National Commission for SCs

Topics Discussed: -

·       Introduction

·       Evolution of the Commission

·       Composition of the Commission

·       Functions of the Commission

·       Introduction

Ø The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body that works to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes in India.

Ø It seeks to offer the SC community protection from discrimination and exploitation, as well as providing facilities to uplift the SC community.

Ø Article 338 of the constitution of India deals with this commission.

·       Evolution of the Commission

ü In order to ensure that the safeguards provided to SCs and STs are properly implemented, the Constitution on its inception provided for appointment of a special office under Article 338 of the Constitution to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes and report to the President about the working of these safeguards. In pursuance of this provision a Special Officer known as the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes was appointed for the first time on 18th November, 1950.

ü A proposal was mooted for amendment of Article 338 of the Constitution (46th Amendment) by replacing the single member Special Officer by multi-member system. The first Commission for SC & ST came into being on August, 1978.

ü The setup of the Commission of 1978 underwent change in 1987 and it was named as National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This Commission being a National Level Advisory body played the role of adviser on major policy and developmental issues relating to SCs/STs.

ü Later, through the 89th Amendment of the Constitution it was decided to have a separate National Commission for Scheduled Castes & separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. This came into effect in 2004.

ü Thus, the erstwhile National Commission for SCs & STs was bifurcated into two different Commissions.

·       Composition of the Commission

ü Currently, the fifth NCSC is in progression.

ü National SC Commission Chairman: Dr. Ram Shankar Katheria

ü Apart from the Chairman, there is a Vice-chairman and three other members.

·       Functions of the Commission

The functions of the SC Commission are:

(a) To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the SCs and to evaluate their working;

(b) To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the SC's;

(c) To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the SCs and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union or a state;

(d) To present to the President, annually and at such other times as it may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards;

(e) To make recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or a state for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the SCs; and

(f) To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the SCs as the president may specify.