ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question 4(d) Legislative Control over Administration in India

ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question 4(d) Legislative Control over Administration in India. Detailed answer discussing the mechanisms through which the legislature ensures accountability of the executive and administration.

ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question 4(d) Legislative Control over Administration in India

ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question

Q.4(d) Comment on the legislative controls over administration.

Answer : 

Legislative control over administration refers to the various mechanisms through which Parliament and State Legislatures supervise the functioning of the executive and public administration.

One of the most important methods is through Question Hour, during which ministers are required to answer questions raised by members regarding government policies and administrative actions. This ensures transparency and public accountability.

The legislature also exercises control through debates and discussions on important public issues, government policies, and administrative performance. Motions such as adjournment motions, calling attention motions, and no-confidence motions enable legislators to scrutinize executive actions.

Financial control is another significant mechanism. The executive cannot spend public money without legislative approval. The legislature examines the Budget, approves expenditures, and reviews government spending through committees such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee.

Parliamentary committees play an important role by conducting detailed examinations of administrative performance and government programs. These committees help identify inefficiencies and recommend corrective measures.

The legislature also influences administration through law-making and by reviewing delegated legislation issued by the executive.

However, legislative control may sometimes be weakened by factors such as party discipline, limited time for discussion, technical complexity of administrative matters, and inadequate follow-up on committee recommendations.

Despite these challenges, legislative oversight remains a cornerstone of democratic accountability.

Conclusion

Legislative control over administration is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance. Through debates, financial scrutiny, parliamentary committees, and questioning mechanisms, the legislature ensures that public administration functions in the interests of the people.