Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

Consider the following statements:

The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.

The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: Neither 1 nor 2

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

The Chief Secretary is the executive head of the State Secretariat. S/He is appointed by the Chief Minister of the State. The Chief Minister consults the Union government with respect to the appointment but this consultation is not binding. So, statement 1 is not correct.

Though the Administrative Reforms Commission of India recommended fixed tenure of chief secretary, yet the recommendation was not accepted. The reason for non acceptance is: A fixed tenure with security may bring a political deadlock and a reshuffle with every political change may destroy the political neutrality of the civil service. So, at present, the Chief Secretary in a State does not have not a fixed tenure. So, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | State Executive

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