Legislative control over Indian public administration is in form of :

The correct answer is - External control

Key Points

• External control
  • The term external control refers to oversight by institutions or entities outside the administrative machinery. In the Indian context, this refers primarily to legislative control.
  • The legislature exercises control over public administration by using tools such as:
    • Question Hour – Legislators ask questions to hold the government accountable for its actions.
    • Debates and Discussions – These allow for scrutiny of administrative decisions and policies.
    • Committee System – Parliamentary committees evaluate and review government functioning in detail.
    • Budgetary Control – The legislature approves the budget, ensuring financial oversight.
  • Legislative control represents a fundamental aspect of democratic accountability in a parliamentary system.

Additional Information

• Other forms of control over public administration
  • Internal control
    • This involves administrative controls exercised within the executive branch, such as supervision by senior officers and adherence to rules and regulations.
    • Examples include departmental audits, performance appraisals, and inspections.
  • Popular control
    • Public accountability mechanisms, such as elections, public opinion, and citizen participation, fall under this category.
    • For example, citizens can influence policy by voting or participating in public hearings.
  • Judicial control
    • Courts ensure that administrative actions comply with the law and respect citizens' rights.
    • Examples include judicial reviews of administrative decisions and writ petitions.
• Importance of legislative control
  • It ensures that public administration remains transparent, accountable, and aligned with the public interest.
  • It helps prevent misuse of power and ensures proper utilization of public funds.