UPSC Express

National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes

• National Commission for Backward Classes was established in 1993 by an act of Parliament.
• In August 2018, NCBC was granted the constitutional status under 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act. (123 Amendment Bill)
• The 102 Constitutional Amendment Act inserted Article 338B in the Constitution to set up National for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes.

Composition and Functions

• The NCBC constitutes chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three other members.
• NCBC recommends to the central government regarding inclusion and exclusion of a particular caste in the Central list of OBCs.
• However according to Article 342 A parliament has to approve every inclusion into and exclusion from the Central List of OBCs.
• The state and central governments are required to consult with the NCBC on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes.
• NCBC investigates and monitors safeguards provided to the backward classes under the Constitution and other laws.
• NCBC has the powers of a civil court while investigating or inquiring into any complaints with regards to violation rights of backward classes.
• NCBC is duty-bound to present to the President of India (who lays it before Parliament) with reports that includes recommendations on the implementation of welfare measures to be taken by government.

Term

• The of the members including Chairperson is 3 years which can be extended by President 6 months at a time.
• The term of the members of current commission (formed in 2015) has been extended for the purpose of Sub-categorization of OBC list.