Part XIV & XIVA - Services and Tribunals • Article

Article 321 Simplified: Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions

Article 321 (Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions) governs the Public Service Commissions (like UPSC and State PSCs). It details their setup, appointment of members, functions, expenses, and annual reports, ensuring they remain independent bodies that select candidates based purely on merit.

Official Text

An Act made by Parliament or, as the case may be, the Legislature of a State may provide for the exercise of additional functions by the Union Public Service Commission or the State Public Service Commission as respects the services of the Union or the State and also as respects the services of any local authority or other body corporate constituted by law or of any public institution.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Parliament or State assemblies can pass laws to give the exam boards extra work, like picking workers for city corporations, government electricity boards, or government schools.

Student Mode

Enables the expansion of PSC jurisdiction. By enacting a law, Parliament (for UPSC) or a State Legislature (for State PSC) can assign additional duties regarding the services of local authorities (municipalities/panchayats), statutory corporations, or other public institutions.

Example

When public money is collected, shared, audited, or spent, Article 321 explains the constitutional rule behind power to extend functions of public service commissions.

Key Takeaway

Article 321 anchors power to extend functions of public service commissions within India's constitutional system.

FAQs

Can the UPSC conduct recruitment for municipal corporations or public sector undertakings (PSUs)?

Yes. Under Article 321, Parliament can pass a law extending the functions of the UPSC to cover recruitment and service matters of any local authority, corporate body established by law, or public institution.

How can the functions of a State Public Service Commission be extended?

The Legislature of the State must pass an Act to extend the duties of the State PSC to handle recruitment or other personnel matters for local bodies or state-owned public corporations.

Quiz

Which authority can extend the functions of the Union Public Service Commission?

Answer: The Parliament of India

The functions of a State PSC can be extended to local authorities by:

Answer: An Act of the State Legislature