Rajasthan Public Service Commission: An Overview of Its Role and Functions

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) is a constitutional body that conducts recruitment exams for various posts in the state government and advises the state government on matters related to civil services. The RPSC was established in 1949, after the merger of the former princely states of Rajasthan. The RPSC is headquartered in Ajmer, and has a chairman and six members appointed by the governor of Rajasthan. The RPSC aims to select the best candidates for the public service, and to uphold the values of merit, integrity, and impartiality.

History

The RPSC traces its origin to the former Rajputana Public Service Commission, which was set up in 1923 by the British government to recruit civil servants for the princely states of Rajputana. After the independence of India in 1947, the princely states of Rajputana were integrated into the United State of Rajasthan, which was formed on 25 March 1948. The United State of Rajasthan was renamed as Rajasthan on 26 January 1950, and became a part of the Indian Union. The RPSC was established on 16 August 1949, under the provisions of the Constitution of India. The first chairman of the RPSC was Sir S.K. Ghosh, a former chief justice of the Rajasthan High Court. The first exam conducted by the RPSC was the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) exam in 1951.

Composition

The RPSC consists of a chairman and six members, who are appointed by the governor of Rajasthan for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier. The chairman and the members of the RPSC are selected from among the persons who have held office for at least ten years either under the government of India or the government of a state, or have knowledge and experience in matters relating to civil services. The chairman and the members of the RPSC are eligible for reappointment for another term, subject to the same conditions. The chairman and the members of the RPSC hold office in accordance with the conditions of service prescribed by the governor of Rajasthan. The governor of Rajasthan can remove the chairman or any member of the RPSC from office on the grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity, after an inquiry by the Supreme Court of India.

Powers and Functions

The RPSC has the following powers and functions, as per the Constitution of India and the Rajasthan Public Service Commission Rules, 1963:

• To conduct examinations for the appointment to the services of the state of Rajasthan, such as the Rajasthan Administrative Service, the Rajasthan Police Service, the Rajasthan Judicial Service, the Rajasthan Forest Service, the Rajasthan Engineering Service, and other allied services.
• To advise the state government on all matters relating to the methods of recruitment, the principles to be followed in making appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions, and the suitability of candidates for such appointments, promotions, or transfers.
• To advise the state government on any matter referred to it by the governor of Rajasthan, such as the creation or abolition of posts, the framing or amendment of rules, the reservation of posts, and the grant of concessions.
• To exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the governor of Rajasthan, or as may be required by the Constitution of India or any law made by the Parliament or the state legislature.

Achievements

The RPSC has achieved several milestones and accolades in its journey of more than seven decades. Some of the notable achievements of the RPSC are:

• The RPSC has conducted more than 3000 exams and selected more than 1.5 lakh candidates for various posts in the state government, since its inception.
• The RPSC has introduced several reforms and innovations in its examination system, such as online application, online fee payment, online admit card, online answer key, online objection, online result, online mark sheet, online certificate verification, and online counselling.
• The RPSC has adopted the best practices and standards of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its functioning, and has received several awards and recognitions, such as the ISO 9001:2008 certification, the National e-Governance Award, the Rajasthan e-Governance Award, and the SKOCH Award.
• The RPSC has contributed to the development and welfare of the state of Rajasthan, by providing a pool of talented and dedicated civil servants, who have served the state and the nation with utmost sincerity and devotion.

Conclusion

The RPSC is a vital organ of the state of Rajasthan, which plays a crucial role in the recruitment and regulation of the civil services. The RPSC has a rich history, a robust composition, a wide range of powers and functions, and a remarkable record of achievements. The RPSC strives to uphold the constitutional mandate of ensuring a fair and merit-based selection of the public servants, and to serve the state and the nation with excellence and integrity.