National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

It is a constitutional body under Article 338 (B) of the Constitution. Initially it was constituted by the act of Parliament in 1993 but was given the constitutional status via 102^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 338 (B) provides authority to NCBC to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes.
• Article 340 deals with the need to, inter alia, identify those “socially and educationally backward classes”, understand the conditions of their backwardness, and make recommendations to remove the difficulties they face.
• Article 342 (A) empowers President to specify socially and educationally backward classes in various states and union territories.

Powers of the Commission

• The Commission investigates and monitors all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes under the Constitution or under any other law to evaluate the working of such safeguards.
• It participates and advises 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.
• It presents to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards. The President presents such reports before each House of Parliament.
• NCBC has to discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the socially and educationally backward classes as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.
• It has all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit.