Constitutional Status & Objective
- NCSC is a constitutional body under Article 338 of the Constitution.
- It aims to safeguard Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Anglo-Indian community from exploitation and to promote their social, economic, and cultural development.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
Definition of Scheduled Castes
- Article 366(24): Defines SCs.
- Article 341(1): President, in consultation with the Governor, notifies SCs for a State/UT.
- Article 341(2): Only Parliament can include/exclude castes from the SC list.
- As per the 2011 Census, SCs constitute 16.6% of India’s population.
- Highest SC population: Uttar Pradesh, followed by West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Evolution of NCSC
| Stage | Development |
| Initial (Article 338) | Appointment of Special Officer (Commissioner) for SCs & STs. |
| 65th Amendment (1990) | Creation of a multi-member commission for SCs & STs. |
| 89th Amendment (2003) | Bifurcation into: |
- NCSC – Article 338
- NCST – Article 338A
(2004 == Separate NCSC formally established)
Composition & Tenure
- 5 Members: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and 3 Members.
- Appointed by: President of India.
- Tenure: 3 years; max 2 terms as per 2004 rules.
Functions of NCSC
- Investigate and monitor constitutional/legal safeguards for SCs.
- Inquire into specific complaints of rights violations.
- Advise and evaluate socio-economic development plans for SCs.
- Present annual or special reports to the President.
- Recommend welfare and protective measures for SCs.
- Other functions as assigned by the President.
- Also handles matters related to the Anglo-Indian community.
- Earlier included OBC matters (till 2018, removed by 102nd Amendment).
- Earlier included OBC matters (till 2018, removed by 102nd Amendment).
Powers of the NCSC
- Civil Court Powers under Article 338(8):
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- Summon individuals.
- Enforce attendance and take evidence on oath.
- Demand documents and public records.
- Examine witnesses and documents.
- Can regulate its own procedures.
- Union and State governments must consult NCSC on major policy decisions affecting SCs.
Reporting Mechanism
- Reports submitted to President.
- President places the report with a memorandum before Parliament:
- Action Taken Report (ATR).
- Reasons for non-acceptance of recommendations.
- If State-specific, sent to Governor → laid before State Legislature.
Legal and Constitutional Safeguards for SCs
Constitutional Provisions
| Article | Provision |
| Art. 15 | Prohibits caste-based discrimination. |
| Art. 17 | Abolishes untouchability. |
| Art. 46 | Promotes educational & economic interests of SCs. |
| Art. 243D(4) | SC reservation in Panchayats. |
| Art. 243T(4) | SC reservation in Municipalities. |
| Art. 330 | SC reservation in Lok Sabha. |
| Art. 332 | SC reservation in State Assemblies. |
Statutory Framework
- Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 – abolishes untouchability.
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 – protects against violence and discrimination.
- Manual Scavengers Act, 2013 – prohibits manual scavenging and rehabilitates workers.
Significance of NCSC
- Key institution to ensure social justice.
- Empowers SCs through legal recourse, policy advocacy, and development evaluation.
- Aids India’s mission toward inclusive and equitable growth.
Conclusion
The NCSC is an essential part of India’s constitutional framework, playing a critical role in promoting the rights, dignity, and development of Scheduled Castes. Strengthening its functioning and implementing its recommendations effectively is vital for achieving true social justice and inclusive development in India.