Democratic values enshrined by the Con­stitution can thrive and prosper only on pub­lic confidence in the institutions that the Con­stitution has envisaged to act as necessary sup­port pillars. Public confidence in the Assam Public Service Commission over the years has eroded and a perception has been generated that all is not well with the said institution. Though the tenor of the language used may be mild in its suggestion, it cannot but be ob­served that lack of public confidence in the Public Service Commission carries ominous portents for the future. The credibility of any institution primarily depends on the conduct of the persons manning it. People of exemplary conduct exceptional ability and utmost integrity who share a serious concern for pub­lic good, alone, should be inducted into such a body. There is no room for compromise or complacency in the matter. Proper induction and necessary cleansing must be done if any institution has to earn public trust and confi­dence without which the constitutional goal will prove to remain an illusion. The above observations have been felt necessary in view of the perceptions with regard to the func­tioning