Public services, also called Civil Services or Government Services, are crucial for making the government’s plans happen. They’re like the tools the government uses to get things done and are important for a modern country to work well.
Evolution of the Civil Services in India
- The Civil Services in India have a history that began with Lord Warren Hastings and Lord Cornwallis. Hastings laid the foundation, and Cornwallis made important changes to modernize it. Cornwallis is even called the Father of Civil Service in India.
- In 1793, Lord Cornwallis organized Civil Services into Covenanted Civil Services (Higher) and Uncovenanted Civil Services (Lower). Sadly, Indians were mostly not allowed to join the higher services, and only lower positions were open to them.
- Lord Wellesley also tried to improve things by setting up a college to train Civil Servants in India. This was a three-year training before they started their jobs. In 1854, Lord Macaulay’s Committee suggested having exams for recruiting people into the Civil Service.
- The first competitive exam occurred in 1855 but happened in London. This made it hard for Indians to join because of obstacles like a low entry age, exams being held only in London, and the high cost of living there.
- In 1864, Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to qualify for the Covenanted Civil Services.
- In 1870, the British Parliament passed a law that allowed any Indian with proven merit and ability to be appointed to Civil Services without following the rules of the 1861 Act, which had reserved certain appointments for the Covenanted Service.
- Later on, different committees like the Aitchison Committee, Islington Committee, Lee Committee, etc., suggested increasing the number of Indians in Civil Services.
- The Government of India Act in 1919 (later supported by the Lee Commission) led to the creation of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926.
- In 1937, this commission was replaced by the Federal Public Service Commission, which eventually became the Union Public Service Commission on January 26, 1950.
Classification of Indian Civil Services
- The Indian Constitution’s Part XIV outlines different types of civil services in India, which are divided into three categories:
All India Services:
- These services are common to both the Central Government and State Governments.
- People for All India Services are trained and recruited by the Central Government but work in different states.
- They follow the rules and conditions set by the respective states they serve, except for disciplinary actions, which can only be taken by the President of India.
- They may also work for the Central Government temporarily, returning to their states after a fixed period.
Central Services:
- Civil Services of the Union are grouped into four categories.
- Class I (Group A): Includes services like Indian Foreign Services, Indian Audit and Accounts Services, Indian Statistical Service, Indian Economic Service, Indian Railway Service, Central Health Service, etc.
- Class II (Group B): Includes services like Central Secretariat Service, Geographical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, etc.
- Class III (Group C): Includes services like Post and Telegraph Accounts Service, Central Secretariat Clerical Service, etc.
- Class IV (Group D): Includes roles like peons, sweepers, gardeners, etc.
State Civil Services
- State Civil Services are exclusive to the State Government and mainly handle state-specific matters. State Legislatures create laws for recruiting individuals into these services.
- To join state services, people go through a competitive exam, similar to the one conducted by UPSC. Many IAS and IPS officers hold positions in various State Government departments like education, police, tourism, judiciary, medical services, and more.
- Article 311 provides important protections for those appointed to Civil Services. Two key safeguards are:
- No one from All India Services or State Civil Service can be dismissed or removed by an authority lower than the one that appointed them.
- Before any dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank, there must be an inquiry. The person should be informed of the charges against them and given a fair chance to respond.
Articles Related to Civil Services (Central/State)
Public Services
- Article 308: Deals with the interpretation of the term “Public Services.”
- Article 309: Covers the recruitment and conditions of service for individuals serving the Union or a State.
- Article 310: Relates to the tenure of office for individuals in Public Services.
- Article 311: Provides safeguards for individuals in Civil Services regarding dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank.
- Article 312: Grants the power to Parliament to modify or revoke the conditions of service for officers.
- Article 312A: Not explicitly mentioned. It might be a mistake or an addition after my last training cut-off.
- Article 313: Addresses transitional provisions.
- Article 314: Offers protection for existing officers.
Public Service Commission
- Article 315: Establishes Public Service Commissions for the Union and States.
- Article 316: Discusses the appointment and terms of office for members of Public Service Commissions.
- Article 317: Covers the removal and suspension of a member of the Public Service Commission.
- Article 318: Deals with regulations regarding the conditions of service for commission members.
- Article 319: Prohibits commission members from holding other offices.
- Article 320: Outlines the functions of Public Service Commissions.
- Article 321: Relates to the power to extend the functions of Public Service Commissions.
- Article 322: Addresses the expenses of Public Service Commissions.
- Article 323: Concerns reports submitted by Public Service Commissions.
Union Public Service Commission
- The UPSC is like a big hiring agency for the whole country. It’s special because it’s created directly by the Constitution and works independently.
- Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution of India explain how there should be a Public Service Commission for the whole country (Union) and one for each State.
Now, let’s look at what the Union Public Service Commission does:
- It’s in charge of recruiting people for various important jobs in the government.
- It’s mentioned in Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution. These articles explain the rules and details about how these commissions should work.
- In simple terms, the UPSC is a crucial part of the government’s hiring process, making sure the right people get the right jobs.
Appointment and Term of Office of Members
- The President appoints the Chairman and other members of the Union Public Service Commission or a Joint Commission, as stated in Article 316(1).
- The Constitution doesn’t decide how many people should be in the commission; the President decides that. The President appoints 9 to 11 members and sets their work conditions under Article 318.
- According to Article 316(2), members of the commission work for six years or until they turn 65 (whichever comes first). They can choose to resign at any time by telling the President.
- In certain situations, the President can appoint one of the UPSC members as a temporary Chairman:
- When the Chairman’s job is empty.
- If the Chairman can’t do their duties.
Qualifications
- The Constitution doesn’t list specific qualifications for members and the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission.
- It does say that at least half of the members of every Public Service Commission should have worked for at least 10 years under the Government of India or a State Government.
Now, about removal:
- The President can only remove the Chairman or any member of the UPSC by order.
- According to Article 317, they can be removed for misbehavior, but the Supreme Court needs to investigate first.
- The President has to follow the advice given by the Supreme Court in this matter.
- Removal can happen if someone is declared insolvent, takes up paid work outside their job during their term, or if the President thinks they can’t continue due to mental or physical health issues.
Independence of Union Public Service Commission
- Members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) have job security according to Article 319. They can only be removed from office for reasons mentioned in the Constitution.
- The Chairman of the UPSC cannot take up any other job in the Government of India or a State government after their term.
- A UPSC member, other than the Chairman, can become the Chairman of the UPSC or the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission, but they can’t take any other government job.
- The expenses for UPSC members, including their salaries, allowances, and pensions, are not decided by a Vote in Parliament.
Functions
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has specific roles according to the constitution:
- Conduct exams for hiring people for government services at the Union and State levels.
- Provide advice when asked by the President, on various matters related to government services.
- Take on additional tasks related to Union, State, or local government services, as defined by laws passed by Parliament or State Legislatures.
- Submit an annual report to the President about their work.
- Assist two or more states in creating joint recruitment schemes if requested.
- Help a State, if requested by the Governor, with the approval of the President.
- The UPSC is also consulted on certain matters under Article 320(3):
- Recruitment methods and principles for Civil Services and Posts.
- Criteria for appointments, promotions, transfers, and the suitability of candidates for these roles.
- Disciplinary matters concerning individuals serving under the Government of India or a State government.
- Comparing UPSC and CVC (Central Vigilance Commission):
- The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was created in 1964 based on the advice of the Santhanam Committee. This new commission impacted the role of the UPSC in handling disciplinary matters.
- Both the UPSC and CVC are asked for advice by the government when it comes to disciplining civil servants. The issue arises when these two bodies give conflicting advice. However, the UPSC, being an independent Constitutional Body, has an advantage over the CVC, which gained statutory status in October 2003.
Limitations
The UPSC has some limitations. It doesn’t have authority over certain issues:
- The recommendations made by the UPSC are not mandatory for the government to follow.
- When making job reservations for backward classes, the government is not bound by UPSC recommendations.
- Similarly, when considering appointments for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the government is not obligated to follow UPSC suggestions.
- The President has the power to exclude specific jobs, services, or matters from the jurisdiction of the UPSC.
In simpler terms, the UPSC’s recommendations are not always followed, especially in matters related to reservations and specific presidential exclusions.
State Public Service Commission
Provisions of State Public Service Commission are as described below:
Appointment and Term of Office
- The Governor of the State appoints the Chairman and other members of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) under Article 316(1).
- The Constitution doesn’t set the number of members for the commission; the Governor decides that. The Governor also has the power to determine their working conditions under Article 318. The Chairman and Members of the commission serve for six years or until they turn 62, and they can resign by writing to the Governor.
- In certain situations, a temporary Chairman can be appointed by the Governor, either when the Chairman’s position is empty or if the Chairman is unable to carry out their duties.
- As for qualifications, the Constitution doesn’t specify any particular requirements for Members and the Chairman. It states that at least half of the members of every Public Service Commission should be individuals who have worked for at least 10 years under the Government of India or a State government.
Removal
- According to Article 317(1), only the President has the authority to remove the Chairman or any member of the Public Service Commission. They can be removed if they behave improperly, and this decision is based on an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
- Under Article 317(3), the Constitution states that the advice given by the Supreme Court in this matter must be followed by the President.
- Conditions for removal include:
- Being declared insolvent.
- Taking up paid employment outside their official duties during their term.
- Being deemed unfit to continue in office due to mental or physical reasons, as per the President’s opinion.
- As per Article 317(4), if the Chairman or any member of the Public Service Commission is involved or interested in any government contract or agreement, they are considered to be guilty of improper behavior.
Independence of State Public Service Commission:
- As per Article 319, members of the State Public Service Commission have job security. They can only be removed from office for reasons specified in the Constitution.
- The Chairman of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) is eligible for appointment as the Chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission or as the Chairman of another State Public Service Commission. However, they cannot take any other government job either under the Government of India or a State government.
- Similarly, a member (other than the Chairman) of an SPSC is eligible for appointment as the Chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission or as the Chairman of another State Public Service Commission. But, like the Chairman, they cannot take any other government job.
- According to Article 329, the entire expenses, including salaries, allowances, and pensions of the members of the State Public Service Commission, are not subject to a vote in the State Legislature.
Functions
State Public Service Commission Responsibilities:
- According to Article 320, the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) conducts exams for hiring people for state services. They also provide advice on matters referred to them by the Governor and any other issues.
- The powers and functions of the SPSC are similar to those of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
- Under Article 329, the SPSC must submit an annual report to the Governor, detailing the work they have done throughout the year.
Limitations
The SPSC has certain limitations:
- The recommendations made by the commission are not mandatory for the government to follow.
- When making reservations for appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens, and when considering the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for appointments, the government is not bound by SPSC recommendations.
- The Governor has the authority to exclude specific posts, services, and matters from the jurisdiction of the SPSC.
Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC)
- It’s a special body formed under Article 315 but is not a part of the constitution. When Haryana was created from Punjab in 1966, both states briefly had a JSPSC.
- The President appoints the Chairman and members of a JSPSC for a term of six years or until they turn 62, whichever comes earlier. The President can remove or suspend them, and they can also resign at any time. The President decides the number of members and their working conditions.
- A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) submits an annual report on its performance to the Governors of the respective states. This report is then presented by the Governor to the State Legislature. If a state needs assistance, the UPSC can help upon the State Governor’s request and with the President’s approval.
- In 1926, under the Government of India Act of 1919, a Central Public Service Commission was established for recruiting civil servants.
- The Government of India Act of 1935 allowed the creation of not only a Federal Public Service Commission but also Provincial Public Service Commissions and Joint Public Service Commissions for two or more provinces.
Democracy in India
- Democracy means that the people choose their leaders. The Civil Services are like the permanent staff, and they are part of the government. On the other hand, ministers, who are temporary leaders, are selected by the people and can be chosen again through elections.
- In simple words, democracy is a government where the people have a say in who leads them. It’s about using all the resources—physical, economic, and spiritual—for the benefit of everyone.
- To keep democracy safe, people need to be independent, have self-respect, and feel united. They should pick representatives who are honest and trustworthy. That’s what helps make democracy work well for everyone.
- In Modern democracy, there are three important parts: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary.
- Democracy in India makes sure the government does its job for the people and stops a single party from having too much power.
- In a democracy, we can use plans to solve problems and disagreements, like how India protects minorities and oppressed groups.
- Simply put, democracy pays attention to what the people want more than other types of government.
Types of Democracy
- In India, there are two types of democracy:
Direct Democracy
- In direct democracy, people pick their leaders directly without using representatives or intermediaries. In this type, the public votes directly on laws and policies. It’s considered the purest form of democracy but can be tough to make work. To make it function well, a lot of people need to participate.
Indirect or Representative Democracy
- In a representative democracy, people choose representatives to make decisions for them. These representatives are usually picked through voting. They represent the people in politics and consider their opinions when making decisions.
Prelims Facts
- The President appoints members of the UPSC. (Manipur PSC (Pre) 2010)
- The Chairman of the UPSC serves for 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. (MPSC (Pre) 2013)
- Article 317 of the Constitution allows for the removal of a member of the Public Service Commission. (CGPSC (Pre) 2011)
- The UPSC submits its annual report to the President. (UPPSC (Pre) 2013)
- Parliament can place the personnel system of local authorities, corporate bodies, or public institutions under the jurisdiction of the UPSC. (MPPSC (Pre) 2017)
- The Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS) are part of the All India Service. (MPPSC (Pre) 2012)
- The committee on recruitment policy and selection methods was chaired by DS Kothari in 1974. (MPPSC (Pre) 2014)
- Article 309 deals with the rules for hiring and working conditions of people serving the Union or a State. (MPPSC (Pre) 2015)
- The Governor appoints members of the State Public Service Commission. (UPPSC (Pre) 2022)
- The President of India appoints the Chairman of a Joint Public Service Commission for 2 or more states. (RAS/RTS (Pre) 2016)
- The Parliament of India can create a Joint State Public Service Commission. (MPPSC (Pre) 2012, UPPSC (Pre) 2022)
- Members of the State Public Service Commission can be removed by the President after an inquiry by the Supreme Court. (UPPSC (Pre) 2019)
- The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission’s expenses are paid from the Consolidated Fund of the State. (UPPSC (Pre) 2010)
- The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission can be removed by the President based on the recommendation of the Supreme Court. (MPSC (Pre) 2013)
- Rajasthan Public Service Commission submits its yearly report to the Governor of Rajasthan. (RAS/RTS (Pre) 2021)
UPSC NCERT Practice Questions
1. The Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission holds office for a period of MPSC (Pre) 2013
(a) 6 years.
(b) during the pleasure of the President.
(c) for 6 years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
(d) for 5 years, or till the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.
2. Which Article of the Constitution has provision for removal of member of Public Service Commission? CGPSC (Pre) 2011
(a) 315
(c) 317
(b) 316
(d) 318
3. Which of the following statements is/are correct? MPSC (Pre) 2017
1. Articles from 308 to 314 in Part XIV of the Constitution contain provisions with regard to Central Services and State Services.
2. Article 311 provides safeguards of Civil Servants with regard to tenure of office.
Codes
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Which among the following are included in the All India Services? MPSC (Pre) 2012
1. Indian Administrative Service
2. Indian Police Service
3. Indian Foreign Service
4. Indian Forest Service
Select the correct option by using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) All of the above
5. Who appoints the members of the State Public Service Commission? UPPSC (Pre) 2022
(a) President
(b) Governor
(c) Chairman, Union Public Service Commission
(d) Chairman, state public service commission
6. Match list I with last II and select the correct answers by using the codes given below
Codes
| List I (Article) | Explanation |
| A. 309 | Recruitment and service conditions of the Central Services |
| B. 311 | Claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes |
| C. 323 (A) | Dismissal and removal of a member of the All India Services and Central Services |
| D. 335 | Setting up an Administrative Tribunal |
Codes
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 2 4 1 3
7. Member of State Public Service Commission can be removed UPPSC (Pre) 2019
(a) by the Governor on the ground of impeachment in the Legislative Assembly.
(b) by the Governor after the inquiry of the Supreme Court.
(c) by the President after the inquiry of the Supreme Court.
(d) by the Governor after the inquiry of the High Court.
8. In which of the following matters, the State Public Service Commission is not consulted? RAS/RTS (Pre) 2013
(a) On the method of recruitment of Civil Services.
(b) On the principles to be followed in making appointments to Civil Services.
(c) On the principles of the followed in making promotions in Civil Services and transfers from one service to another.
(d) On making transfers of Civil Servants.
9. Which of the following Articles empowers the Governor to appoint the Chairman and other members of a State Public Service Commission?
(a) Article 314
(c) Article 316
(b) Article 315
(D) Article 317
Know Right Answer
1.(c)
2.(c)
3.(c)
4.(c)
5.(b)
6.(b)
7.(c)
8.(d)
9.(c)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the significance of studying Public Services in India for UPSC preparation?
A1: Understanding Public Services in India is crucial for UPSC preparation as it forms a substantial portion of the Indian Polity syllabus. It encompasses the structure, functions, and challenges faced by various public services such as the civil services, police, and administrative bodies. This knowledge is vital for aspirants to comprehend the functioning of the government, governance issues, and the role of public servants in shaping policies and implementing them.
Q2: How do NCERT notes on Indian Polity help in preparing for UPSC exams with a focus on Public Services?
A2: NCERT notes on Indian Polity serve as a foundational resource for UPSC preparation, especially in the context of Public Services. These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the constitutional framework, the distribution of powers, and the roles and responsibilities of public services in India. They help aspirants build a strong conceptual foundation, ensuring a clear understanding of the political and administrative aspects relevant to the examination.
Q3: What are some key topics related to Public Services in India covered in UPSC NCERT notes?
A3: UPSC NCERT notes on Indian Polity cover several key topics related to Public Services in India, including:
a. Civil Services in India: Understanding the structure and functions of civil services like the IAS, IPS, and IFS. b. Constitutional Provisions: Examining the constitutional provisions related to public services, including the appointment, removal, and functions of public servants. c. Administrative Reforms: Exploring the challenges faced by public services and the initiatives taken for administrative reforms in the country. d. Accountability and Transparency: Analyzing the importance of accountability and transparency in public services and the mechanisms in place to ensure them.
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