Political Science · Public Administration
UGC NET January 2017 Political Science
Which of the following types of bureaucracy regards itself as the custodian of public interest but is independent of and unresponsive to public opinion?
AMerit bureaucracy
BCaste bureaucracy
CPatronage bureaucracy
DGuardian bureaucracy ✓ Correct
Correct answer: (D) Guardian bureaucracy — A guardian bureaucracy regards itself as the custodian of public interest yet stays unresponsive to public opinion, so the answer is guardian bureaucracy.
Explanation
★A guardian bureaucracy regards itself as the custodian of public interest yet stays unresponsive to public opinion, so the answer is guardian bureaucracy.
★It claims to protect the public good while operating independently of, and without accountability to, popular sentiment.
★The idea echoes Plato's philosopher-kings, the guardians who rule as stewards of justice and the welfare of the community.
★Such guardians are trusted to embody moral integrity and to wield power righteously, without needing democratic check.
★Merit bureaucracy is wrong; it is recruited by competitive examination and is not defined by this custodial self-image.
★Caste bureaucracy is wrong because it rests on hereditary social rank rather than guardianship of the public interest.
★Patronage bureaucracy is wrong as it serves party interests, not a self-proclaimed role as custodian of the public good.
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