Part XIV of the Constitution of India: Services Under the Union and States

Part XIV of the Constitution of India lays down the framework for the creation, regulation, and management of civil services under both the Union and the States. It spans from Articles 308 to 323, focusing on the structure and functioning of the various Public Service Commissions that are responsible for recruiting and managing civil servants across the nation.

Key Provisions of Part XIV

• Article 308: This article defines the term “State” and the scope of applicability of Part XIV to civil services, which includes Union and State services.
• Articles 309 to 311: These articles deal with the recruitment and conditions of service for individuals appointed to Union and State civil services. They empower the Parliament and state legislatures to regulate such appointments and conditions.
• Article 312: This allows for the creation of All India Services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), which function under both the Union and the State governments.
• Articles 315 to 323: These articles provide for the establishment and functioning of the Public Service Commissions, both at the Union level (UPSC) and State levels. The commissions play a crucial role in ensuring a merit-based recruitment process for public services.
  • Article 315: Provides for a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the Union and a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) for each state.
  • Article 316: Discusses the appointment and term of office for members of the Public Service Commissions.
  • Article 317: Deals with the removal and suspension of members of the commissions.
  • Article 318: Empowers the Union and State governments to determine the conditions of service for commission members.
  • Article 319: Places restrictions on future employment of commission members post-retirement.
  • Article 320: Describes the duties and functions of the commissions, including conducting examinations and advising on service matters.
  • Article 321: Allows the Parliament and State Legislatures to extend the functions of the Public Service Commissions.
  • Article 322: Discusses the expenses related to the commissions.
  • Article 323: Provides for reporting by the Public Service Commissions on their performance.

Significance of Part XIV

Part XIV of the Constitution ensures that civil services in India operate independently and maintain their integrity through a merit-based selection process. The establishment of Public Service Commissions ensures transparency, accountability, and autonomy in the recruitment and management of civil servants. This is crucial for the functioning of a robust and impartial administrative system in the country.

See Also:

• Articles 308 to 323 for the full text of the provisions under Part XIV.