hamburger

National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC)

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC) is a constitutional body that has the responsibility for working to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Caste in India. The National Commission for Scheduled Caste was established under Article 338 of the constitution of India. The main motive of NCSC is to provide full protection to the SC community from discrimination and exploitation.

NCSC also committed to the full implementation of different Acts like the PCR Act, 1989, 1955, and the SC & ST (POA) Act. The National Commission for Scheduled Caste is a crucial constitutional body in India. This article explores the significance of the NCSC in addressing caste-based discrimination, its composition, and its members.

National Commission for Scheduled Caste

The National Commission for Scheduled Caste is a constitutional body. It works to protect the SC community in India and also provides them with facilities to enhance the Scheduled Castes. In addition, it promotes the educational, social, economic growth, and cultural interests of the SC community. The state and Union need to consult the commission for all the related matters affecting the Scheduled caste in India.

National Commission for Scheduled Caste Notes

Composition of National Commission for Scheduled Caste

  • NCSC  has Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and other 3 members.
  • They are appointed by the President of India.
  • The Chairman of NCSC has the status of Cabinet minister, and the Vice-Chairman has the rank of a state minister.
  • The 5th NCSC is currently in progress.

History of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste

For the safeguarding and betterment of Scheduled Castes in India, the constitution provided for a Special officer under Article 338 of the Indian constitution.

  • The special officer was designated as the commissioner of SC. And he/she was responsible for investigating all the matters relating to safeguarding Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India.
  • However, in 1987, the Government of India decided to create a multi-member commission for the betterment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes upon pressure from members of the Parliament of India.
  • The idea was to form a multi-member commission instead of a one-member commission. To take forward the Idea, the 65th Amendment to the Indian constitution replaced the one-member commission with National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, which includes multi-members.
  • The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act 2003 replaced the NCSC and Scheduled Tribes with NCSC and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
  • In 2004, under the chairmanship of Suraj Bhan, the first National Commission for Scheduled Caste was formed.

Functions of National Commission for Scheduled Caste

There are various functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste, and we have mentioned some of them below.

  • It monitors and investigates all the issues concerning the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes under the Constitution of India.
  • NCSC enquires into the complaint related to the safeguards of SCs.
  • It participates in and advises on the planning process of various development of Scheduled Castes and also evaluates their development under any state and union.
  • The commission presents the reports on working on those safeguards to the president annually or at other times when the commission wants.
  • National Commission for Scheduled Caste can discharge other functions for the welfare, protection, and development of the Scheduled Castes of India.

Powers of National Commission for Scheduled Caste

The National Commission for Scheduled Caste has been given the powers of a civil court has the powers to :

  • Examine a person on oath.
  • Summon any person in the country for attendance and examine on oath.
  • Production of any document that is required.
  • To examine a witness and documents.
  • It also has the power to Receive evidence on affidavits.

NCSC UPSC

Understanding the role and functioning of the NCSC is crucial as it reflects India’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society and upholding the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution. NCSC finds its mention under the constitutional bodies of the UPSC GS-2 Syllabus. This topic should be covered in a comprehensive manner by the aspirants as it encompasses critical aspects of justice, inclusivity, and the social empowerment of marginalized communities. Aspirants may face IAS Interview Questions related to this topic as it sheds light on efforts toward creating an equitable society.

NCSC MCQs

Question: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established under which article of the Indian Constitution? a) Article 335 b) Article 338 c) Article 342 d) Article 356

Answer: b) Article 338

Question: The primary objective of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is to: a) Promote the educational development of Scheduled Castes b) Ensure the effective implementation of reservations for Scheduled Castes c) Investigate and monitor violations of the rights of Scheduled Castes d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question: The Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is appointed by: a) The President of India b) The Prime Minister of India c) The Chief Justice of India d) The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

Answer: a) The President of India

Question: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has the power to: a) Inquire into complaints regarding the deprivation of rights and safeguards of Scheduled Castes b) Summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses c) Recommend measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

UPSC Notes
Volcano  Code of Criminal Procedure
PM Garib Kalyan Yojana  Treaty Of Versailles 
Industrial Map of India  Classical Languages of India
Credit Rating Agencies In India ADM Jabalpur Case
Central Administrative Tribunal Tribunals Notes
Skill India Mission  Railway Protection Force
Our Apps Playstore
POPULAR EXAMS
SSC and Bank
Other Exams
GradeStack Learning Pvt. Ltd.Windsor IT Park, Tower - A, 2nd Floor, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201303 help@byjusexamprep.com
Home Practice Test Series Premium