“Discuss the meaning, mechanisms, and challenges of administrative accountability in a democratic system.”

Meaning of Administrative Accountability

When we talk about accountability we are talking about the people who work in the government being responsible for what they do. These public officials have to explain what they are doing. Why are they doing it to the people in charge to the courts and to the people who live in the country? They have to take responsibility for their actions and make sure they are doing the thing. Administrative accountability is very important because it helps make sure that the people who work in the government are doing their jobs in an honest way. The public officials have to answer to the people and to the law, which helps keep them accountable for their actions and decisions. Administrative accountability is about being responsible and answering for what you do.

Mechanisms of Accountability

This system works in a few ways. It is accountable to the people through politics which means it has to answer to legislatures and ministers. The system also has to follow the law so it can be reviewed by the courts. Then there is the money side of things, where the Comptroller and Auditor General does audits to make sure everything is okay. The system is also accountable to the people through things, like the Right To Information, the media and civil society.

Challenges of Excessive Control

Many rules and the fear of being watched can make people play it safe all the time. This can cause things to move slowly. It can be harder to get things done. The government or the people in charge are not able to work well as they should. Over-regulation and the fear of scrutiny can lead to risk- behaviour like when people do not want to try new things because they are afraid of what others will say. This can cause delays and reduced administrative efficiency, in the government or the company.

Need for Balanced Accountability

Accountability should be outcome-oriented and balanced with functional autonomy to encourage timely and effective decision-making.

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