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Consider the following statements:

  1. The SPSC is consulted on claims for pensions due to injuries sustained in service.

  2. The first Commissioner of the Travancore PSC was G.D. Nokes.

  3. The SPSC’s selection does not confer any right to a post upon a candidate.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 and 2 only

B1 and 3 only

C2 and 3 only

DAll of the above

Answer:

D. All of the above

Read Explanation:

Functions and Nature of State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs)

  • The State Public Service Commission (SPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, responsible for recruitment to state services.

Consultative Role of SPSCs

  • As per Article 320 (3) (e) of the Constitution, the SPSC is consulted on all claims for injury pensions and any awards in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving under the Government of the State. This ensures fairness and impartiality in such assessments.

Historical Context: Travancore Public Service Commission

  • The Travancore Public Service Commission was one of the earliest Public Service Commissions established in princely states in India.

  • It was constituted on 30 October 1936 by the Maharaja of Travancore.

  • G.D. Nokes served as its first Commissioner. This marked a significant step towards a merit-based system for public appointments in the region.

  • The Travancore PSC later merged with the Cochin PSC to form the Kerala Public Service Commission after the formation of the state of Kerala.

Nature of SPSC Recommendations

  • The primary function of an SPSC is to conduct examinations and interviews for appointments to the services of the State.

  • The selections made by the SPSC are essentially recommendatory in nature. This means that a candidate's selection by the SPSC does not automatically confer an absolute right to the post.

  • The appointing authority retains the power to make the final appointment, though it generally accepts the recommendations of the SPSC. However, the appointing authority can decline to appoint a recommended candidate for valid reasons, which must be communicated to the SPSC.

  • This principle upholds the executive's ultimate authority while maintaining the independence and advisory role of the PS

Related Questions:

Which of the following statements about the State Public Service Commission is/are true?
i. The SPSC advises on claims for reimbursement of legal expenses by civil servants.
ii. The President can remove an SPSC member for engaging in paid employment outside their duties.
iii. The SPSC’s jurisdiction can be extended to public institutions by the Governor.
iv. The Supreme Court’s advice on misbehaviour cases is advisory and not binding on the President.

The constitution describes India as a

What is/are the major feature(s) of Tribunals under Article 323B?

(i) They can be established by both Parliament and State Legislatures for matters like taxation and land reforms.
(ii) They require a hierarchical structure of tribunals.
(iii) They have exclusive jurisdiction over service matters of state government employees.

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Punchhi Commission’s recommendations?
(i) Governors should be given a fixed tenure of five years, and their removal should not be at the Centre’s discretion.
(ii) The Inter-State Council should have a continuing auditing role in matters of concurrent jurisdiction.
(iii) The All-India Services should be abolished to enhance state autonomy.

Consider the following statements with regard to Article 311 of the Constitution of India:

(i) Article 311 imposes restrictions on the arbitrary dismissal of civil servants by requiring a reasonable opportunity for a hearing.
(ii) Article 311 applies to all civil servants, including members of the Defence Forces and secretarial staff of Parliament.
(iii) The restrictions under Article 311 control the exercise of the Doctrine of Pleasure by the President or Governor.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?