UPSC Prelims 2016 Q25: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Consider the following statements:
1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Chief Secretary of a State
The Chief Secretary is the head of the State civil service and of the State Secretariat.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State | Incorrect | The Chief Minister chooses the Chief Secretary |
| 2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure | Incorrect | There is no fixed tenure |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | A senior IAS officer of the State cadre |
| Role | Secretary to the State Cabinet; chief adviser to the Chief Minister |
| Coordination | Heads the committee of secretaries; links the State with the Centre |
| Counterpart at the Centre | Cabinet Secretary |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The choice is made by the Chief Minister, not by the Governor.
- (b) Incorrect. The Chief Secretary has no fixed tenure in office.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false: wrong appointing authority and no fixed tenure.
- (d) CORRECT. The Chief Minister selects the Chief Secretary, who has no fixed tenure.
Key point
Chief Secretary: senior IAS officer chosen by the Chief Minister; no fixed tenure; Secretary to the State Cabinet and head of the State civil service.
Remember
Chief Secretary: chosen by Chief Minister, no fixed tenure.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every top State post is filled by the Governor.
- Confusing the Chief Secretary with posts that have a fixed tenure, such as the Cabinet Secretary's two years.
- Thinking the Chief Secretary is a constitutional post; it is an administrative one.
Exam tip
Chief Secretary is to the Chief Minister what the Cabinet Secretary is to the Prime Minister.
Sources
- M. Laxmikanth — Public Administration (State Secretariat and Chief Secretary)
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission — Fifteenth Report: State and District Administration