Current Affairs/Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Act, 1985

Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Act, 1985

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Act, 1985 is the primary legislation governing the constitution, powers, functions, and procedures of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). Enacted to provide a statutory framework for the functioning of the Commission, the Act supplements the provisions of Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution of India, which deal with Public Service Commissions at the Union and State levels.

Key Features of the UPPSC Act, 1985

1. Establishment & Composition

   • Constitutes the UPPSC as the state’s constitutional recruitment body.

   • Provides for a Chairperson and a prescribed number of Members, appointed by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

2. Functions of the Commission

   • Conduct recruitment examinations for appointments to the services of the state.

   • Advise the government on:

     • Methods of recruitment.

     • Principles to be followed in making appointments, promotions, and transfers.

     • Disciplinary matters affecting persons serving under the state government.

3. Regulation of Procedures (Section 10 – the one being amended in 2025)

   • Empowers the Commission to frame and regulate its own procedure for conducting examinations, interviews, and related processes.

   • Specifies responsibilities of paper setters, exam controllers, and other stakeholders in the recruitment process.

4. Safeguards Against Irregularities

   • Prescribes confidentiality in question paper preparation, printing, and distribution.

   • Includes provisions for maintaining integrity in the evaluation process.

5. Reporting to the Government

   • Requires the Commission to submit an annual report of its work to the Governor, which is then laid before the State Legislature.

6. Rule-making Power

   • Authorises the state government to make rules to carry out the purposes of the Act, in consultation with the Commission.

Importance:
The UPPSC Act, 1985 ensures independent, fair, and transparent recruitment for state public services, aligning with constitutional mandates while allowing the state to adapt procedures to changing needs—such as the 2025 amendment to curb paper leaks.