Discuss the concept of Development Administration and highlight its relevance in the contemporary context.

Introduction

The area of public administration that deals with organising, carrying out, and overseeing development initiatives in developing nations is known as development administration. Edward Weidner defined it as “an action-oriented and change-oriented administration with the goal of socio-economic progress,” and Dwight Waldo popularised the term in 1955. During the post-colonial era, when recently independent countries like India sought state-led social and economic change, the concept gained traction.

Theoretical Underpinnings

Weidner emphasised important traits including creativity, goal-orientation, and citizen participation. Fred Riggs highlighted the difficulties of transitional civilisations where traditional and contemporary structures coexisted with his “prismatic model.” He underlined the need for Development Administration to manage formal-informal links, heterogeneity, and overlapping tasks. The Administrative Reforms Commission (1969) in India emphasised planning, administrative competence, and public participation as key components.

Features and Practice in India

The Development Administration prioritises inclusive nation-building, modernisation, and socioeconomic transformation. Its operations were influenced by Indian bureaucratic agencies such as the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) and a robust bureaucratic framework. Its changing character is shown in welfare and empowerment initiatives like MGNREGA and PM-KISAN as well as digital governance technologies like the JAM Trinity and Aadhaar-based DBT.

Contemporary Relevance

Development Administration now uses empowerment-based approaches like Skill India and Start-Up India instead of welfare distribution. Global issues like disaster management, the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate change also influence it. The 73rd and 74th Amendments’ decentralisation has strengthened grassroots government even more, making local institutions essential to the implementation of development.

Criticisms and Challenges

The Development Administration is criticised for elite capture, corruption, and bureaucratic rigidity despite its significance. Local governments frequently lack the necessary resources, and assistance program leaks erode public confidence in the system. Additionally, community ownership of development projects has decreased due to over-centralization and top-down methods.

Conclusion

Although it needs to change, development administration is still essential to Indian governance. Administrative reforms, ICT-enabled delivery, and participatory, outcome-driven governance are now essential to its efficacy. To guarantee equitable and resilient development in a globalised society with sustainability issues, the Development Administration must go beyond economic growth.

UPSC General Studies Paper Preparation

Public Administration Optional Exam Preparation