Context: Fishermen from Tamil Nadu, India, were detained near Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory for crossing the maritime border.
- Diego Garcia Island is located in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
- It lies in the Indian Ocean, south of the equator, around 1,796 km south of India and 4,723 km east of Africa.
- The island was originally inhabited by the Chagossians (Ilois), descendants of African and Indian laborers brought by French colonists.
- It became a British colony in 1814 after the Napoleonic Wars.
Political Significance:
- Diego Garcia hosts a major US military base, established under a 1966 agreement between the UK and the US.
- The base plays a crucial role in global military operations, particularly in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
- It is used for long-range bombers, intelligence-gathering missions, and logistical support.
- The sovereignty of Diego Garcia is contested by Mauritius, which claims it as part of its territory.
- In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advised the UK to return the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
- The United Nations General Assembly supported this ruling.
State Public Service Commission (SPSC)
Context: The Vice President spoke at the inauguration of the 25th National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) in Bengaluru.
About State Public Service Commission (SPSC):
Details
- SPSCs are autonomous constitutional bodies formed under Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Indian Constitution.
- They are designed after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to manage recruitment for state services and provide advice to the state government on personnel matters.
- These bodies were proposed under the Government of India Act (GoI), 1919, and formally established through the Government of India Act, 1935, following the recommendations of the ‘Lee Commission (1924)’.
- They act as the primary recruiting agency for the state, separate from the Department of Personnel or General Administration.
- It is important to note that the recommendations of SPSCs are advisory, and the government holds the authority to accept or reject them, with accountability to the Legislature.
Composition
- The body is made up of a Chairman and other members, all appointed by the state’s Governor.
- At least 50% of the members must have served in a government position (Central or State) for a minimum of 10 years.
- Members serve for 6 years or until they reach the age of 62, whichever occurs first.
- The Governor has discretionary authority over the composition, service conditions, and temporary appointments of acting Chairpersons during vacancies.
- Members can submit their resignation to the Governor. Removal can be initiated by the President on grounds such as insolvency, paid employment, infirmity, or misconduct, after a Supreme Court inquiry.
Powers and Functions
- Recruitment and Appointments: Organizes examinations for filling positions in state civil services and other roles.
- Advisory Role: Offers advice on methods of recruitment, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary issues.
- Judicial Appointments: Works with the State High Court to provide input on the rules governing appointments to the state judiciary (excluding district judges).
- Annual Reporting: Submits an annual performance report to the Governor, who then presents it to the State Legislature along with reasons for not accepting the advice.
- Disciplinary Action: Provides consultation to the government on matters of disciplinary action for civil servants, in collaboration with the State Vigilance Commission.
Security and Independence
- Tenure Protection: Members can only be removed for reasons explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
- Financial Independence: The expenses of the body are covered by the Consolidated Fund of the State, and no legislative approval is required.
- Post-Tenure Appointments:
- Chairpersons may be appointed as Chairman or members of the UPSC or another SPSC, but cannot take up other government positions.
- Members may be appointed as Chairperson or members of the UPSC or another SPSC, but are prohibited from holding other government roles.
