According to article 164 (1) of the constitution of India, in three states there shall be a minister in charge of tribal welfare who may, in addition, be in charge of the welfare of the scheduled castes and backward classes. Which one of the following states is not covered by the article?
A.Jharkhand
B.Punjab
C.Madhya Pradesh
D.Orissa.

Hint:Article 164(1) of the constitution of India talks about the minister of tribal welfare who will take charge of the welfare of backward classes including scheduled castes in addition to his charge in three states Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.

Complete answer:
State of Punjab is excluded from the states that have been mentioned in article 164 (1) of the constitution of India with respect to the welfare of backward classes and scheduled castes.The article 164 (1) of the constitution of India, in addition to the minister of tribal welfare and his role for the welfare of backward classes and schedule castes also explains the role of chief minister of a state. The role of the chief minister has been explained in the following way:
The governor shall appoint the chief minister of the state and on the advice of the chief minister, Governor shall also appoint other ministers.
The office shall be held by the ministers during the pleasure of the Governor.
A minister in charge of tribal welfare Shall be there in the states of Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh and this minister shall hold the charge of the welfare of backward classes and scheduled castes or some other work in addition to his already prescribed charges.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The minister of tribal welfare in the states of Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh is given the charge to look after the welfare of backward classes and scheduled castes in addition to his own charge by the article 164 (1) of the Indian constitution.