The Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, later associated with the National Commission for SCs and STs, is appointed by whom?

Introduction / Context:
To safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Constitution of India originally provided for a Special Officer whose job was to investigate all matters relating to constitutional and legal safeguards for these communities. This office evolved into the National Commission for SCs and STs. The question asks which authority appoints this Special Officer, testing knowledge of constitutional mechanisms for protecting disadvantaged groups.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The office concerns Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• It is a constitutional position referred to in Articles 338 and related provisions.
• We are only asked about who appoints, not about powers or tenure.
• Options list major constitutional authorities.

Concept / Approach:
Article 338 in its original form referred to a Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to be appointed by the President. Later amendments converted this into a multi member National Commission, but presidential appointment remained the norm. As with several other Union level commissions and constitutional offices, the President formally makes the appointment, often based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the office is a Union level constitutional post related to SCs and STs. Step 2: Recall that Article 338 specifies appointment of this Special Officer or Commission by the President of India. Step 3: Recognise the pattern that key national commissions are normally appointed by the President. Step 4: Choose President from the options as the correct appointing authority.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reading Article 338 and its subsequent amended versions shows that the Chairperson and members of the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are appointed by the President. This arrangement mirrors other important commissions such as the Finance Commission and Election Commission. No provision gives this appointment power to the Prime Minister, Law Minister, or Vice President, which confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Prime Minister: The Prime Minister may influence choices through advice but is not legally the appointing authority. Law Minister: Heads a ministry and may be involved in consultations but does not make the formal appointment. Vice President: Has roles in Rajya Sabha but no constitutional role in appointing this Special Officer. Chief Justice of India: Involved in judicial appointments, not in appointing this commission, except occasionally as a member of a selection panel in other contexts, which does not apply here.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the roles of different authorities because of repeated references to the President acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers. They may incorrectly think that the Prime Minister or a specific minister is the appointing authority. Remember that, in constitutional terms, the President is the formal authority for most high level Union appointments, even though the decision making process is collective within the executive branch.

Final Answer:
President