Question

Consider the following statements:

(i) The number of members of the State Public Service Commission is determined by the Governor at his discretion.

(ii) The Constitution prescribes specific qualifications for all members of the SPSC.

(iii) The tenure of the Chairman and members of the SPSC is 6 years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.

(iv) The Chairman of the SPSC can be reappointed for a second term after completing the first term.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. Only (i) and (iii)
• B. Only (i) and (ii)
• C. Only (iii)
• D. Only (i), (iii), and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (i) and (iii)

State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

• Composition of SPSC: The Constitution (Article 315) does not specify the exact number of members for the SPSC. This number is determined by the President of India, not the Governor. Therefore, statement (i) is incorrect.

• Qualifications for Members: The Constitution does not prescribe any specific qualifications for the members of the SPSC. It only requires that at least half of the members of the Commission should be persons who have held office for at least ten years either under the Government of India or the Government of a State. Hence, statement (ii) is incorrect.

• Tenure of Members: The Chairman and members of the SPSC hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier. This provision is consistent across all State Public Service Commissions. Thus, statement (iii) is correct.

• Reappointment of Chairman: A person who is or has been a Chairman of an SPSC is not eligible for reappointment to the same office. They are also not eligible for appointment to the UPSC or as Chairman of another SPSC. Therefore, statement (iv) is incorrect.

• Removal of Members: The Chairman or any other member of an SPSC can be removed from their office by the President on the ground of misbehavior, but only after an inquiry has been conducted by the Supreme Court.

• Independence of SPSC: To ensure independence, provisions related to the appointment, removal, and service conditions of the Chairman and members are laid down in the Constitution.