Which Article allows the President to appoint a Commission to investigate the condition of socially and educationally backward classes?

Correct option is C

Correct answer: (c) Article 340

Explanation:

• Article 340 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to appoint a Commission to:
• Investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs)
• Recommend steps for their advancement and inclusion
• The President may specify:
• The duties of the Commission
• The procedure for its operation
• The powers granted for conducting investigations

Information Booster:

• Under this Article, the First Backward Classes Commission was appointed in 1953, headed by Kaka Kalelkar.
• The most notable was the Second Backward Classes Commission (Mandal Commission) in 1979, chaired by B.P. Mandal.
• The recommendations of the Mandal Commission led to the implementation of 27% reservation for OBCs in central government jobs and educational institutions.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Article 330 – Deals with reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the Lok Sabha.
• (b) Article 332 – Deals with reservation of seats for SCs and STs in State Legislative Assemblies.
• (d) Article 342 – Relates to the identification and declaration of Scheduled Tribes (STs) by the President.