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Public AdministrationArticle 9 · Vol. 1, Issue 4, June 2026 · pp. 83–89
Developmental Administration: A Panacea for Developing Countries
Dr. Shobhit Chandra
Ph.D. in Public Administration (Government Policy & Indian Government), Magadh University, Bodh Gaya; Independent Researcher
Abstract
Developmental administration has emerged as one of the most significant frameworks in contemporary public administration scholarship, particularly in the context of the developing world. Rooted in the postcolonial intellectual tradition of comparative public administration, this framework seeks to reorient the machinery of the state away from procedural conservatism and toward purposive, outcome-driven governance. Developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America continue to face deep structural challenges—chronic resource scarcity, institutional fragility, rampant leakage of public funds, and persistent delays in the delivery of welfare programs to marginalized populations. These challenges expose the fundamental inadequacy of the traditional Weberian bureaucratic model, which privileges rule adherence over developmental effectiveness. This paper examines the conceptual foundations of developmental administration, articulates its key distinguishing features in contrast to conventional bureaucracy, and evaluates its relevance and applicability for developing nations. Drawing on the theoretical contributions of Riggs, Weidner, and others, as well as empirical observations from the Indian administrative context, the paper argues that developmental administration—properly conceived and implemented—offers a substantially more appropriate governance model for countries engaged in the difficult task of building institutional capacity, expanding infrastructure, and securing the welfare of large and underserved populations. The paper also acknowledges the model’s limitations and identifies the conditions under which it is most likely to succeed.
Keywords:
Developmental AdministrationTraditional BureaucracyDeveloping CountriesPublic PolicyGovernance ReformWelfare DeliveryRed TapeIndian AdministrationResource AllocationInstitutional Change
How to Cite
Dr. Shobhit Chandra (2026). Developmental Administration: A Panacea for Developing Countries. Veritas: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 1(4), 83–89.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21194917
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