Question

With reference to the State Services, consider the following statements:

1. The officers of State Services are selected by the respective State Public Service Commissions.

2. The Chief Secretary heads the civil service administration in each state.

3. State Services are classified into Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D, similar to Central Services.

4. The All India Services Act, 1951 mandates that at least 50% of senior posts in All India Services be filled by promotion from State Services.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• A. 1, 2, and 3 only
• B. 1 and 2 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2, and 3 only

Understanding State Services in India

• State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs): These are constitutional bodies established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. Their primary function is to conduct examinations for appointments to the state services, ensuring merit-based recruitment.
• Role of SPSCs: Besides recruitment, SPSCs advise the Governor on all matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts, suitability of candidates for appointment, transfer, and promotion, and disciplinary matters.
• Chief Secretary: The Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the state civil service and the state secretariat. They are the principal advisor to the Chief Minister and the cabinet on administrative matters. This position is held by a senior IAS officer.
• Classification of Services: State Services, much like Central Services, are broadly classified into Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D posts.
  • Group A and B posts are typically gazetted, meaning appointments are published in the official gazette.
  • Group C and D posts are generally non-gazetted.
  This classification helps define hierarchy, responsibilities, and pay scales within the state administration.
• All India Services (AIS): The three All India Services are the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS). These services are common to both the Union and the States.
• Recruitment to AIS: Recruitment to the All India Services is primarily done through two methods:
  • Direct Recruitment: Through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This constitutes approximately two-thirds of the posts.
  • Promotion: By promotion of officers from the respective State Civil Services (e.g., State Civil Service officers promoted to IAS, State Police Service officers to IPS). This constitutes approximately one-third of the posts.
  Therefore, the statement that at least 50% of senior posts in All India Services are filled by promotion from State Services is incorrect. The All India Services Act, 1951, and subsequent rules govern these proportions.