Rajasthan

Appearance

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) ​

Establishment ​

  • Mandal Case Judgement (1992): Supreme Court directed the establishment of a permanent statutory body for backward classes.
  • Established in 1993: Initially a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.
  • 102nd Amendment Act (2018): Conferred constitutional status by inserting Article 338-B.
    • NCBC became a constitutional body.
    • Enlarged scope of functions to safeguard interests of socially and educationally backward classes.
    • Status equivalent to National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).

Composition ​

  • Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other members appointed by the President.
  • Tenure: Three years, eligible for a maximum of two terms.

Functions ​

  • Investigate and monitor safeguards for socially and educationally backward classes.
  • Inquire into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights.
  • Advise on socioeconomic development and evaluate progress.
  • Present annual reports to the President.
  • Make recommendations for effective implementation of safeguards.
  • Perform additional functions as specified by the President.

Reporting ​

  • Annual report to the President.
  • Reports placed before Parliament with a memorandum explaining actions taken.
  • Reports pertaining to state governments forwarded to the state government for placement before the state legislature.

Powers ​

  • Regulate its own procedure.
  • Powers of a civil court, including:
    • Summoning and enforcing attendance.
    • Requiring discovery and production of documents.
    • Receiving evidence on affidavits.
    • Requisitioning public records.
    • Issuing summons for witnesses and documents.
  • Central and state governments required to consult the Commission on major policy matters affecting backward classes.
  • 105th Amendment Act (2021): Exempted state governments from consulting the Commission regarding the preparation and maintenance of the list of socially and educationally backward classes for their own purposes.