National Commission for Scheduled Caste(NCSC): Functions & Members
By Balaji
Updated on: March 2nd, 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. National Commission for Scheduled Caste 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 an important constitutional body in India. That’s why UPSC aspirants must know about this topic to answer the questions asked about this topic.
Table of content
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1. National Commission for Scheduled Caste
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2. History of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste
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3. Functions of National Commission for Scheduled Caste
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4. Powers of National Commission for Scheduled Caste
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5. NCSC UPSC
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, 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
- National Commission for Scheduled Caste 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 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 National Commission for Scheduled caste 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.
- National Commission for Scheduled Caste 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
National Commission for Scheduled Caste finds its mention under the constitutional bodies of the UPSC Syllabus. This makes it an important topic from the UPSC exam point of view. Candidates preparing for the UPSC Exam must go through this article, as we have covered NCSC UPSC notes. In addition, candidates can follow some standard UPSC Books to strengthen their preparation.