Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti NCBC Chairperson, NCBC Functions, Powers

Recently, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), while Kiran Umesh Mahalle took charge as a Member.

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

• The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a constitutional body entrusted with safeguarding the interests of SEBCs. 
• It was initially established as a statutory body in 1993 but was accorded constitutional status through the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act. The amendment inserted Article 338B.
• The Commission derives its authority from Article 338B, which defines its structure, powers, and functions.

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Composition and Tenure 

• National Commission for Backward Classes consists of five members – a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three other members. 
• All members of National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. 
• Their conditions of service and tenure of office are also determined by the President. 
• The Chairperson and members serve a term of 3 years from the date they assume office.

Functions of the  National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

It shall be the duty of the Commission: 

• To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards;
• 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 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.
• 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 in such reports the recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes; and

The President places all such reports before the Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations made by the Commission. The memorandum should also contain the reasons for the non-acceptance of any of such recommendations.

The President also forwards any report of the Commission pertaining to a state government to the state government. The government places it before the state legislature, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations of the Commission.

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National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Powers

While investigating matters or inquiring into complaints, the NCBC has the powers of a civil court, meaning it can: 

• Summon and enforce the attendance of any person. 
• Require the discovery and production of any document. 
• Receive evidence on affidavits. 
• Issue commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents. 
• Any other matter which the President may by rule, determine.

The central government and the state governments are required to consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes.