Public Service Commission Questions on Governance
Question 1: Fundamental Aspects and Concept of Governance
Concept of Governance
Governance refers to the actions taken by the government in running the state, encompassing methods, procedures, standards, and work styles. Etymologically, it derives from the Greek word Kobernao, meaning to mobilize and direct resources. Traditionally, it involved state control over citizens, but modern governance focuses on public resource mobilization and management for public welfare by elected representatives. It is the integrated functioning of government branches for regulation, management, and service delivery.
Fundamental Aspects
- Citizen Supremacy: Citizens are the supreme authority, and governance operates on their will, ensuring their rights.
- Separation of Powers: Division of responsibilities among government branches with constitutional checks and balances.
- Rule of Law: Adherence to laws is a critical aspect.
- Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: Harmonious relations with national/international actors.
- Visionary Approach: Governance sets long-term state goals.
- Other aspects include public service delivery, social responsibility, democracy, good governance, peace, and security.
Characteristics
- Conducted through legitimate government organs.
- Practiced cautiously by representatives for citizen welfare.
- Continuous as long as the state exists.
- Serves as the state’s mind, soul, and leadership.
- Involves multiple sectors, actors, and objectives.
- Scope tied to state territory and authority.
Question 2: Aspects of Good Governance and Analysis of Nepal’s Governance System
Good Governance
Governance is the government’s actions and work styles in state management. Good governance ensures citizen satisfaction through responsible use of power and authority.
Aspects of Good Governance
- Political: Legitimate governance, democratic values, pluralism, public participation.
- Social: Social justice, inclusion, empowerment, citizen rights, human development.
- Legal: Rule of law, judicial supremacy, effective justice system.
- Economic: Economic development, equitable resource distribution, financial discipline, transparency.
- Administrative: Citizen-responsive administration, effective service delivery, stakeholder participation.
Analysis of Nepal’s Governance System
Nepal’s system is democratic, republican, and parliamentary, transitioning toward federalism.
- Political: Legitimate and democratic but struggles with public participation and political stability.
- Social: Efforts for justice and inclusion exist, but social transformation is incomplete.
- Legal: Rule of law and independent judiciary guaranteed but not fully implemented.
- Economic: Financial discipline and transparency measures exist, but economic governance lags.
- Administrative: Public service delivery and institutions need improvement despite ongoing efforts.
Conclusion: Nepal’s governance shows mixed progress, requiring greater focus on good governance.
Question 3: Political and Administrative Structures of Governance
Governance is a blend of political and administrative structures.
Political Structure
Responsible for policymaking, vision-setting, and overseeing administration, formed by elected representatives in democracies.
- Unitary: Centralized authority, single parliament, and central administration.
- Federal: Multiple provinces with autonomous powers, provincial parliaments, and administrations.
- Presidential: Elected president holds executive power (e.g., USA).
- Parliamentary: Government accountable to parliament, as in Nepal’s Interim Constitution.
Administrative Structure
Translates policies into action, comprising central, regional, and local frameworks.
- Central: Ministries, departments, and commissions.
- Regional: Coordinates development activities.
- Local: District, village, and municipal agencies for service delivery.
Conclusion: Political and administrative structures are complementary, essential for governance.
Question 4: Right to Information
The right to access public information, except that deemed confidential by law, enshrined as a fundamental right in Nepal’s Interim Constitution 2063 (Article 27).
Implementation
- Right to Information Act 2064 implemented.
- Information Commission established.
- Decisions published in Nepal Gazette.
- Information officers and ministry spokespersons appointed.
- Public communication through media, websites, and press conferences.
- Financial expenditure details published.
Conclusion: Implementation is partial; awareness and enforcement remain key needs.
Question 5: Transparency and Public Accountability
Transparency: Access to information about organizational activities. Public Accountability: Obligation to answer for actions to stakeholders.
Relationship
- Transparency strengthens accountability by enabling public access to information.
- It reveals resource use, providing grounds for accountability.
- Information provision fosters accountability, though confidentiality is also part of accountability.
Arrangements in Nepal
- Legal: Council of Ministers accountable to parliament, constitutional bodies report to parliament, Right to Information Act, Good Governance Act.
- Structural: Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, auditing, and reporting systems.
- Institutional: Monitoring by civil society, NGOs, and international bodies like FATF and WTO.
Question 6: Nation-Building vs. State-Building
Nation-Building: Fostering national unity, pride, and progress among citizens.
Differences
| Basis | Nation-Building | State-Building |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Promoting unity and prosperity across all aspects. | Developing the state within its boundaries. |
| Scope | Broad and emotional. | Limited to national territory. |
| Elements | Not bound by geography or sovereignty. | Requires geography, population, government, sovereignty. |
| Experience | Mutual cooperation. | Political, legal, economic relations. |
| Recognition | Not required internationally. | Requires international recognition. |
Interrelationship
- Both are fundamental to governance and national existence.
- Strengthening one enhances the other.
- National spirit and state mechanisms are interdependent.
Conclusion: Nation and state-building are inseparable and complementary.
Question 7: Efforts and Challenges in Nation-Building in Nepal
Efforts
- Ethnic and linguistic unity since unification.
- Constitutional recognition of the nation as its people.
- Honoring martyrs and national luminaries.
- Recognition of festivals, languages, and ethnic groups.
- Constitutional guarantee of a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual nation.
- Institutionalizing national symbols, anthem, and days.
Challenges
- Disputes over citizenship and identity.
- Ethnic, linguistic, and religious conflicts.
- Cultural erosion and foreign influence.
- Arbitrary martyr declarations and flag misuse.
- Attacks on heritage sites.
Conclusion: Nation-building requires citizen empowerment and addressing divisive restructuring efforts.
Question 8: Nepal’s Governance System and Federal vs. Unitary Systems
Nepal’s Governance System
- Parliamentary democratic and republican.
- Universal adult suffrage.
- Transitioning from unitary to federal system.
- Merit-based administration.
- Emphasis on human rights, gender equality, and inclusion.
Differences
| Unitary System | Federal System |
|---|---|
| Central policies and single parliament. | Provincial policies and multiple parliaments. |
| No autonomous provinces. | Autonomous provinces and local governance. |
| Ethnic and geographic unity. | Division based on ethnicity and geography. |
| Central administration nationwide. | Provincial administrations. |
Conclusion: Governance must promote development, rights, and inclusion, requiring practical implementation in Nepal.
Question 9: Administrative Accountability in Nepal
Administrative Accountability: Officials’ obligation to take responsibility for outcomes and answer queries.
Efforts in Nepal
- Interim Constitution 2063: Anti-corruption measures, ministerial accountability to parliament.
- Civil Service Act 2049: Aims for competent, accountable service, with employee conduct and audits.
- Good Governance Act 2064: Citizen charters, public hearings.
- Audit and Procurement Acts: Financial and procurement accountability.
- Institutional: Focal points, anti-corruption commission, parliamentary oversight.
Suggestions
- Increase public access through awareness and decentralization.
- Enable public monitoring and program approval.
- Prioritize local needs for accountability.
- Ensure transparent decision-making.
- Foster political will, civil society, and modern systems.
Question 10: National Security in Nepal
National Security: Measures to maintain peace and freedom from fear, involving policies, laws, and agencies.
Concept
Ensures citizens’ safety and rights, shaped by global threats and UN principles.
Scope
- Policy and legal frameworks.
- Institutional mechanisms (e.g., Home Ministry, Nepal Army).
- Operational measures (e.g., crime prevention).
- External security relations.
- Administrative planning and monitoring.
Provisions in Nepal
- Legal: Constitution emphasizes peace, budget prioritizes security.
- Institutional: Security Council, police, army, and investigation agencies.
- Operational: Inter-agency coordination, judicial measures, global partnerships.
Conclusion: Nepal’s provisions are commendable, but addressing growing challenges is crucial.
Question 11: Multi-Level Governance
Multi-Level Governance: Involvement of multiple actors in governance due to localization and globalization.
Informal Actors
- UN organizations.
- National/international organizations and NGOs.
- Diplomatic missions.
Challenges
- Pressure on internal politics.
- Sidelining government priorities.
- Pressure for international agreements.
- Influence on appointments.
- Impact on sovereignty.
Conclusion: Multi-level governance is inevitable but should support national priorities.
Question 12: Impact of UN and Affiliated Organizations on Nepal
Positive Impacts
- Protection from aggression.
- Support in conflict resolution (e.g., UNMIN).
- Advocacy for rights.
- Access to international justice.
- Development support via UNDP, World Bank.
Negative Impacts
- Undue pressure.
- Alleged bias toward powerful nations.
- Perceived differential treatment.
- Prioritizing UN agendas over Nepal’s needs.
Role in Peace Process
- UNMIN’s role in peace process.
- Support in arms management and elections.
- Development and humanitarian aid.
Conclusion: The UN has significantly benefited Nepal, particularly in peace and rights advocacy.
Question 13: National Security Challenges and Solutions in Nepal
Challenges
- Sustaining peace post-conflict.
- Addressing ethnic, class, and gender issues.
- Resolving border disputes.
- Managing religious and social conflicts.
- Countering global power struggles and cybercrime.
- Climate-related security risks.
Efforts
- Constitutional provisions for security agencies and emergency powers.
- Laws for crime control.
- Coordinated efforts by security agencies.
- Global and regional partnerships.
- Data Backup Center preparation.
Suggestions
- Strengthen border security coordination.
- Define clear roles for security agencies.
- Equip agencies with modern technology.
- Build consensus on security policies.
Conclusion: A balanced security approach is essential for Nepal’s sovereignty.
Question 14: Dimensions and Challenges of Governance in Nepal
Major Dimensions
- Political: Government form, constitution, state power.
- Administrative: Public service management and access.
- Financial/Economic: Financial accountability and economic system.
- Coordination: Collaboration with multiple sectors and actors.
Challenges
- Ending political transition via a new constitution.
- Managing federal restructuring.
- Ensuring peace and security.
- Achieving socio-economic transformation.
- Fulfilling public commitments.
- Implementing modern governance concepts.
- Adapting multi-level governance.
Solutions
- Implement dynamic policies for good governance.
- Promulgate a timely, people-friendly constitution.
- Foster political consensus.
- End unitary governance.
- Resolve conflicts collaboratively.
- Ensure inclusive participation.
- Promote administrative reforms.
- Align with global governance concepts.
Conclusion: Addressing challenges through reforms will strengthen Nepal’s governance for a prosperous future.
