NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCs (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Vice-Chairman (Chairman In-charge) recently submitted the Annual Report 2022-23 of the National Commission of Schedule Caste to the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes

• About: It is a constitutional body that works to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes (SC) in India.
• Set up: It was set up as a national level advisory body to advise the government on broad policy issues and levels of development of Scheduled Castes.
• Article 338 of the constitution: It provides for a National Commission for the Scheduled Castes.

oThe constitution provides duties to investigate and monitor all matters relating to safeguards provided for them, to inquire into specific complaints and to participate and advise on the planning process of their socio-economic development etc.

• Composition: It consists of chairperson, vice-chairperson and three other members. 
• Appointed by: President by warrant under his hand and seal.
• Tenure: Determined by President of India

Reports of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes

• Annual Report Submission: The commission presents an annual report to the President.
• Presidential Submission to Parliament: The president places all such reports before the Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations made by the Commission.
• State Government Report Forwarding: The President also forwards any report of the Commission pertaining to a state government to the state governor.
• Legislative Presentation: The Governor places it before the state legislature.

Functions

• To examine and oversee issues concerning the constitutional and legal protections for the SCs.
• To address particular grievances concerning the violation of rights of SCs.
• To contribute insights and recommendations during the socio-economic development planning for the SCs and assess their advancement under Union or state jurisdictions.
• To submit reports to the President periodically, including an annual report, detailing the effectiveness of these safeguards.