Governance – The Smart Way Forward", the ARC outlined a roadmap for the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governance.
The commission recommended the creation of citizen-centric services, increased use of technology in decision-making processes, and the establishment of digital infrastructure to streamline public service delivery. E-governance has since become a cornerstone of modern governance in India, with initiatives such as Digital India, Aadhaar, and e-Kranti, all contributing to more efficient governance and improved public services.

Q2. Analyze the significance of the First Administrative Reforms Commission’s recommendations on decentralization.

Answer: The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) emphasized the importance of decentralization as a means to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of governance. By advocating for the devolution of powers to local governments, the First ARC sought to bring governance closer to the people and ensure that administrative decisions reflect the needs of local communities.
The recommendations contributed to the strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs), particularly after the enactment of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These reforms have empowered local governments to play a more active role in planning, implementation, and monitoring of development programs, leading to more inclusive and participatory governance.

Q3. Evaluate the impact of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission’s recommendations on improving ethics in governance.

Answer: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) made several significant recommendations to improve ethics in governance, which have had a long-lasting impact on India’s administrative system. In its Fourth Report, titled "Ethics in Governance", the commission addressed the growing concerns around corruption, accountability, and integrity within public institutions.
Key recommendations included the establishment of an institutional framework for ensuring ethical behavior, such as the creation of an Ethics Office and the adoption of a code of ethics for civil servants. The ARC also advocated for the strengthening of existing mechanisms like the Right to Information (RTI), Lokpal and Lokayuktas, and the enforcement of whistleblower protection laws. These recommendations have fostered a culture of greater accountability in governance, contributing to the reduction of corruption and the promotion of public trust in government institutions.

Previous Year Questions on  Administrative reforms commission

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2018

Question. Discuss the significance of the recommendations made by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on public service delivery.

Answer: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) emphasized improving public service delivery through the adoption of citizen-centric approaches and e-governance. Its recommendations aimed at making the government more responsive, transparent, and accountable to the public.
One of the key recommendations was the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to streamline public services, reducing delays and bureaucratic hurdles. The ARC also focused on establishing Public Service Guarantee Acts, ensuring time-bound service delivery, and promoting the single-window system for public services. These reforms have since been reflected in programs like Digital India and e-governance initiatives, which have made accessing public services more efficient for citizens.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017

Question. Evaluate the role of the First Administrative Reforms Commission in shaping India's civil service reforms.

Answer: The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) played a pivotal role in shaping civil service reforms in India by identifying key areas where the administration could be improved for better governance. The commission emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the civil services and proposed measures such as performance-based evaluation, training programs, and promotion of professionalism among civil servants.
One of the key contributions was its focus on decentralization and the strengthening of local governance structures, which laid the groundwork for reforms in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs). The commission also recommended the formation of a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to combat corruption, which has since become a cornerstone in civil service reforms aimed at ensuring accountability and ethical conduct in governance.
 

*email: contactus@prepp.in