Structure:

• Introduction: Mention the role and vision of SPSC as a watchdog of the merit system in the country.
• Body: Explain in detail the Composition and Functions of SPSC. Also explain how the independence of SPSC is maintained.
• Conclusion: You talk about how Constitution has envisages SPSC at state level similar to UPSC at central level.

Content:

Introduction:

The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for the establishment of the Public Service Commission at the Provincial level known as the State Public Service Commission and the constitution of India gave it a constitutional status as autonomous bodies. The State Public Service Commissions were constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India

Body:

Composition State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

A State Public Service Commission (SPSC) comprises of a chairman and other members appointed by the governor of the state. One half of the appointed members of the commission should have held office for at least ten years either under the government of India or under the government of a state. The constitution has not specified the strength of the commission. The governor is empowered to determine the number of members as well as staff of the commission and their conditions of service.

Tenure:

The chairman and members of the SPSC hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier. The members can resign in between the term by addressing their resignation to the governor.

Duties and Functions

The duties and functions of the SPSC are follows:

(i) It conducts examinations for appointments to the services of the state.

(ii) It is consulted on the matters below:

(a) All matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts.

(b) The principles to be followed in making appointments to civil services and posts and in making promotions and transfers from one service to another and on the suitability of candidates for such appointments, promotions or transfers.

(c) All disciplinary matters affecting a person serving under the Government of India in a civil capacity, including memorials or petitions relating to such matters.

(d) Any claim of costs incurred by a civil servant in defending legal proceedings instituted against him in respect of acts done or purporting to be done in the execution of his official duty.

(e) Any claim for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving under the Government of India and any question as to the amount of any such award.

(f)  Any matter related to personnel management.

(g) It presents annually to the governor a report as to the work done by the commission.

Independence

As in the case of UPSC, the Constitution has made the following provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of a SPSC:

• The chairman or a member of a SPSC can be removed from office by the president only in the manner and on the grounds mentioned in the Constitution. Therefore, they enjoy the security of tenure.
• The conditions of service of the chairman or a member, though determined by the governor, cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
• The entire expense including the salaries, allowances and pensions of the chairman and members of a SPSC are charged on the consolidated fund of the state. Thus, they are not subject to vote of the state legislature.
• The chairman of a SPSC (on ceasing to hold office) is eligible for appointment as the chairman or a member of the UPSC or as the chairman of any other SPSC, but not for any other employment under the Government of India or a state.
• A member of a SPSC (on ceasing to hold office) is eligible for appointment as the chairman or a member of the UPSC, or as the chairman of that SPSC or any other SPSC, but not for any other employment under the Government of India or a state.
• The chairman or a member of a SPSC is (after having completed his first term) not eligible for reappointment to that office (that is, not eligible for second term).