Context:
National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) recommends increase in reservation quota for OBCs in West Bengal, Punjab
National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC):
- Initially constituted by the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Accorded constitutional status through 102nd Amendment Act, 2018, whereby Article 338B has been inserted
- Composition – A Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and 3 other Members
- Members are appointed by – The President by warrant under his hand and seal.
- Functions –
- to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes
- to inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the socially and educationally backward classes
- to participate and advise on the socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State;
- to present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards;
- to make recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for the protection, welfare, and socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes
- Powers –
- While inquiring into any complaint, it will have all the powers of a civil court (it will be able to summon any person, ask for a document, and receive evidence on affidavits).
- The Commission shall have the power to regulate its own procedures.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following organizations/ bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
[UPSC Civil Service – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
All other bodies except National Commission for Backward Classes are non-constitutional bodies.
