Question

Assertion (A): The expenses of the SPSC, including salaries and pensions, are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State.
Reason (R): This provision ensures the financial independence of the SPSC, as its expenses are not subject to the vote of the state legislature.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

State Public Service Commissions (SPSC)

• SPSCs are constitutional bodies established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.

• Their primary role is to conduct examinations for appointments to state services and to advise the Governor on matters related to recruitment, transfers, and disciplinary actions.

Financial Independence: Charged Expenditure

• The assertion states that SPSC expenses, including salaries and pensions, are 'charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State.' This is a critical aspect of their operational independence.

• What is 'Charged Expenditure'? It means these expenditures are not subject to the vote of the state legislature. While they can be discussed in the legislature, they cannot be voted upon or reduced.

• This provision is explicitly mentioned in Article 322 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the expenses of Public Service Commissions.

• This mechanism ensures that the SPSC's financial needs are met automatically, without requiring legislative approval, thereby shielding them from political pressures.

Why Financial Independence is Crucial (Reason R)

• The reason correctly identifies that this provision ensures the financial independence of the SPSC.

• By making the expenses non-votable, the state legislature cannot use the 'power of the purse' to influence or undermine the functioning or decisions of the Commission.

• This autonomy allows the SPSC to discharge its duties impartially, independently, and effectively, upholding meritocracy in the state's public administration.

• This principle of charging expenses on the Consolidated Fund applies to several other vital independent constitutional bodies in India, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Election Commission, and the judges of the High Courts, to secure their autonomy.

Comparison with Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Similar to SPSCs, the expenses of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India (also under Article 322), reinforcing the common principle of financial independence for Public Service Commissions at both state and central levels.

Appointment and Removal of SPSC Members

• For competitive exams, it's important to note the dual nature of appointment and removal: The Chairman and members of an SPSC are appointed by the Governor of the respective state.

• However, they can only be removed by the President of India, not by the Governor. This removal process is complex and can only occur on specific grounds like proved misbehaviour or incapacity, following an inquiry by the Supreme Court. This further safeguards their independence from state executive influence.