How Many Members are There in Union Public Service Commission

Introduction

Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) usually contains 9 to 11 members, including the chairman of the UPSC. The current (in 2023) Chairman of the UPSC is Mr Manoj Soni. The headquarter of the UPSC is situated in New Delhi. It is India's major central recruitment agency for the Government of India for the recruitment of the Group "A" officer. UPSC was established on 1 October 1926 as the Public Service Commission, after India's independence, renamed to Union Public Service Commission. UPSC is an independent constitutional body.

Appointment and Tenure of The Members

All the members, including the Chairman, are appointed by the president of India. Usually, the number of members is 9 to 11, but the strength of the commission can be increased or decreased as it is at the discretion of the President of India.

There is no certain qualification to become a member of the UPSC, except that more than 50 per cent of the members of the commission should have held any office for at least 10 years either under the Government of India or the state government.

The President can determine and change the conditions of service of the members.

The members of the commission can hold office for a six-year term or until they attain 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

After the end of tenure, the Chairman of the UPSC can not hold any other office in the government of India or the State, while the other members can either become the chairman of the UPSC or a State Public Service Commission, but not in any other office of the Government of India or any of the States.

Functions of The Union Public Service Commission

(a) UPSC organizes exams for appointments to the all-India services, Central services, and public services of the centrally controlled territories.

(b) Assisting the states in framing and running schemes of joint recruitment for any services.

(c) It serves the needs of a state at the request of the state governor and with the approval of the President.

(d) UPSC can also be conferred on the following matters related to personnel management,

• Matters Concerning Civil Servants and Recruitment Procedures for Civil Servants.

• Principles to be adhered to when making official and post appointments, promotions and transfers from one service to another.

• Applicant's Eligibility for Appointment to Public Officials and Offices. For promotions and transfers from one service to another and for transfers or appointments by proxy. Relevant departments propose promotions and seek approval from UPSC.

• All disciplinary matters affecting persons in civilian status under the Government of India.

Conclusion

The UPSC is accountable for maintaining the meritocracy system and selecting the most deserving candidates for the positions. It organizes the examinations and makes recommendations to the Indian government for recruitment for All India and central services in A and B groups. The government also consults UPSC in matters related to promotion and disciplinary actions. It is essential to recognize the contributions made by the UPSC.