Detailed Notes on Development Administration for an 8-Marker Answer
Introduction
Development Administration refers to the processes, policies, and structures used by
governments to achieve socio-economic progress, especially in developing nations. It emerged as
a branch of Public Administration after World War II to address issues like poverty, illiteracy,
resource scarcity, and economic underdevelopment in countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin
America.
The focus of Development Administration is on bringing progressive change through well-
organized government efforts in the social, economic, and political fields. It is goal-oriented,
action-driven, and change-focused, aiming to improve people's living standards by overcoming
various development challenges.
Meaning and Definition of Development Administration
Concept of Development
Development refers to a positive and dynamic change aimed at improving the quality of
life.
Earlier, development was equated with economic growth, focusing on increasing Gross
National Income (GNI).
Later, the concept expanded to include social justice, empowerment, human
development, and environmental sustainability.
Scholars like T.N. Chaturvedi, Fred W. Riggs, and Dudley Seers emphasized that
development is multi-dimensional—covering economic, political, administrative, and
social progress.
Definition of Development Administration
Several scholars have defined Development Administration in different ways:
1. Edward Weidner (1963): It is an "action-oriented, goal-oriented administrative
system" that helps achieve economic, political, and social progress.
2. Merle Fainsod (1963): Development Administration mobilizes resources for planning,
economic growth, and modernization.
3. John Montgomery (1966): It focuses on planned change in various sectors like
agriculture, industry, education, and public health.
4. Fred W. Riggs (1970): Defined it as the "organized efforts to carry out programs or
projects serving developmental objectives".
Key Features of Development Administration
Action-Oriented: Aims at rapid transformation in society.
People-Centric: Focuses on human well-being and social justice.
Goal-Oriented: Works towards economic growth, modernization, and nation-building.
Flexible and Adaptive: Capable of modifying policies to suit changing needs.
Innovative: Encourages new methods and technology to improve efficiency.
Scope of Development Administration
The scope of Development Administration is broad and multidisciplinary, covering economic,
social, and political development.
Key Areas of Development Administration
1. Poverty Alleviation: Focuses on reducing poverty and ensuring equitable distribution of
resources.
2. Economic Growth: Encourages industrialization, infrastructure development, and
employment generation.
3. Social Welfare: Includes education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, and women’s
empowerment.
4. Political Development: Strengthens democracy, governance, and political institutions.
5. Environmental Protection: Promotes sustainable development and responsible
resource management.
6. Institution Building: Enhances administrative efficiency by improving government
agencies and public institutions.
7. Public Participation: Encourages people’s involvement in policymaking and
implementation.
Objectives of Development Administration
The main objective of Development Administration is to remove socio-economic inequalities
and ensure balanced growth.
Major Objectives
✅ Planned Economic Growth – Enhancing production, trade, and employment.
✅ Social Justice – Reducing poverty, illiteracy, and inequality.
✅ Administrative Reforms – Strengthening government institutions for better service
delivery.
✅ Human Development – Ensuring education, healthcare, and skill development.
✅ Technological Advancement – Using modern technology for sustainable growth.
✅ Public Participation – Encouraging community involvement in decision-making.
Difference Between Traditional Administration and
Development Administration
Development Administration is different from Traditional Public Administration, which
mainly focuses on law and order, revenue collection, and regulatory functions.
Aspect Traditional Administration Development Administration
Objective Maintain stability & law Promote socio-economic growth
Approach Routine, static Dynamic, innovative
Decision-Making Centralized Decentralized & participatory
Focus Government efficiency Welfare & empowerment
Orientation Rule-based Goal-oriented & flexible
Thus, while Traditional Administration focuses on governance, Development Administration
aims at bringing progressive change.
Challenges of Development Administration
Despite its importance, Development Administration faces several challenges, especially in
developing nations.
Major Challenges
❌ Political Instability – Frequent policy changes and weak governance hinder development.
❌ Corruption – Misuse of public funds delays project implementation.
❌ Bureaucratic Inefficiency – Slow, rigid government processes create administrative delays.
❌ Lack of Resources – Financial constraints limit the scope of development programs.
❌ Poor Infrastructure – Weak transport, electricity, and communication systems reduce
efficiency.
❌ Limited Public Participation – Lack of awareness and involvement affects policy success.
❌ Technological Backwardness – Many developing nations lack modern technology and
innovation.
To overcome these challenges, strong leadership, public-private partnerships, policy
reforms, and efficient resource management are necessary.
Conclusion
Development Administration is essential for nation-building, particularly in developing
countries. It focuses on:
✅ Economic and social progress
✅ Public welfare and modernization
✅ Efficient governance and institutional reforms
Way Forward:
Governments must reduce bureaucracy and corruption to make policies more
effective.
People’s participation in policymaking should be increased.
More emphasis should be placed on sustainable development to balance economic
growth with environmental protection.
Thus, Development Administration acts as a driving force for achieving inclusive, equitable,
and sustainable progress.
