Question

Consider the following statements about the classification of State Services:

1. State Services are classified into Class-I to Class-IV, with Class-I and Class-II being gazetted.

2. The Chief Secretary of the State heads the civil service administration in each State.

3. Officers for State Services are appointed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
   

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Understanding State Services Classification and Administration

Classification of State Services

• State Civil Services are broadly categorized into four groups or classes: Group A (Class I), Group B (Class II), Group C (Class III), and Group D (Class IV).

• Traditionally, these were referred to as Class-I, Class-II, Class-III, and Class-IV services.

• Class-I (Group A) and Class-II (Group B) posts are generally considered gazetted posts, meaning their appointments are officially published in the government gazette.

• Officers holding gazetted posts have the authority to issue official stamps and sign documents on behalf of the government.

• Class-III (Group C) and Class-IV (Group D) posts are typically non-gazetted.

Role of the Chief Secretary

• The Chief Secretary is the de facto head of the entire state administration.

• They are the senior-most IAS officer in the state cadre, occupying the apex position in the state bureaucracy.

• The Chief Secretary serves as the principal advisor to the Chief Minister on all matters of administration and policy.

• They also act as the cabinet secretary at the state level, heading the State Secretariat and ensuring coordination among various departments.

• This role is crucial for maintaining administrative efficiency and acting as a vital link between the state government and the central government.

Appointment to State Services

• Appointments to various State Civil Services posts are primarily made by the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) of the respective state.

• Each state has its own SPSC (e.g., Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC), Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)) established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for recruiting candidates for All India Services (like IAS, IPS, IFS) and Central Services (Group A and Group B posts under the Union Government).

• Therefore, the UPSC does not appoint officers directly to State Services.