UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Polity

Introduction
 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is an independent constitutional body and the central recruiting agency for All-India Services and Central Group A and B Services. Articles 315–323 in Part XIV deal with its composition, powers, independence and functions. UPSC operates under the Ministry of Personnel.

Historical Evolution
• Government of India Act, 1919: First proposed a Public Service Commission for India.
• Lee Commission (1924): Recommended creation of Federal Public Service Commission.
• 1926: Federal Public Service Commission established.
• Government of India Act, 1935: Provided for separate Central and State Public Service Commissions.
• After Independence, UPSC became the constitutional body ensuring merit-based recruitment.

Articles Related to UPSC
• Article 315 – Establishment of Public Service Commissions for Union and States.
• Article 316 – Appointment & term of office.
• Article 317 – Removal & suspension of members.
• Article 318 – Service conditions of members and staff.
• Article 319 – Bar on further employment after tenure.
• Article 320 – Functions of UPSC.
• Article 321 – Extension of functions.
• Article 322 – Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India.
• Article 323 – Annual reports to President and Parliament.

Composition
• UPSC consists of a Chairman and members appointed by the President.
• Strength is not fixed; generally 9–11 members including the Chairman.
• 50% of members must have at least 10 years experience in government service.
• Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• Members can resign anytime by writing to the President.
• President may appoint an Acting Chairman when the post becomes vacant or the Chairman is unable to function.

Removal of Members
President may remove a member if:
• Insolvent or bankrupt.
• Engages in paid employment outside office duties.
• Physically or mentally unfit.
• For misbehaviour – but only after Supreme Court inquiry. Supreme Court’s advice is binding.

Independence of UPSC
• Members can be removed only on constitutionally prescribed grounds.
• Service conditions cannot be changed to their disadvantage.
• Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India; no parliamentary vote needed.
• Chairman cannot be re-employed by government.
• Members may join UPSC/State PSC but not the government in any other capacity.

Functions of UPSC
• Conducts examinations for All-India Services and Central Services (Group A & B).
• Assists states in joint recruitment when requested by two or more states.
• Advises government on service matters: recruitment, transfers, promotions, disciplinary issues.
• Annual Report submitted to President and placed before Parliament.
• Recommendations are advisory, not binding. Government must justify deviations before Parliament.

Limitations on UPSC
UPSC is not consulted in:
• Matters related to reservations for Backward Classes.
• SC/ST claims in service appointments.
• Highest diplomatic posts, tribunal posts, and most Group C & D posts.
• Temporary appointments for less than one year.
Supreme Court has held that failure to consult UPSC does not invalidate government action.

Challenges in Civil Services
• Status quo mindset – resistance to change.
• Rule-book bureaucracy – rigid procedures, red tapism.
• Political interference – affects neutrality.
• Preference to generalists rather than specialists.

Reforms Needed
• Lateral Entry – Bringing domain experts for policymaking and improving efficiency.
• Rationalisation of Services – Reducing 60+ services and creating a central talent pool.
• Outsourcing – Reducing administrative burden by outsourcing service delivery.
• Nurturing Specialisation – Officers should develop domain expertise early.
• Compulsory Retirement – For persistent underperformance.
• Incentivisation – Rewards for excellence.
• E-Governance – Strengthen Hota Committee recommendations.
• Strengthen CPGRAMS – Improve grievance redressal speed and transparency.

Lateral Entry
Meaning: Appointment of domain experts from private sector or specialised fields into government roles.
Government seeks experts in areas such as finance, agriculture, transport, climate change, energy, commerce etc.

Need for Lateral Entry
• Brings fresh perspectives and innovation.
• Increases efficiency and competitiveness (NITI Aayog recommendation).
• Addresses complexity of modern governance.
• Fills officer shortage (approx 1500 IAS shortage).
• Provides domain expertise in specialised ministries.

Major Committees on Civil Service Reforms
• A.D. Gorwala Committee (1951): Merit-based recruitment; eliminate patronage.
• A. Ramaswamy Mudaliar Committee (1956): University degree should be minimum qualification.
• D.S. Kothari Committee (1976): Introduced two-stage exam – Prelims & Mains.
• Yoginder Alagh Committee (2001): Recommended common subject instead of optional subjects.
• Yugandhar Committee (2003): Recommended 3 mid-career training programs.
• Hota Committee (2004): Age 21–24 for general entry; concessions for SC/ST/OBC; push for e-governance.
• Khanna Committee (2011): Introduced CSAT pattern in 2010.

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Subject: Polity

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