1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with State Public Service Commission (SPSC)?
a) Article 315
b) Article 320
c) Article 323
d) Article 324
Answer: a) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State.
2. The provisions regarding State Public Service Commissions are mentioned in which Part of the Constitution?
a) Part IX
b) Part XIV
c) Part XV
d) Part XVI
Answer: b) Part XIV
Explanation: Part XIV (Articles 315–323) deals with Services under the Union and States, including PSCs.
3. Who appoints the Chairman and Members of the State Public Service Commission?
a) President
b) Governor
c) Chief Minister
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Governor of the State appoints the Chairman and Members of the State Public Service Commission.
4. Who determines the conditions of service of the Chairman and Members of SPSC?
a) State Legislature
b) Governor
c) President
d) Parliament
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Governor determines the conditions of service of SPSC members, subject to constitutional provisions.
5. The Chairman and Members of the SPSC hold office for a term of how many years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier?
a) 4 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 7 years
Answer: c) 6 years
Explanation: Article 316 provides a term of 6 years or until 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.
6. The resignation of the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission is addressed to the:
a) Chief Minister
b) Governor
c) President
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Chairman or Members of SPSC can resign by submitting resignation to the Governor.
7. The removal of the Chairman or a Member of a State Public Service Commission is done by:
a) Governor
b) President
c) Chief Justice of High Court
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Only the President can remove the Chairman or Members of SPSC, not the Governor.
8. The removal procedure of SPSC members is similar to that of:
a) Supreme Court Judges
b) High Court Judges
c) Election Commissioners
d) UPSC Members
Answer: d) UPSC Members
Explanation: The removal procedure of SPSC members is the same as UPSC members, as per Article 317.
9. Which authority can recommend removal of the Chairman or Members of SPSC to the President?
a) Parliament
b) Governor
c) Supreme Court
d) Prime Minister
Answer: c) Supreme Court
Explanation: The President can remove them after the Supreme Court inquires and reports misbehavior or incapacity.
10. The functions of the SPSC are laid down under which Article?
a) Article 316
b) Article 317
c) Article 318
d) Article 320
Answer: d) Article 320
Explanation: Article 320 mentions the functions of PSCs, both Union and State.
11. The expenses of a State Public Service Commission are charged on:
a) Consolidated Fund of India
b) Consolidated Fund of the State
c) Contingency Fund
d) Finance Commission grants
Answer: b) Consolidated Fund of the State
Explanation: The SPSC expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State to maintain independence.
12. The SPSC submits its annual report to the:
a) President
b) Governor
c) State Legislature
d) Chief Minister
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The SPSC reports annually to the Governor, who lays it before the State Legislature.
13. The Governor, while determining conditions of service of SPSC members, requires approval of:
a) Parliament
b) State Legislature
c) President
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) President
Explanation: Conditions of service determined by Governor are subject to rules made by the President.
14. The jurisdiction of SPSC can be extended to another state by:
a) Parliament Law
b) Presidential Order
c) Governor’s Order
d) Supreme Court Judgment
Answer: b) Presidential Order
Explanation: The President can extend the functions of a State PSC to another state with the Governor’s consent.
15. A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) is created by:
a) Governor
b) President
c) State Legislature
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Article 315 allows the President to establish a Joint PSC for two or more States.
16. The Chairman of a Joint State Public Service Commission is appointed by:
a) President
b) Governor
c) Chief Justice of India
d) Prime Minister
Answer: a) President
Explanation: In case of a JSPSC, the President appoints its Chairman and Members.
17. The term of office of JSPSC members is until the age of:
a) 60 years
b) 62 years
c) 65 years
d) 70 years
Answer: b) 62 years
Explanation: The Chairman and Members of JSPSC hold office until 62 years of age.
18. The SPSC is primarily responsible for:
a) Conducting elections
b) Recruitment to state services
c) Maintaining state finances
d) Implementing government schemes
Answer: b) Recruitment to state services
Explanation: The main function of SPSC is recruitment to civil services of the State.
19. Which of the following is NOT a function of SPSC?
a) Conducting examinations for State services
b) Advising on promotions and transfers
c) Advising on disciplinary actions
d) Making laws for recruitment rules
Answer: d) Making laws for recruitment rules
Explanation: SPSC only advises on recruitment, promotions, transfers, and discipline—it does not make laws.
20. The retirement age of SPSC Chairman is:
a) 60 years
b) 62 years
c) 65 years
d) 58 years
Answer: b) 62 years
Explanation: The maximum age limit for SPSC Chairman and Members is 62 years.
21. The report of the SPSC is laid before the State Legislature by:
a) Governor
b) Chief Minister
c) Speaker of Legislative Assembly
d) President
Answer: a) Governor
Explanation: The Governor lays the annual report of SPSC before the State Legislature.
22. Can the recommendations of SPSC be binding on the government?
a) Yes, always binding
b) No, always non-binding
c) Advisory in nature
d) Binding only if approved by Legislature
Answer: c) Advisory in nature
Explanation: Recommendations of SPSC are advisory, not binding on the government.
23. In which case can SPSC’s jurisdiction be excluded?
a) Special responsibilities of the Governor
b) Matters of reservation
c) Temporary appointments
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Constitution allows exclusion of PSC’s functions in matters like reservations, temporary posts, etc.
24. The President can remove a SPSC member if found guilty of misbehavior after inquiry by:
a) Parliament
b) Supreme Court
c) High Court
d) Governor
Answer: b) Supreme Court
Explanation: Article 317 provides that removal can be done after SC’s inquiry into misbehavior/incapacity.
25. The independence of SPSC is ensured through:
a) Security of tenure
b) Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund
c) Removal only by President
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Constitutional safeguards like tenure security, removal process, and financial independence ensure autonomy of SPSC.
26. Who decides the number of members in a State Public Service Commission?
a) State Legislature
b) Governor
c) President
d) Chief Minister
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Constitution does not fix the number of members of SPSC; the Governor decides this.
27. The conditions of service of SPSC members can be changed to their disadvantage during tenure?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Only with Governor’s approval
d) Only with State Legislature’s approval
Answer: b) No
Explanation: The service conditions of SPSC members cannot be changed to their disadvantage after appointment.
28. Who decides whether a matter falls under the jurisdiction of the SPSC?
a) President
b) Governor
c) Chief Justice of High Court
d) State Legislature
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Governor decides on matters relating to SPSC’s jurisdiction.
29. Which one of the following is NOT a ground for removal of a SPSC member?
a) Insolvency
b) Engaging in paid employment outside duties
c) Infirmity of body or mind
d) Change in government
Answer: d) Change in government
Explanation: A member cannot be removed simply because of a change in government.
30. Who can regulate the number of members and their service conditions of SPSC?
a) Governor
b) State Legislature
c) President
d) Parliament
Answer: a) Governor
Explanation: Under Article 318, the Governor makes regulations regarding number of members and their service conditions.
31. The retirement age of UPSC members is 65 years. For SPSC members, it is:
a) 60 years
b) 62 years
c) 64 years
d) 65 years
Answer: b) 62 years
Explanation: SPSC members retire at 62 years, while UPSC members retire at 65.
32. Which of the following functions is outside the purview of SPSC?
a) Disciplinary matters of civil servants
b) Recruitment for state services
c) Advice on promotions
d) Deciding pay scales of civil servants
Answer: d) Deciding pay scales of civil servants
Explanation: Pay and allowances are decided by government, not PSCs.
33. Can the State Legislature make laws regarding exclusion of SPSC functions?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Only with President’s assent
d) Only by Governor’s order
Answer: a) Yes
Explanation: The State Legislature may make provisions for exclusion of PSC functions for certain posts.
34. The Governor can make regulations regarding SPSC functions only with the approval of:
a) Parliament
b) President
c) State Legislature
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Governor’s regulations require President’s approval as per Article 318.
35. The composition of a State Public Service Commission is determined by:
a) Constitution
b) Governor
c) President
d) State Legislature
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: Constitution only provides for establishment; actual composition is decided by Governor.
36. The removal of SPSC members is provided in which Article?
a) Article 315
b) Article 316
c) Article 317
d) Article 320
Answer: c) Article 317
Explanation: Article 317 deals with removal and suspension of SPSC members.
37. A Joint State Public Service Commission is created for:
a) Two or more states
b) Union and State
c) Centre and Union Territories
d) State and Panchayats
Answer: a) Two or more states
Explanation: Article 315 allows JSPSC for two or more States.
38. The advice of SPSC in disciplinary matters is:
a) Binding on Government
b) Advisory in nature
c) Compulsory to implement
d) Decided by High Court
Answer: b) Advisory in nature
Explanation: SPSC advice is not binding; government may accept or reject it.
39. Which of the following safeguards ensures independence of SPSC?
a) Security of tenure
b) Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of State
c) Removal only by President
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple provisions ensure autonomy of SPSC.
40. Which Article provides for Joint State Public Service Commission?
a) Article 317
b) Article 318
c) Article 319
d) Article 315
Answer: d) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 allows President to establish JSPSC for two or more states.
41. The annual report of the JSPSC is submitted to:
a) President
b) Governor of each state
c) Chief Justice of India
d) Prime Minister
Answer: a) President
Explanation: JSPSC submits report to President, who then forwards it to concerned State Legislatures.
42. The term of members of SPSC is:
a) 5 years or 62 years
b) 6 years or 62 years
c) 7 years or 62 years
d) 6 years or 65 years
Answer: b) 6 years or 62 years
Explanation: Members serve for 6 years or until 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.
43. Who can extend the functions of UPSC to states?
a) Governor
b) Parliament
c) President
d) State Legislature
Answer: c) President
Explanation: President may extend UPSC’s functions to a State with Governor’s consent.
44. Members of SPSC are eligible for reappointment after retirement?
a) As Chairman of UPSC
b) As Member of UPSC
c) As Chairman of another SPSC or UPSC
d) None of the above
Answer: c) As Chairman of another SPSC or UPSC
Explanation: Article 319 allows such reappointments, but not as members again.
45. The Chairman of SPSC after retirement can become:
a) Member of same SPSC
b) Chairman of UPSC
c) Member of UPSC
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
Explanation: A retired SPSC Chairman can become Chairman or Member of UPSC.
46. Members of SPSC are ineligible for which office after retirement?
a) Any government office under State
b) Member of UPSC
c) Chairman of UPSC
d) Governor of State
Answer: a) Any government office under State
Explanation: To ensure neutrality, retired SPSC members cannot hold any office under the State Government.
47. If SPSC members are found guilty of misbehavior, inquiry is conducted by:
a) Governor
b) President
c) Supreme Court
d) High Court
Answer: c) Supreme Court
Explanation: The President refers cases of misbehavior to the Supreme Court.
48. The composition of SPSC usually includes:
a) Chairman and 5 members
b) Chairman and such members as Governor thinks fit
c) Fixed 10 members
d) Chairman and 3 ex-officio members
Answer: b) Chairman and such members as Governor thinks fit
Explanation: Constitution does not fix number; Governor decides.
49. Which of the following is TRUE about SPSC?
a) It is a constitutional body
b) It is created by an Act of State Legislature
c) It is a statutory body
d) It is an executive body
Answer: a) It is a constitutional body
Explanation: SPSC is established under Article 315, hence a constitutional body.
50. The salaries of SPSC members are determined by:
a) Governor
b) State Legislature
c) President
d) Parliament
Answer: b) State Legislature
Explanation: Salaries of SPSC members are charged on Consolidated Fund of State and fixed by Legislature.
51. The Constitution provides for the establishment of State Public Service Commissions under:
a) Article 312
b) Article 315
c) Article 324
d) Article 310
Answer: b) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for UPSC and SPSC for the Union and the States.
52. The Chairman of SPSC is eligible to be appointed later as:
a) Member of UPSC
b) Chairman of UPSC
c) Governor of State
d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: d) Both (a) and (b)
Explanation: Article 319 allows a former SPSC Chairman to become Chairman/Member of UPSC.
53. Members of SPSC, after retirement, can become:
a) Member of the same SPSC
b) Chairman of same SPSC
c) Member of UPSC
d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: c) Member of UPSC
Explanation: A retired member can become Chairman of the same SPSC or Member/Chairman of UPSC.
54. Members of SPSC cannot hold further employment under:
a) Union Government
b) State Government
c) Private sector
d) None of the above
Answer: b) State Government
Explanation: To ensure independence, SPSC members cannot take State Government jobs after retirement.
55. The procedure for removal of SPSC members ensures:
a) Independence of SPSC
b) Political control over SPSC
c) Administrative dominance
d) Parliamentary supremacy
Answer: a) Independence of SPSC
Explanation: The President alone, after SC inquiry, can remove members—ensuring impartiality.
56. Article 320 deals with:
a) Composition of PSC
b) Functions of PSC
c) Removal of PSC members
d) Expenses of PSC
Answer: b) Functions of PSC
Explanation: Article 320 lays down the functions of PSCs regarding recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary matters.
57. The SPSC submits its annual report to the Governor, who places it before:
a) Parliament
b) State Legislature
c) President
d) Chief Minister
Answer: b) State Legislature
Explanation: The Governor lays the report before the State Legislature along with comments.
58. Which Article gives power to Governor to make regulations regarding SPSC service conditions?
a) Article 316
b) Article 317
c) Article 318
d) Article 319
Answer: c) Article 318
Explanation: Article 318 empowers the Governor to frame regulations with President’s approval.
59. Which Article deals with the prohibition of further employment after retirement of PSC members?
a) Article 318
b) Article 319
c) Article 317
d) Article 320
Answer: b) Article 319
Explanation: Article 319 specifies post-retirement restrictions and eligibility conditions.
60. Which Article mentions the submission of annual reports by PSCs?
a) Article 320
b) Article 321
c) Article 322
d) Article 323
Answer: d) Article 323
Explanation: Article 323 provides that PSCs submit annual reports to the Governor/President.
61. The financial independence of SPSC is maintained by charging its expenditure on:
a) State Contingency Fund
b) State Treasury
c) Consolidated Fund of the State
d) Consolidated Fund of India
Answer: c) Consolidated Fund of the State
Explanation: Expenditure of SPSC is charged on Consolidated Fund of the State, not voted upon.
62. Which one of the following is NOT an advisory function of SPSC?
a) Matters of reservation
b) Promotion and transfer rules
c) Principles of recruitment
d) Election of MLAs
Answer: d) Election of MLAs
Explanation: SPSC deals with services, not elections (which are conducted by Election Commission).
63. Under Article 321, Parliament or State Legislature can:
a) Abolish PSC
b) Extend functions of PSC
c) Remove PSC members
d) Fix salaries of PSC members
Answer: b) Extend functions of PSC
Explanation: Article 321 empowers the Legislature to extend functions of PSC beyond original scope.
64. If any difference arises about removal of a SPSC member, the matter is referred to:
a) High Court
b) Supreme Court
c) Governor
d) State Legislature
Answer: b) Supreme Court
Explanation: President refers the case to Supreme Court, whose advice is binding.
65. Who among the following can remove the Chairman of SPSC?
a) Governor
b) President
c) Chief Minister
d) High Court
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Only President has authority to remove SPSC Chairman/Members.
66. Which one of the following Articles ensures financial independence of SPSC?
a) Article 322
b) Article 323
c) Article 320
d) Article 318
Answer: a) Article 322
Explanation: Article 322 states that SPSC expenses are charged on Consolidated Fund of State.
67. Under which Article can Parliament provide for Joint State Public Service Commission?
a) Article 315
b) Article 317
c) Article 318
d) Article 323
Answer: a) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 allows President to establish JSPSC by law.
68. Who makes provision for staff and officers of SPSC?
a) State Legislature
b) Governor
c) President
d) Parliament
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Governor makes provisions for staff and service conditions of SPSC.
69. A member of SPSC is ineligible for reappointment as:
a) Chairman of UPSC
b) Chairman of another SPSC
c) Member of UPSC
d) Member of same SPSC
Answer: d) Member of same SPSC
Explanation: A member cannot be reappointed as member of same SPSC.
70. Under Article 316, the term of office of members of SPSC is:
a) 5 years or 60 years of age
b) 6 years or 62 years of age
c) 7 years or 65 years of age
d) 5 years or 65 years of age
Answer: b) 6 years or 62 years of age
Explanation: Members serve 6 years or until age 62, whichever is earlier.
71. The State Legislature can regulate the conditions of service of SPSC members by:
a) Constitutional Amendment
b) Passing a law
c) Governor’s order
d) Presidential ordinance
Answer: b) Passing a law
Explanation: Salaries and allowances are fixed by State Legislature through law.
72. The oath of office to Chairman and Members of SPSC is administered by:
a) Chief Justice of High Court
b) Governor of the State
c) President
d) Chief Minister
Answer: b) Governor of the State
Explanation: The Governor administers oath of office and secrecy to SPSC members.
73. Who can suspend the Chairman or a Member of SPSC?
a) Governor
b) President
c) Chief Minister
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Pending inquiry by Supreme Court, President may suspend SPSC members.
74. The SPSC is an advisory body in matters of:
a) Recruitment
b) Promotions
c) Transfers and disciplinary actions
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: SPSC’s role is mainly advisory in all service-related matters.
75. Which of the following ensures SPSC’s impartiality?
a) Removal procedure involving Supreme Court
b) Security of tenure
c) No further employment under State
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These safeguards prevent political or executive interference in PSC functioning.
76. Which body has the power to prescribe additional functions to the SPSC?
a) Parliament
b) State Legislature
c) Governor
d) President
Answer: b) State Legislature
Explanation: Under Article 321, State Legislature may assign additional functions to SPSC.
77. If the government does not accept SPSC’s advice, it must:
a) Provide reasons in writing
b) Consult the Supreme Court
c) Seek approval from Governor
d) Take approval of State Legislature
Answer: a) Provide reasons in writing
Explanation: The government may reject PSC advice, but reasons must be recorded.
78. Which one of the following statements is TRUE about SPSC?
a) It is a statutory body
b) It is an executive body
c) It is a constitutional body
d) It is an advisory body under law
Answer: c) It is a constitutional body
Explanation: SPSC is established directly by the Constitution (Article 315).
79. Which of the following can Parliament establish by law?
a) UPSC only
b) SPSC only
c) Joint State Public Service Commission
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Joint State Public Service Commission
Explanation: Parliament can create JSPSC for two or more States.
80. A SPSC member can be removed on grounds of insolvency, employment, or:
a) Political affiliation
b) Infirmity of mind or body
c) Loss of confidence of Governor
d) Change of ruling party
Answer: b) Infirmity of mind or body
Explanation: Misbehavior, insolvency, infirmity, or paid employment are valid grounds for removal.
81. Which of the following is NOT charged on Consolidated Fund of State?
a) Governor’s salary
b) High Court Judges’ salary
c) SPSC expenses
d) Chief Minister’s salary
Answer: d) Chief Minister’s salary
Explanation: Salaries of SPSC and others are charged; CM’s salary is voted by legislature.
82. The SPSC deals with recruitment for:
a) Defence services
b) Central Government services
c) State Government services
d) Municipal services only
Answer: c) State Government services
Explanation: SPSC recruits for State civil services and posts.
83. The Governor can exclude SPSC’s consultation in certain cases by:
a) Issuing rules with President’s approval
b) Amending the Constitution
c) Executive order
d) Parliamentary resolution
Answer: a) Issuing rules with President’s approval
Explanation: Governor may regulate exclusion cases with President’s consent.
84. The tenure of a SPSC Chairman is:
a) 5 years or 62 years
b) 6 years or 62 years
c) 6 years or 65 years
d) 5 years or 65 years
Answer: b) 6 years or 62 years
Explanation: Chairman serves for 6 years or until age 62.
85. The conditions of service of SPSC members are protected so that:
a) They may change as per ruling party
b) They cannot be changed to their disadvantage
c) They can be altered anytime
d) Legislature has no role
Answer: b) They cannot be changed to their disadvantage
Explanation: Ensures independence and impartiality of PSC members.
86. Which Article ensures salaries of PSC members are charged on Consolidated Fund of State?
a) Article 320
b) Article 322
c) Article 319
d) Article 318
Answer: b) Article 322
Explanation: Article 322 provides for financial security of PSCs.
87. Who presents the SPSC annual report in the State Legislature?
a) Chief Minister
b) Speaker of Assembly
c) Governor
d) Chairman of SPSC
Answer: c) Governor
Explanation: Governor places PSC report before Legislature with comments.
88. Which body is consulted by the President before removing a SPSC member?
a) High Court
b) Supreme Court
c) Parliament
d) State Legislature
Answer: b) Supreme Court
Explanation: President refers the case to SC, and its advice is binding.
89. Which of the following is NOT true about SPSC?
a) It conducts exams for state services
b) Its advice is binding on government
c) It is a constitutional body
d) Members are appointed by Governor
Answer: b) Its advice is binding on government
Explanation: Advice of SPSC is advisory, not binding.
90. Which Article provides for regulation of service conditions of SPSC members?
a) Article 318
b) Article 320
c) Article 319
d) Article 317
Answer: a) Article 318
Explanation: Article 318 gives power to Governor (with President’s approval).
91. Which of the following is the supervisory authority of SPSC?
a) State Legislature
b) Governor
c) President
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: SPSC reports to Governor, who lays report before Legislature.
92. SPSC reports must include:
a) Advice given by PSC and decisions taken by Government
b) Names of recruited candidates only
c) Annual accounts of PSC only
d) Political activities of PSC members
Answer: a) Advice given by PSC and decisions taken by Government
Explanation: Report must state advice and reasons for acceptance or rejection.
93. The first State Public Service Commission was established in:
a) Bombay (1930)
b) Madras (1929)
c) Punjab (1935)
d) Bengal (1940)
Answer: b) Madras (1929)
Explanation: The Madras Public Service Commission was the first SPSC, set up in 1929.
94. The provision of SPSC is adopted from the Constitution of:
a) USA
b) Canada
c) Australia
d) UK
Answer: d) UK
Explanation: PSC concept in India was borrowed from the British model.
95. Members of SPSC are removed by:
a) Governor
b) President
c) State Legislature
d) Chief Minister
Answer: b) President
Explanation: President alone has power to remove SPSC members.
96. The recommendations of SPSC regarding recruitment are:
a) Binding in law
b) Advisory in nature
c) Judicially enforceable
d) Decided by High Court
Answer: b) Advisory in nature
Explanation: PSC advice is not binding; government may overrule it.
97. Which of the following ensures independence of PSC members?
a) Security of tenure
b) Salaries charged on Consolidated Fund
c) Removal by President only after SC inquiry
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple safeguards ensure independence of PSC members.
98. Which one of the following Articles empowers State Legislature to make laws relating to PSC functions?
a) Article 318
b) Article 319
c) Article 320
d) Article 321
Answer: d) Article 321
Explanation: Article 321 allows State Legislature to extend PSC’s functions.
99. Who can regulate the staff strength of SPSC?
a) Chief Minister
b) Governor
c) President
d) State Legislature
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: Governor determines staff and service conditions of PSC employees.
100. Which of the following statements about SPSC is correct?
a) It is a statutory body
b) It is a constitutional body created under Article 315
c) It works under State Legislature directly
d) It has binding powers over State Government
Answer: b) It is a constitutional body created under Article 315
Explanation: SPSC is a constitutional body under Article 315; its advice is not binding but consultative.