Q.4 Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (10 Marks)

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4 responses to “Q.4 Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss. (10 Marks)”

1. 

   November 24, 2021

   Shri Ram V.A

   pay_IMEe1E3EFVyRCt

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   1. 

      December 4, 2021

      Staff @CD

      Shri Ram

      Decent attempt. In introduction, you have defined accountability- that is good, also talk about efficiency- ability to accomplish something with the least amount of wasted time, money, and
      effort or competency in performance.
      In next part, RTI example is good. Further you can explain it better by saying that makes public officials status-quoist in their conduct and promotes risk aversion resulting in a compromise on efficiency(fear of RTI); delay in decision-making.
      Next part is also okay, mention of example is good. Further you can add that accountability is essential for maintaining legitimacy and credibility of administration; may be causing delay in short-run but essential in long-run. For example, in the case of involving construction of dams, not eliciting public opinion or providing for rehabilitation and resettlement will ultimately result in protests leading to delays in implementation.
      Steps mentioned are fine.
      Keep writing. 🙂
2. 

   November 28, 2021

   project _osiris

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   1. 

      December 4, 2021

      Staff @CD

      Hello

      You have just written one part of the answer that is benefits of accountability. Although you have written it well, but the answer is incomplete.
      First define accountability and efficiency in intro.
      After that mention why sometimes accountability is considered hampering efficiency. Points that you can mention-
      Greater focus on accountability hampers efficiency, as efficiency requires wider managerial
      discretion while accountability calls for tighter control.
      An attempt to increase transparency and public participation in order to ensure accountability
      will invariably result in delay in decision-making. For instance, public officers spend their
      time in maintaining records or answering RTIs etc., which can otherwise be utilised to perform
      executive tasks.
      It makes public officials status-quoist in their conduct and promotes risk aversion
      resulting in a compromise on efficiency. In this context, due to frequent usage of the RTI Act, there was paralysis and fear in the government and its functionaries due to which officials refrained from taking prompt decisions.
      Then mention about accountability and its benefits as you have done.
      Conclude by saying good governance requires both accountability and efficiency.
      Keep writing. 🙂