Q. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements : - N. Gopalaswamy Iyengar Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
- In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister's charge.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2021)
Answer:
2 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 2 only. This question tests the historical evolution of administrative structures and personnel management in the Government of India.
- Statement 1 (Incorrect): The N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar Committee (1949), also known as the "Report on Reorganization of the Government of India," focused on the grouping of ministries and the improvement of the Secretariat's efficiency. While it suggested changes to the Cabinet Secretariat and the creation of "Bureaus," it was the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) (1966–1970) that specifically recommended a separate department and a dedicated minister for administrative reforms.
- Statement 2 (Correct): The First ARC (1966) recommended the creation of a separate Department of Personnel to handle matters like recruitment, training, and career management. Following this recommendation, the department was established in 1970 within the Cabinet Secretariat and placed directly under the charge of the Prime Minister.
- Historical Context: In 1985, this evolved into the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, which remains under the overall charge of the Prime Minister (assisted by a Minister of State).
The N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar Committee is better known for its recommendations regarding the
Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the restructuring of ministries into larger functional groups to prevent overlap.