Since the very beginning of the Indian National Struggle for Freedom from British rule, Indianisation of the superior Civil Services had been one of the foremost demands of nationalist leaders. The demand kept growing as the hold of bureaucracy was increased. The enlightened leaders were able to see the enormous powers centered in the hands of young ICS officers of European origin. This was found to be detrimental to the general good of the society. It was increasingly being realized that it was absolutely required to have Indians at these key positions to have any kind of hope of ameliorating the wretched conditions of poor, illiterate and rural citizens.
The nationalist demands were paid lip service only, till the report of Sir Islington commission appointed in 1912 made some firm recommendations regarding the Indianisation of superior Civil services and formation of a Statutory commission charged with the responsibility of recruiting personnel for these services. The recommendation was repeated by Montague-Chelmsford report which came in the form of Government of India Act, 1919. This led to the creation of the British Indian Government to consider setting up of a Public Service Commission for recruitment to its services in the territory. The first Public Service Commission was set up on October 1st, 1926. However, its limited advisory functions failed to satisfy the people’s aspirations and the continued stress on this aspect by the leaders of our freedom movement resulted in the setting up of the Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act 1935. Under this Act, for the first time, provision was also made for the formation of Public Service Commissions at the provincial level.
After the independence the Federal Public Service Commission was renamed as Union Public Service Commission and its role significantly expanded. UPSC as it stands today is the highest level personnel agency of Government of India. It is a constitutional body created under the provisions of Article 315 of the constitution. It is highly autonomous body of experts chosen for their integrity and long experience in administration at various levels of the hierarchy. It is currently composed of One chairperson and Ten members. Its status is that of an Attached office of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Before coming under the purview of current ministry UPSC has been under the control Ministry of Home Affairs for significant period of its existence. It was brought under the Ministry of Personnel on the recommendation of the First Administrative Reforms Commission of India.
