which of the following constitutional bodies was established under "Article 338" of the Indian Constitution? 

The correct answer is National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

Key Points

• The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) was established under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 338 empowers the NCSC to investigate and monitor matters related to the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes under the Constitution.
• The Commission was initially constituted as the Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in 1950 and later evolved into the NCSC.
• The NCSC is tasked with advising on the planning process and evaluating the development of Scheduled Castes.
• The Commission submits annual reports to the President of India, detailing its findings and recommendations.

Additional Information

• Article 338 of the Indian Constitution:
  • This Article provides for the establishment of a National Commission for Scheduled Castes to safeguard their rights.
  • It specifies the duties, powers, and functions of the Commission, including investigating complaints and monitoring safeguards.
• Evolution of NCSC:
  • The Commission was initially set up in 1978 as a combined body for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • In 2004, it was bifurcated into two separate bodies: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
• Functions of NCSC:
  • Investigate and monitor safeguards against discrimination.
  • Advise the government on socio-economic development initiatives for Scheduled Castes.
  • Participate in the planning and evaluation of programs for Scheduled Castes.
• Other Constitutional Bodies for Social Justice:
  • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Article 338A).
  • National Commission for Backward Classes (Article 338B).