Image Source Apr 15, 2021 12:26 IST · 1 min read
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo Indian communities to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests.
Article 338 of the Indian constitution deals with National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Article 338 A deals with National Commission for Scheduled tribes.
Constitution of India under Article 338 has assigned the following duties and functions to the Commission.
1) To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes 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.
2) To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.
NCSC consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three other members, they are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
In 2004, the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, inserted a new Article 338A in the Constitution and replaced the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by two separate commissions namely:
1) National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
2) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
The first National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) was formed in 2004 under the chairmanship of Suraj Bhan.
Complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Castes can now be registered with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) through its online portal - ncsc.negd.in.
Android and iOS apps for the online complaint management portal would be launched in about two weeks.