Question

Difficulty: MediumConstitutional Bodies: Election Commission, UPSC, SPSC, CAG, and Finance Commission

Match each Constitutional Authority/Body in List-I with its corresponding Constitutional Provision or Operational Framework in List-II:

  • Comptroller and Auditor General of IndiaCan undertake the audit of accounts of local bodies or non-governmental authorities when requested by the President or Governor.
  • Union Public Service CommissionAll administrative expenses, including salaries and pensions of members, are charged directly on the Consolidated Fund of India and are non-votable.
  • State Public Service CommissionMembers are appointed by the State Governor but can be removed from office only by the President following a Supreme Court inquiry.
  • Finance Commission of IndiaFunctions as a quasi-judicial body whose recommendations on fiscal distribution are advisory in nature and not legally binding.

Answer

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits local bodies upon request by the President or Governor; the Union Public Service Commission has its administrative expenses charged on the Consolidated Fund of India; State Public Service Commission members are appointed by the Governor but removable only by the President; and the Finance Commission provides advisory recommendations on fiscal distribution.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India can audit local bodies or other public authorities on request by the Governor or President under Section 20 of the CAG Act. The Union Public Service Commission's administrative expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India as per Article 322. State Public Service Commission members are appointed by the Governor but can be removed solely by the President under Article 317. The Finance Commission functions as a quasi-judicial body whose recommendations on tax sharing under Article 280 are advisory in nature.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the constitutional provisions governing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Identified that under Article 149 and the CAG (DPC) Act, the CAG can undertake audit of local bodies or authorities upon request of the President or Governor.
The CAG's mandate extends beyond central and state government accounts to local bodies when specifically requested by the executive.
2
Examine the expenditure safeguards of the Union Public Service Commission.
Matched with Article 322, which specifies that expenses of the UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Charging expenses on the Consolidated Fund ensures financial independence from annual parliamentary votes.
3
Determine the appointment and removal mechanism for the State Public Service Commission.
Matched with Article 317, noting appointment is by Governor but removal authority rests strictly with the President.
This dual mechanism provides constitutional security of tenure to state public service commission members.
4
Evaluate the nature of recommendations made by the Finance Commission.
Matched with Article 280, recognizing its role as a quasi-judicial body making advisory recommendations on tax distribution.
The Constitution establishes the Finance Commission as a balancing wheel of fiscal federalism whose recommendations are advisory.

Key Concept

Constitutional provisions, operational safeguards, and statutory functions governing major Constitutional Bodies in India (CAG, UPSC, SPSC, and Finance Commission).
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