QUESTION 2(a)
GS4
10 marks
Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Critically examine why public funds are under-used and misused and what this means.
Critically examineWeigh the strengths and the weaknesses, then give a balanced verdict.
Demand-wise check
- 1Under-utilisation: delayed release, poor planning, capacity gaps, complex procedures, March rush≈30 words
- 2Misuse: corruption, diversion, ghost beneficiaries, poor monitoring≈30 words
- 3Implications: lost development, cost overruns, trust deficit, fiscal waste≈30 words
- 4Measures: SNA-SPARSH, PFMS, outcome budgeting, social audit, CAG≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Reasons for eachImplicationsMeasuresConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Mixing under-utilisation and misuse
- No ethical angle
Draw this
- Two columns: under-use vs misuse
Value addition
- DataCAG reports regularly flag unspent balances and parking of funds in bank accounts by implementing agencies.CAG Union Government Accounts reports
- SystemSNA-SPARSH (2023) releases scheme funds just in time.Department of Expenditure
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shubhankar Patilak · Page 6 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 9 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.