🧾 Article 318 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Power to make regulations as to conditions of service of members and staff of the Commission
📘 Purpose:
Article 318 empowers the President (for UPSC/JPSC) and the Governor (for SPSC) to make rules and regulations related to:
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Service conditions of the Chairman and members of the Public Service Commissions
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Appointments and service conditions of staff/employees working in these commissions
🔍 Key Provisions of Article 318:
| Authority | Powers Under Article 318 |
|---|---|
| President | Can make rules for: |
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UPSC members’ service conditions
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JPSC members’ service conditions
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Appointments and conditions of support staff in UPSC/JPSC |
| Governor | Can make rules for: -
SPSC members’ service conditions
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Appointments and service rules for SPSC support staff |
📊 Summary Chart: Article 318
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies To | UPSC, SPSC, JPSC |
| Authority for UPSC & JPSC | President of India |
| Authority for SPSC | Governor of the respective State |
| What Can Be Regulated? | - Salary, leave, tenure, and privileges of members - Staff appointments and service conditions |
| Purpose | Ensures smooth, independent functioning of PSCs |
✅ Example Scenarios:
| Scenario | Action Under Article 318 |
|---|---|
| Setting retirement age or salary of a State PSC Chairman | Governor makes regulation |
| Appointing clerical staff for UPSC | President sets service rules |
| Changing leave entitlement of JPSC staff | President issues regulation |
🧠 Why Article 318 Matters:
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Enables independence and autonomy of Public Service Commissions
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Keeps service rules flexible without needing Parliament or State Legislature
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Ensures the commissions can function efficiently and professionally
Here is a 📊 Combined Chart of Articles 315 to 318 of the Indian Constitution — covering the structure, appointment, removal, and regulation of Public Service Commissions (UPSC, SPSC, JPSC):
🧾 Articles 315 to 318 – Public Service Commissions (PSC)
| Article | Title | Key Focus | Authority Involved | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315 | Public Service Commissions for the Union and States | Establishes UPSC, SPSC, and optionally JPSC (Joint Commission for 2+ states) | Parliament, States, President, Governors | ✅ Active |
| 316 | Appointment and Term of Office of PSC Members | - Appointment of Chairman and Members - Tenure: 6 yrs or age 65 (UPSC) / 62 (SPSC) | President (UPSC/JPSC), Governor (SPSC) | ✅ Active |
| 317 | Removal and Suspension of PSC Members | Allows removal for misbehavior (via SC inquiry) or direct removal for insolvency, misconduct etc. | President / Governor (with SC inquiry in some) | ✅ Active |
| 318 | Power to Regulate Service Conditions of PSCs | Allows President/Governor to set rules for salary, leave, staff appointments, etc. | President (UPSC/JPSC), Governor (SPSC) | ✅ Active |
🧠 Quick Summary Table
| Aspect | Handled By | Relevant Article |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment of PSCs | Parliament / States | 315 |
| Appointment & Term | President / Governor | 316 |
| Removal / Suspension | President / Governor + Supreme Court | 317 |
| Service Rules & Staff Setup | President / Governor | 318 |
✅ Example-Based Application:
| Scenario | Article Applies |
|---|---|
| Creating a PSC in Uttarakhand | Article 315 |
| Appointing UKPSC Chairman | Article 316 |
| Removing UPSC member for corruption (after SC inquiry) | Article 317 |
| Fixing salary & leave for SPSC support staff | Article 318 |
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