• SPSCs are independent constitutional bodies established under Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution of India.
• Modeled on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit for state services and advise the state government on personnel matters.
• Proposed under the Government of India Act (GoI), 1919, and formally established through the GoI Act, 1935, after the ‘Lee Commission (1924)’ recommendations.
• Serve as the central recruiting agency for the state, distinct from the Department of Personnel or General Administration Department.

Note: Recommendations made by SPSCs are advisory, and the government has discretion to accept or reject them, subject to accountability to the Legislature.

• Composed of a Chairman and other members appointed by the Governor of the state.
• At least 50% of the members must have held a government post (Central or State) for at least 10 years.
• Members hold office for 6 years or until they attain the age of 62, whichever is earlier.
• The Governor has discretionary power over composition, service conditions, and temporary appointments of acting Chairpersons during vacancies.
• Members can resign by addressing the resignation to the Governor.
• Removal is initiated by the President for grounds like insolvency, paid employment, infirmity, or misbehavior, following a Supreme Court inquiry.

• Recruitment and Appointments: Conducts exams for appointments to state civil services and posts.
• Advisory Role: Provides guidance on recruitment methods, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters.
• Judicial Appointments: Consulted, along with the State High Court, on rules for appointments to the state judiciary (excluding district judges).
• Annual Reporting: Submits a performance report to the Governor, who presents it to the State Legislature with explanations for non-acceptance of advice.
• Disciplinary Action: Consulted by the government in cases involving disciplinary measures for civil servants, alongside the State Vigilance Commission.

• Tenure Protection: Members can only be removed for constitutionally specified reasons.
• Financial Independence: Expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State, requiring no legislative vote.

Post-Tenure Appointments:

• Chairpersons can be appointed as Chairman or members of UPSC or another SPSC but not in other government roles.

• Members can be appointed as Chairperson or members of UPSC or another SPSC but not to other government roles.

PYQ:

[2015] Consider the following statements:

1. The Executive Power of the union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.

2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2