🧾 Article 321 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions
📘 Purpose:
Article 321 empowers the Parliament and State Legislatures to assign additional functions to:
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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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State Public Service Commissions (SPSC)
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Joint PSCs, if applicable
These functions can relate to services other than those specified in the Constitution.
🔍 Key Provisions of Article 321:
| Provision | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Parliament may by law | Assign extra functions to UPSC related to services under the Union or States |
| State Legislature may by law | Assign extra functions to SPSC for State services |
| Functions must be defined by law | These additional duties must be authorized through legislation, not executive orders |
| Scope beyond constitutional duties | Extends PSC work to non-constitutional recruitment, e.g., PSUs, boards |
🧠 Why Article 321 Matters:
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Makes PSC work flexible and expandable
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Helps reduce administrative burden on other recruitment bodies
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Ensures merit-based selection in broader government-affiliated roles
📊 Summary Table: Article 321
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who has the power? | Parliament (for UPSC) State Legislature (for SPSC) |
| What is assigned? | Additional functions (non-core duties) |
| How? | Through law only (not by executive order) |
| Applies To | UPSC, SPSC, JPSC |
| Example Uses | Recruitment for statutory bodies, PSUs, or special commissions |
✅ Examples of Article 321 in Practice:
| Scenario | Who Assigns |
|---|---|
| UPSC asked to recruit officers for a new National Education Tribunal | Parliament by law |
| State legislature authorizes SPSC to select staff for a state transport board | State Legislature by law |
Here's tabulated format of Articles 315 to 321 of the Indian Constitution:
📘 Articles 315 to 321 – Public Service Commissions (UPSC, SPSC, JPSC)
| Article | Title | Key Provisions | Authority Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 315 | Public Service Commissions for the Union and States | Establishes UPSC, SPSC, and allows for Joint PSCs for two or more states. | Parliament / State Governments |
| 316 | Appointment and Term of Office | - Appointment by: President (UPSC/JPSC), Governor (SPSC) - Term: 6 years or until 65 years (UPSC) / 62 years (SPSC) | President / Governor |
| 317 | Removal and Suspension of Members | - Removal by President after SC inquiry (in case of misbehavior) - Direct removal for insolvency, paid job, or mental/physical unfitness - Suspension during SC inquiry | President / Governor + Supreme Court |
| 318 | Power to Make Service Rules | President/Governor can regulate service conditions of members and appoint staff to the Commission | President (UPSC) / Governor (SPSC) |
| 319 | Bar on Holding Further Government Office | - Chairman: ❌ Cannot hold any further govt. post - Member: ✅ May become Chairman, ❌ Cannot hold other posts | Constitutional Provision |
| 320 | Functions of Public Service Commissions | Conduct exams and advise on recruitment, promotions, transfers, disciplinary matters, legal costs, and pension claims; exemptions allowed by regulation | UPSC / SPSC / JPSC |
| 321 | Extension of PSC Functions | Parliament or State Legislature can assign additional functions to UPSC/SPSC through law | Parliament / State Legislature |
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