Part XIV & XIVA - Services and Tribunals • Article

Article 322 Simplified: Expenses of Public Service Commissions

Article 322 (Expenses of Public Service Commissions) governs the administrative framework of the courts, including the appointment of officers, servants, expenses of the court, or subordinate courts. It ensures the judiciary maintains control over its own staff to keep the administration separate from government pressure.

Official Text

The expenses of the Union or a State Public Service Commission, including any salaries, allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of the members or staff of the Commission, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or, as the case may be, the Consolidated Fund of the State.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule ensures the exam boards have their own money. Their salaries and office costs are paid directly from the country's or state's main piggy bank (Consolidated Fund) without needing politicians to vote on it every year.

Student Mode

Secures the financial independence of PSCs. All expenses, including salaries, allowances, and pensions of members and staff, are declared as 'charged' expenditure on the Consolidated Fund of India (for UPSC) or the Consolidated Fund of the State (for State PSCs), making them non-votable in legislatures.

Example

When public money is collected, shared, audited, or spent, Article 322 explains the constitutional rule behind expenses of public service commissions.

Key Takeaway

Article 322 anchors expenses of public service commissions within India's constitutional system.

FAQs

What does it mean that PSC expenses are 'charged' on the Consolidated Fund?

Expenses 'charged' on the Consolidated Fund do not require an annual vote of approval by the Parliament or State Legislature. This ensures that the government of the day cannot pressure the PSC by threatening to cut its budget or withhold salaries.

Are the pensions of UPSC members and staff paid from the Consolidated Fund of India?

Yes, under Article 322, the salaries, allowances, and pensions payable to or in respect of the members and staff of the Union Commission are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

Quiz

The expenses of the Union Public Service Commission are charged on:

Answer: The Consolidated Fund of India

Why are the expenses of the Public Service Commissions made 'charged' expenditure?

Answer: To ensure financial independence from political interference