After the Second World War, several Asian and African nations became independent. They did not want a government that merely carried out routine administration like law and order, external security, revenue, etc. These countries had heterogeneous societies, struggling economies and faced serious challenges like hunger, poverty, and socio-economic inequality. They needed to be planned and properly executed government action which would be holistic i.e., focusing on social change, political development, and economic growth.
The government had to become the instrument of development by taking up tasks like centralized economic planning, promotion of industrial growth, provision of social services, and encouraging people’s participation. The concept of the ‘Welfare State’ which had dominated the early part of the 20th century grows stronger. The state was expected to play a key role in the promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. This led to the idea of the Development Administration.