Article 321 of Indian Constitution empowers Parliament and State Legislatures to assign additional functions to the Union and State Public Service Commissions (PSCs). These functions may relate to services under the Union, States, local authorities or public bodies. This provision enables PSCs to support broader administrative needs through legislative authorisation. Explore in-depth analysis of other Constitutional Articles

Article 321 of Indian Constitution

Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions 

An Act made by Parliament or, as the case may be, the Legislature of a State may provide for the exercise of additional functions by the Union Public Service Commission or the State Public Service Commission as respects the services of the Union or the State and also as respects the services of any local authority or other body corporate constituted by law or of any public institution.

Note: “The information on Article 321 of Indian Constitution provided above has been sourced from the official website, i.e., Indian Code. While the content has been presented here for reference, no modifications have been made to the original laws and orders.”

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Article 321 of Indian Constitution authorises the legislative bodies at both the central and state levels to assign additional responsibilities to the Union and State Public Service Commissions. These functions are not restricted to civil services under the Union or State government but may also include services under local authorities, statutory corporations or public institutions established by law.

Article 321 of Indian Constitution Significance

Article 321 of Indian Constitution under Part XIV holds significant importance in enhancing the operations of the Public Service Commissions. The article makes them more adaptable to the evolving needs of governance. Its provisions have far reaching implications for the efficiency and consistency of public administration.

• Flexible Governance: Article 321 of Constitution enables flexibility in public administration by allowing PSCs to undertake functions that align with evolving governance challenges.
• Wider Administrative Reach: By including local authorities and statutory bodies within its scope, Article 321 of Indian Constitution promotes a uniform approach to recruitment and personnel management across various levels of governance.
• Support for Transparency: The extension of operations under Article 321 of Constitution can help institutionalise transparency beyond just central or state services.

There are no specific landmark judgements that directly interprets Article 321 of Indian Constitution. The purpose of Article 321 of the Constitution is to utilise the expertise and impartial nature of the Public Service Commissions to improve the quality and efficiency of public recruitment and service regulation.

Conclusion

Article 321 of Indian Constitution plays an important role in enhancing flexibility and reach of the Union and State Public Service Commissions by allowing them to take on additional operations. It helps to meet the changing needs of public administration and ensure uniformity & transparency. Although there are no specific landmark judgments directly interpreting Article 321 of Indian Constitution.