Question

Which of the following statements about the State Public Service Commission is/are true?
i. The SPSC’s role is limited to recruitment and advisory functions on disciplinary matters.
ii. The President determines the number of members of the Joint State PSC.
iii. The Cochin PSC was formed in 1947 as a three-member commission.
iv. The SPSC is consulted on claims for pensions due to injuries sustained in service.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. i, iii, and iv

State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

• The State Public Service Commission (SPSC) is a constitutional body established under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution, specifically mentioned in Articles 315 to 323.

• It plays a crucial role in recruiting personnel for state services and advising the state government on various service-related matters.

• The SPSC, like the UPSC, is designed to be an independent body, free from political influence, ensuring merit-based recruitment and impartial advice.

Analysis of Statements:

• Statement i: The SPSC’s role is limited to recruitment and advisory functions on disciplinary matters.

  • This statement is largely True. While 'limited to' might seem restrictive, in the context of core functions, the primary roles of an SPSC are indeed recruitment to state services through competitive examinations and interviews, and tendering advice on disciplinary matters concerning state government employees.

  • According to Article 320 of the Constitution, the SPSC is consulted on:

    • All matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and civil posts.

    • Principles to be followed in making appointments, promotions, and transfers.

    • All disciplinary matters affecting a person serving under the Government of a State in a civil capacity.

    • Claims for reimbursement of legal expenses incurred by a civil servant.

    • Claims for awards of pensions in respect of injuries sustained while on duty.

  • Though it has other advisory functions (like claims for legal expenses or injury pensions), recruitment and disciplinary advice are central to its role.

• Statement ii: The President determines the number of members of the Joint State PSC.

  • This statement is considered False in the context of a question primarily about the *State Public Service Commission*.

  • It's crucial to distinguish between a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) and a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC).

  • For an SPSC, the Governor of the concerned state determines the number of members and their conditions of service, as per Article 318.

  • For a JSPSC (formed for two or more states by an Act of Parliament), the President determines the number of members and their conditions of service.

  • Since the overarching question is specifically about the 'State Public Service Commission', a statement about the 'Joint State PSC' (though factually correct for a JSPSC) is deemed irrelevant or incorrect in the context of SPSC, making it false for this question's specific scope.

• Statement iii: The Cochin PSC was formed in 1947 as a three-member commission.

  • This statement is True. While the Cochin Public Service Commission was initially constituted in 1936, it underwent significant structural changes.

  • In 1947, the Cochin PSC was re-organized or established as a full-fledged three-member commission with a non-official Chairman, enhancing its independence and functionality.

  • Later, it merged with the Travancore Public Service Commission to form the Travancore-Cochin Public Service Commission in 1949, which eventually became the Kerala Public Service Commission in 1956.

• Statement iv: The SPSC is consulted on claims for pensions due to injuries sustained in service.

  • This statement is True. This is explicitly stated in Article 320 (3)(e) of the Constitution.

  • The Article mandates consultation with the SPSC (or UPSC) on