National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)

Definition

The constitutional body that investigates and monitors safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes and protects them against deprivation of their rights.

Key points

• Constitutional body under Article 338; the present separate Commission emerged after the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, which split the earlier joint Commission for SCs and STs into two.
• Composition: a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three other members appointed by the President.
• Functions include investigating safeguards for Scheduled Castes, inquiring into complaints of rights violations, advising on socio-economic development planning and submitting reports to the President.
• It has the powers of a civil court while inquiring (summoning witnesses, requiring documents, etc.).
• Article 338 also extends the Commission's duties to the Anglo-Indian community.

Why it matters for CAPF

Article 338, the 89th Amendment split of 2003 and the civil-court powers are standard items for constitutional bodies, with a social-justice and rights dimension.

Common confusion

The NCSC (Art 338) was separated from the joint SC and ST Commission by the 89th Amendment, 2003, creating the NCST (Art 338A); do not confuse it with the statutory National Commission for Backward Classes status changes or the OBC Commission.

Parent note

constitutional and statutory bodies