Question

With reference to a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC), which statement is correct?

1. The President determines the number of members and their conditions of service.

2. A JSPSC submits its annual report directly to the Parliament.

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 only

Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC)

• A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) is a statutory body, not a constitutional body established directly by the Constitution.
• It is created by an Act of Parliament at the request of the legislatures of two or more states. This provision is enabled under Article 315(2) of the Indian Constitution.

Appointment and Conditions of Service

• The Chairman and members of a JSPSC are appointed by the President of India.
• The number of members and their conditions of service (including salary, allowances, and other privileges) are also determined by the President of India. This is a key difference compared to a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), where the Governor determines the conditions of service.
• They hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.

Removal of Members

• The Chairman and members of a JSPSC can only be removed by the President of India.
• The grounds and procedure for their removal are the same as those for the Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• Grounds for removal include proved misbehaviour or incapacity, which requires an inquiry by the Supreme Court.

Functions and Reporting

• A JSPSC conducts examinations for appointments to the services of the concerned states and advises them on various service matters.
• It submits its annual performance report to the Governors of each of the concerned states.
• Each Governor then presents the report before the state legislature of their respective state.
• It is crucial to note that a JSPSC does not submit its report directly to the Parliament. This distinguishes it from the UPSC, which submits its report to the President, who then places it before Parliament.
• The expenses of a JSPSC are borne by the Consolidated Fund of the respective states.