Characteristics of Development Administration

Development administration refers to the processes and structures aimed at promoting economic growth and social welfare in a country. Here are its key characteristics:

1. Goal-Oriented
   • Focuses on achieving specific developmental objectives, such as poverty alleviation and education improvement.
   • Illustration: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aim to enhance rural infrastructure.
2. Participatory Approach
   • Encourages community involvement in decision-making and implementation of projects.
   • Illustration: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) enable women to contribute to local development.
3. Integrated Planning
   • Requires coordination among various sectors like health, education, and agriculture for holistic development.
   • Illustration: The National Rural Livelihood Mission combines skills training with financial support.
4. Capacity Building
   • Emphasizes enhancing the skills and knowledge of both administrators and beneficiaries.
   • Illustration: Training programs for government officials improve service delivery.

Problems of Development Administration in India

Despite its importance, development administration in India faces several challenges:

1. Bureaucratic Red Tape
   • Excessive regulations and procedures can delay project implementation.
   • Example: Long approval processes can stall critical infrastructure projects.
2. Corruption
   • Corruption undermines trust and efficiency, diverting resources meant for development.
   • Example: Misuse of funds in welfare schemes limits their effectiveness.
3. Lack of Coordination
   • Poor coordination between various government departments can lead to fragmented efforts.
   • Example: Disjointed health and education policies can hinder overall development.
4. Insufficient Funding
   • Many development projects struggle due to inadequate financial resources.
   • Example: Limited budget allocations affect the quality of public services.

Conclusion

In summary, development administration is crucial for India’s progress, characterized by goal orientation, participation, and integrated planning. However, issues like bureaucratic delays, corruption, and lack of coordination hinder its effectiveness, requiring urgent attention for better outcomes.