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 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The Chief Secretary, head of the State civil service, is appointed by the Chief Minister (formally by the State Government), not the Governor — statement 1 is wrong.
• Statement 2 is wrong: the post has no fixed tenure; the Chief Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Government, though the Centre has proposed a minimum two-year term.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: the CM, not the Governor, appoints the Chief Secretary.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: no fixed tenure.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.