Assertion (A): The advice tendered by the SPSC to the state government is not binding.
Reason (R): The SPSC is known as the 'watchdog of the merit system' in the state.
ABoth (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
BBoth (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:
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Read Explanation:
State Public Service Commission (SPSC)
The State Public Service Commission (SPSC) is a constitutional body established under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution, specifically from Article 315 to Article 323.
It plays a crucial role in the recruitment and administration of public services at the state level.
Members of the SPSC, including the Chairman, are appointed by the Governor of the state. However, they can only be removed by the President of India, under specific circumstances and procedures similar to a judge of the Supreme Court. This provision ensures their independence.
The SPSC functions as an independent and impartial body to ensure a merit-based system in public administration.
Assertion (A): The advice tendered by the SPSC to the state government is not binding.
This assertion is True.
According to Article 320 of the Indian Constitution, the SPSC performs various advisory functions concerning matters referred to it by the Governor. These include consultations on recruitment rules, disciplinary matters, promotions, and transfers.
However, the recommendations or advice given by the SPSC to the state government are only advisory in nature. They are not legally binding on the government.
This means that the state government is not constitutionally obligated to accept the SPSC's advice. The government can choose to accept or reject it.
If the state government decides to reject the advice of the SPSC, the reasons for such rejection must be laid before the State Legislature. This ensures transparency and accountability but does not alter the non-binding nature of the advice.
This non-binding characteristic allows the executive to retain ultimate decision-making power, ensuring governmental accountability to the legislature for policy decisions, even if they deviate from the SPSC's recommendations.
Reason (R): The SPSC is known as the 'watchdog of the merit system' in the state.
This reason is also True.
The primary objective of establishing constitutional bodies like the SPSC (and UPSC at the central level) is to ensure the recruitment of suitable and competent candidates for public service based on their merit and ability.
The SPSC conducts competitive examinations, interviews, and other selection processes impartially, thereby safeguarding the principles of merit, efficiency, and fairness in public appointments.
By ensuring that selections are made free from political interference, nepotism, or corruption, the SPSC acts as a guardian or 'watchdog' of the 'merit system' in the state's public administration.
Their role is critical for maintaining high standards of integrity and efficiency in the state's bureaucracy.
Why (R) is not the correct explanation of (A):
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are individually true statements regarding the SPSC.
However, Reason (R) does not explain Assertion (A).
Assertion (A) deals with the legal enforceability of the SPSC's advice (or lack thereof). This stems from the constitutional framework that grants the executive the final say in administrative matters, making SPSC's role advisory to maintain executive discretion and accountability to the legislature.
Reason (R) describes the fundamental role and objective of the SPSC – to uphold merit in public services.
The fact that SPSC is a 'watchdog of the merit system' does not logically lead to or explain why its advice is non-binding. These are two distinct aspects of the SPSC's functioning and constitutional design. The non-binding nature is about the government's power, while the watchdog role is about the SPSC's function.