NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES (NCSC)
- The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in India performs various functions to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- The commission investigates and monitors the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for Scheduled Castes.
- It examines the factors that inhibit the full realization of the rights and safeguards provided to Scheduled Castes
- The NCSC has the authority to inquire into specific complaints and grievances regarding the deprivation of rights or atrocities committed against Scheduled Castes.
- It can summon evidence and witnesses during the inquiry process
- The commission advises the central and state governments on policy matters related to the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes.
- It recommends measures for the effective implementation of constitutional safeguards
- The NCSC reviews the progress of the development and welfare programs designed for Scheduled Castes.
- It suggests measures to ensure that these programs are effectively implemented and reach the targeted beneficiaries
- Ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
- Taking steps to prevent atrocities and discrimination against Scheduled Castes
- Overseeing the implementation of reservations in educational institutions, employment, and other spheres for Scheduled Castes.
- Addressing issues related to the proper implementation of reservation policies
- Regularly reviewing the working of various constitutional safeguards and provisions for Scheduled Castes.
- Recommending amendments to existing laws or the enactment of new laws to improve the status and condition of Scheduled Castes
- The commission submits periodic and special reports to the President of India and to the Parliament on its findings, recommendations, and the overall status of Scheduled Castes
The key features of the composition are as follows:
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Chairperson: The Chairperson is the head of the NCSC and is appointed by the President of India. The Chairperson is typically a person who has held a high judicial office or has wide experience in matters related to the Scheduled Castes.
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Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson, like the Chairperson, is appointed by the President of India. The Vice-Chairperson assists the Chairperson in carrying out the functions of the commission.
- Nine other Members: Appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Chairperson.
Current Composition (as of February 17, 2024):
- Chairperson: Shri Vijay Sampla
- Vice-Chairperson: Currently Vacant
- Members:
- Smt. Sunita Kumari
- Shri Mukesh Kumar Arya
- Smt. Paramjit Kaur Kainth
- Shri Parameswar Naik
- Smt. Rama Devi
- Shri Raj Kumar Valmiki
- Shri Suresh Chandra Ram
- Shri Shyam Sundar Ram
- Shri Ishwar Singh
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has a rich history intertwined with the fight for equality and social justice for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India. Here's a glimpse into its journey:
Early Beginnings (Pre-1987):
- 1950: The Constitution of India comes into effect, establishing Article 338 mandating the creation of a Special Officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- 1950-1987: The Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, a single-member body, investigates complaints of atrocities and discrimination against SCs and STs.
Evolution into a Multi-Member Commission (1987-Present):
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1987: Recognizing the need for a more robust mechanism, the 65th Amendment to the Constitution replaces the single-member commission with a multi-member National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
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1990: The NCST is bifurcated into two separate commissions: NCSC for SCs and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) for STs. This allows for focused attention on the specific needs of each community.
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1992: The first NCSC is constituted with Shri S.H. Ramdhan as the Chairperson.
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Since then: The NCSC has been reconstituted several times, with each Chairperson and Commission contributing to its evolving mandate and achievements.
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Previous Year Questions
1. In 2001, RGI stated that Dalits who converted to Islam or Christianity are not a single ethnic group as they belong to different caste groups. Therefore, they cannot be included in the list of Scheduled Castes (SC) as per Clause (2) of Article 341, which requires a single ethnic group for inclusion. (UPSC CSE Mains GS2 2014) 2. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC CSE Mains GS2 2018) |
