Question

Who among the following is authorized to declare a caste as scheduled caste ?

• A. President
• B. Scheduled Caste Commissioner
• C. Governor
• D. Union Ministry

Hint:

Remember the roles: The President issues the initial notification for the SC/ST list for a state (in consultation with the Governor), and only the Parliament can amend this list later.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question concerns the constitutional authority responsible for specifying which castes are to be included in the list of Scheduled Castes.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The procedure for specifying Scheduled Castes is laid down in Article 341 of the Constitution of India.
- Clause (1) of Article 341 states that the President may, with respect to any State or Union territory, and where it is a State, after consultation with the Governor, specify the castes, races, or tribes which shall be deemed to be Scheduled Castes for that State or Union territory.
- Once this initial notification is made by the President, any subsequent inclusion in or exclusion from the list of Scheduled Castes can only be done by an Act of Parliament.
Therefore, the initial authority to declare or specify a caste as a Scheduled Caste rests with the President of India.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The President of India is authorized to declare a caste as a Scheduled Caste.