NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR BACKWARD CLASSES

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Hansraj Gangaram Ahir was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes.

National Commission for Backward Classes

In 1992, the Supreme Court of India in the Mandal case judgement directed the Union government to create a permanent statutory body to examine the complaints of citizens belonging to backward classes (BC).
- In 1993, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was set up.
- In 2018, the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act granted constitutional status to the Commission by inserting a new Article 338-B in the Indian constitution.
The Commission consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and 3 other members.
- They are appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
- Their conditions of service and office tenure are also determined by the President.
The Commission presents an annual report to the President. It can also submit a report as and when it thinks necessary.
- The President places all such reports before the Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations made by the Commission.
- The President also forwards any report of the Commission related to state government to the state government. The government places it before the state legislature, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on it.

Responsibilities of the NCBC

To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the socially and educationally backward classes and to evaluate their working.
To inquire into specific complaints concerning the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the socially and educationally backward classes.
To participate and advise on the socioeconomic development of the socially and educationally backward classes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union or a state.
To present to the President, annually and at such other times as it may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards.
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 socially and educationally backward classes.
To discharge such other functions concerning the protection, welfare, development and advancement of the socially and educationally backward classes as the President may specify.

Powers of the Commission

The Commission is vested with the power to regulate its procedure.
The Commission, while investigating any matter or enquiring into any complaint, has all the powers of a civil court, it can:
- Summon and enforce the attendance of any person from any part of India and examine him on oath.
- Require the discovery and production of any document.
- Receive evidence on affidavits.
- Request any public record from any court or office.
- Issue summons for the examination of witnesses and documents.
- Any other matter which the President may determine.
The central government and the state governments are required to consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes.