Question

Consider the following statements about UPSC :
1. It conducts examinations for appointments to the all-India services, Central services and
public services of the centrally administered territories.
2. It is concerned with the classification of services, pay and service conditions, cadre management, training, and so on.
3. The role of UPSC is limited and recommendations made by it are only of advisory in nature and hence, not binding on the government.

Which of the above functions is/are performed by UPSC ?

• A. a) 1 only
  
• B. b) 1 and 3 only
  
• C. c) 2 and 3 only
  
• D. d) All of the above
  

Answer 1

The correct option is B b) 1 and 3 only


Answer : B
The Constitution visualises the UPSC to be the ‘watch-dog of merit system’ in India. UPSC conducts examinations for appointments to the all-India services, Central services and public services of the centrally administered territories.

It is not concerned with the classification of services, pay and service conditions, cadre management, training, and so on. These matters are handled by the Department of Personnel and Training—one of the three departments of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Therefore, UPSC is only a central recruitingagency while the Department of Personnel and Training is the central personnel agency in India.

The role of UPSC is not only limited, but also recommendations made by it are only of advisory
nature and hence, not binding on the government. It is upto the Union government to accept or reject that advise. The only safeguard is the answerability of the government to the Parliament for departing from the recommendation of the Commission.