Context

Educationist Professor Pradeep Kumar Joshi is appointed as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) that conducts the civil services examination to select India’s bureaucrats and diplomats among others.

About

• The Constitution of India provides for four watchdogs to keep a check on different functions of the State.
  • The Supreme Court: SC keeps a check on the judicial functions of the state.
  • The Election Commission of India: ECI ensures free and fair elections.
  • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India: The Comptroller and Auditor General keep in check the finances of the country.
  • The Union Public Service Commission: UPSC is a watchdog to ensure fair recruitment on the basis of merit.
• The Constitution visualises the UPSC to be the ‘watch-dog of merit system’ in India.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 315 to 323 of Part XIV of the Indian Constitutiondeals with provisions relating to the Union Public Service Commission as well as the State Public Service Commission.
  
  

Constitutional Provisions
Article-315	Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States.
Article-316	Appointment and term of office of members
Article-317	Removal and suspension of a member of a Public Service Commission.
Article-318	Power to make regulations as to conditions of service of members and staff of the Commission
Article-319	Prohibition as to the holding of offices by members of Commission on ceasing to be such members
Article-320	Functions of Public Service Commissions
Article-321	Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions
Article-322	Expenses of Public Service Commissions
Article-323	Reports of Public Service Commissions

Functions of the Commissions

• • Under Article 320 of the Constitution of India, the Commission is, inter-alia, required to be consulted on all matters relating to recruitment to civil services and posts. The functions of the Commission under Article 320 of the Constitution are:
    • Conduct examinations for appointment to the services of the Union.
    • Direct recruitment by selection through interviews.
    • Appointment of officers on promotion / deputation / absorption.
    • Framing and amendment of Recruitment Rules for various services and posts under the Government.
    • Disciplinary cases relating to different Civil Services.
    • Advising the Government on any matter referred to the Commission by the President of India.
      
      

Composition of UPSC The Commission consists of a chairman and other members appointed by the President of India. Usually, the Commission consists of 9 to 11 members including the chairman. Every member holds office for a term of six years or until he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.