Master Answer WritingSign in

UPSC 2017 GS-II · 10 marks · 150 words

Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

What “Discuss” demands

present several distinct facets of the issue and connect them into an argument, giving the competing views real weight rather than one line each.

The characteristic failure: a list of points with no argument running through them.

What a top answer must contain

These are the checkable specifics from the marking standard for this question — the actual case, committee, datum or thinker, not an instruction to “give examples”.

  • Composition: 22 members (15 Lok Sabha, 7 Rajya Sabha), one-year term, chairman from the Opposition by convention since 1967
  • Mandate: examines the CAG's audit reports on appropriation and finance accounts — that money was spent on the purpose voted, with propriety
  • Landmark examinations: Bofors, 2G spectrum, the Commonwealth Games accounts
  • Limits to state honestly: post-facto scrutiny, no power to enforce, cannot question policy, recommendations are advisory, reports often not discussed in the House
  • Reforms suggested: time-bound Action Taken Notes, a dedicated secretariat, examining public-private partnerships

The band thresholds and the pre-scored sample answers behind this standard stay private — they are the calibration your copy is placed against.

Now write it, and find out what you actually scored

Attempt this question — typed or photographed — and it is marked against the standard above in under a minute: six parameter scores, a blunt verdict, and the points you missed. 50 free credits on signup, no card.

Write this answerSee a marked copy first

More from UPSC GS-II