Part XVI - Special Provisions for Certain Classes • Article

Article 340 Simplified: Appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes

Article 340 (Appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes) governs the Public Service Commissions (like UPSC and State PSCs). It details their setup, appointment of members, functions, expenses, and annual reports, ensuring they remain independent bodies that select candidates based purely on merit.

Official Text

(1) The President may by order appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India and the difficulties under which they labour and to make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by the Union or any State to remove such difficulties and to improve their condition and as to the grants that should be made for the purpose by the Union or any State and the conditions subject to which such grants should be made, and the order appointing such Commission shall define the procedure to be followed by the Commission. (2) A Commission so appointed shall investigate the matters referred to them and present to the President a report setting out the facts as found by them and making such recommendations as they think proper. (3) The President shall cause a copy of the report so presented together with a memorandum explaining the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule lets the President pick a team of experts to travel around the country and find out what problems poor or struggling communities are facing, so the government can make plans to help them.

Student Mode

Authorizes the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes in India, identify their difficulties, and recommend measures to improve their conditions and allocate development grants. The reports of the commission, along with a memorandum of action taken, must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.

Example

When public money is collected, shared, audited, or spent, Article 340 explains the constitutional rule behind appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes.

Key Takeaway

Article 340 anchors appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes within India's constitutional system.

FAQs

Which major commissions were appointed under Article 340?

Two major commissions were appointed: (1) The First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission) in 1953, and (2) The Second Backward Classes Commission (Mandal Commission) in 1979 under B.P. Mandal.

What was the impact of the Mandal Commission appointed under Article 340?

The Mandal Commission recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central government jobs and educational institutions. This was implemented in 1990 and upheld by the Supreme Court in the landmark Indra Sawhney (1992) case.

Quiz

Which commission appointed under Article 340 recommended the 27% reservation for OBCs?

Answer: Mandal Commission

Who has the power to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes under Article 340?

Answer: The President of India