NCBC (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has raised serious objections to the West Bengal government’s recommendation to include 83 castes in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

National Commission for Backward Classes

• Establishment: The NCBC was initially constituted by the Central Government through the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.
• Constitutional Status Granted: The NCBC gained constitutional status via “The Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018”, which introduced Article 338B.

oThis amendment also added Article 342A and Clause 26C to Article 366.

• Composition: The Commission is comprised of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members, all holding the rank and pay equivalent to that of Secretary to the Government of India.
• Appointment: The President appoints the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and other Members of the Commission through a warrant under his hand and seal.
• Functions

oTo examine and monitor all matters relevant to the SEBC's safeguards, as well as to assess the effectiveness of such safeguards.

oTo look into particular issues regarding the SEBC's loss of rights and protections. Reports on how such protections are operating are to be given to the President.

oTo make recommendations for actions that should be done to ensure that safeguards and other measures are implemented effectively for the protection, welfare, and socioeconomic development of SEBC.

oTo take part in, provide advice on, and assess the socioeconomic growth of the educationally and socially disadvantaged classes. 

oThe NCBC has civil court authority.