The government can withhold or delay funding to the Public Service Commissions if it disagrees with their decisions.

Article 322 makes these expenses a 'charged' expenditure, meaning they are automatically paid from the Consolidated Fund and are not subject to a vote or discretionary approval by the legislature.

This Article gives Public Service Commissions unlimited money to spend as they wish.

It only guarantees that legitimate expenses (salaries, allowances, pensions) are funded without a yearly vote — it does not mean unchecked or unlimited spending.

The Constitution of India

Article 322

Expenses of Public Service Commissions

The expenses of the Union or a State Public Service Commission, including any salaries, allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of the members or staff of the Commission, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or, as the case may be, the Consolidated Fund of the State.§

Why this exists

Public Service Commissions conduct exams and recruit officials for government jobs, and they must work independently of political pressure. To protect this independence, the Constitution ensures their expenses are 'charged' on the Consolidated Fund — meaning the money is guaranteed and not subject to a yearly vote in the legislature. This financial autonomy, similar to that given to judges and the Comptroller and Auditor General, helps insulate the Commissions from being pressured through budget cuts or delays.

Common misconceptions

Myth: The government can withhold or delay funding to the Public Service Commissions if it disagrees with their decisions.
Fact: Article 322 makes these expenses a 'charged' expenditure, meaning they are automatically paid from the Consolidated Fund and are not subject to a vote or discretionary approval by the legislature.
Myth: This Article gives Public Service Commissions unlimited money to spend as they wish.
Fact: It only guarantees that legitimate expenses (salaries, allowances, pensions) are funded without a yearly vote — it does not mean unchecked or unlimited spending.