UKPSC Chairman Appointment and Constitutional Role under Article 316
Source:governoruk ↗
Why It Matters
State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) are constitutional bodies (Article 315), and the appointment of the SPSC Chairman by the Governor (Article 316) is a key constitutional function. The UKPSC Prelims frequently tests factual knowledge regarding UKPSC leadership (e.g., the first Chairman) and the Governor's appointment powers.
Summary
Lt Gen Gajendra Joshi (Retd) has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC). Following his appointment, he paid a courtesy call on Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) at Lok Bhavan.
Key Points
- Lt Gen Gajendra Joshi (Retd) has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC).
- He paid a courtesy visit to Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) at Lok Bhavan after his appointment.
- The Chairman of a State Public Service Commission is appointed by the Governor of the State under Article 316 of the Indian Constitution.
Important Terms
Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC)
A state-level constitutional body established in 2001 under Article 315, responsible for conducting civil services examinations and managing recruitment for state government departments in Uttarakhand.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance). Relevant for topics covering constitutional bodies, state-level administration, and the civil services.
State Public Service Commission (SPSC)
An independent constitutional body established under Articles 315–323 of the Constitution, tasked with recruiting civil servants and advising state governments on personnel and disciplinary matters.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance). Tests understanding of the role, functions, and constitutional safeguards of state-level recruitment agencies.
Article 315 of the Indian Constitution
A constitutional provision that mandates the establishment of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at the Centre and State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) in each state.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity). Tests knowledge of articles governing constitutional bodies and cooperative federal provisions like joint commissions.
Article 316 of the Indian Constitution
The constitutional article that specifies the rules regarding the appointment, terms of office, and qualification requirements for the chairperson and members of the UPSC and SPSCs.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity). Tests understanding of the executive power of appointment and terms/security of tenure of public service commission members.
Prelims Trap
"The Chairman of a State Public Service Commission is appointed and removed by the Governor of the respective state."
While the Governor appoints the SPSC Chairman, they can only be removed by the President of India (Art 317) after a Supreme Court inquiry. The Governor cannot remove them.
Static Concepts Connected
How do SPSC terms and removal procedures differ from the UPSC?
- Retirement Age: SPSC members retire at 62 years of age, whereas UPSC members retire at 65. Both share a standard 6-year term limit.
- Removal Authority: While the Governor appoints SPSC members, both UPSC and SPSC members are removed strictly by the President of India.
- Further Employment: An SPSC Chairman can become a UPSC Chairman/member or another SPSC Chairman, but cannot be reappointed to the same SPSC.
- Commission Strength: The strength of the UPSC is determined by the President, while the strength of an SPSC is determined by the Governor.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Military Veterans in Constitutional Roles
Highlights the recurring practice of utilizing retired military leadership for state administrative and constitutional bodies, bridging defence experience with civilian governance and administrative neutrality.
State Reorganisation & Constitutional Bodies
UKPSC's origin ties to the UP Reorganisation Act 2000. UPSC often links Article 3 state-creation with the subsequent mandate to establish distinct constitutional bodies like SPSCs (Art 315).
Expect a 2026 multi-statement Prelims question exploiting the mismatch between SPSC appointment (Governor) and removal (President).
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2016UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Who was the first Chairman of Uttarakhand Public Service Commission?
- 2016UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
According to which Article of Constitution of India, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor of a State?
