The Constitution of India
Article 321
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.
Why this exists
Articles 315-320 set up the Union and State Public Service Commissions mainly to advise on recruitment and discipline for civil servants of the Union and the States. But India also has many statutory corporations, municipal bodies, universities, and public institutions that need fair, merit-based staffing. Rather than amending the Constitution every time such a body needs the Commission's help, Article 321 lets ordinary legislation extend the Commission's role to these bodies as needed.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: The Public Service Commissions automatically oversee hiring for all government-linked companies and local bodies.
Fact: They only get that extra job if Parliament or a State Legislature specifically passes a law extending their functions under Article 321.