Question

Which of the following statements about the State Public Service Commission is/are true?
i. The SPSC is not consulted on matters related to cadre management or training.
ii. The Joint State PSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315.
iii. The first chairman of the Kerala PSC was V.K. Velayudhan.
iv. The expenses of the SPSC are subject to the vote of the state legislature.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i and iii

State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

• The State Public Service Commission (SPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.

• Its primary role is to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the State and to advise the Governor on various matters related to state civil services.

Analysis of Statement i: The SPSC is not consulted on matters related to cadre management or training.

• This statement is True.

• Article 320 of the Constitution outlines the functions of Public Service Commissions (PSCs). These functions primarily include conducting examinations, advising on appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters.

• Matters such as detailed cadre management (e.g., cadre review, restructuring, determination of cadre strength) and the specifics of training programs for civil servants are generally administrative functions falling under the purview of the state government's personnel department, not requiring mandatory consultation with the SPSC. The SPSC's role is more focused on the recruitment and disciplinary aspects.

Analysis of Statement ii: The Joint State PSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315.

• This statement is False.

• While Article 315 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) for two or more states, it is not directly established *under* Article 315 in the same manner as the UPSC or an SPSC.

• A JSPSC is created by an Act of Parliament at the request of the state legislatures concerned. This means it is a statutory body deriving its authority from a parliamentary law, even though its possibility is mentioned in the Constitution.

• For example, if the legislatures of two states pass resolutions to that effect, Parliament can enact a law to establish a JSPSC.

Analysis of Statement iii: The first chairman of the Kerala PSC was V.K. Velayudhan.

• This statement is True.

• V.K. Velayudhan holds the distinction of being the first Chairman of the Kerala Public Service Commission.

• The Kerala Public Service Commission was formed in 1956, the year of the reorganization of states and the formation of Kerala State.

Analysis of Statement iv: The expenses of the SPSC are subject to the vote of the state legislature.

• This statement is False.

• According to Article 322 of the Constitution, the expenses of a State Public Service Commission, including salaries, allowances, and pensions of its members and staff, are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.