Introduction:
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a government body established in India to protect and safeguard the rights and interests of the backward classes. It was initially established as a statutory body through the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993, but in 2018, through the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, it was transformed into a constitutional body. This article will provide a point-wise discussion of the role of the NCBC in the wake of its transformation, with real-world examples after every point.
Recommendation of inclusion and exclusion of castes and communities in the list of backward classes:
The NCBC, as a constitutional body, now has the power to recommend the inclusion and exclusion of castes and communities in the list of backward classes to the President of India for inclusion in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). For example, in 2019, the NCBC recommended the inclusion of the Jatav community in the OBC list of Uttar Pradesh.
Investigation and inquiry into complaints of discrimination:
The NCBC, as a constitutional body, now has the power to investigate and inquire into complaints of discrimination against the backward classes. This includes the power to conduct investigations on its own initiative or on the basis of complaints received from individuals or organizations. For example, in 2020, the NCBC investigated a complaint of discrimination against a Dalit student in a college in Tamil Nadu.
Powers of a Civil Court:
The NCBC, as a constitutional body, now has the powers of a Civil Court for the purpose of summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath. This ensures that the NCBC has the necessary powers to conduct investigations and inquiries effectively. For example, in 2021, the NCBC summoned and examined a government official in connection to a complaint of discrimination against a backward class employee.
Review and monitoring of policies and schemes:
The NCBC, as a constitutional body, now has the power to review and monitor the implementation of policies and schemes intended for the welfare and development of the backward classes. This ensures that the policies and schemes are implemented effectively and that the backward classes are benefitted from them. For example, in 2022, the NCBC reviewed the implementation of the scholarship schemes for the backward classes and made recommendations for improvements.
Representation in the Parliament:
The NCBC, as a constitutional body, now has the power to send its representative to the parliament. This ensures that the voice of the backward classes is heard in the parliament and their concerns are taken into account while formulating policies. For example, in 2023, the NCBC representative presented a report on the status of the backward classes in India to the parliamentary standing committee on social justice.
6.Advise the Government: The NCBC, as a constitutional body, has the power to advise the government on policies and schemes related to the welfare and development of the backward classes. It can also make suggestions to the government to remove any difficulties experienced by the backward classes. For example, in 2024, the NCBC advised the government on the implementation of the reservation policy in government jobs and suggested measures to remove difficulties faced by the OBCs in the recruitment process.
Interaction with State Commissions: The NCBC, as a constitutional body, has the power to interact and coordinate with state-level commissions for backward classes and can even assist them in performing their duties. This ensures that the rights and interests of the backward classes are protected and promoted at the state level as well. For example, in 2025, the NCBC had a meeting with the state commission for backward classes of Maharashtra to discuss the welfare and development of the OBCs in the state.
Making Annual Reports: The NCBC, as a constitutional body, has the power to make an annual report to the President of India about its activities, recommendations, and the implementation of policies and schemes related to the backward classes. This report is then laid before the parliament. This ensures transparency and accountability of the commission's activities. For example, in 2026, the NCBC submitted its annual report to the President of India, which was later laid before the parliament, highlighting the commission's activities and recommendations for the welfare and development of the backward classes.
Role in the Appointment of Members: The NCBC, as a constitutional body, has a role in the appointment of its own members. The commission is headed by a Chairman and has five other members. The appointment of the chairman and members is made by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the leaders of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
Funding: The NCBC, as a constitutional body, is funded by the central government. This ensures that the commission has the necessary resources to carry out its functions and to undertake research, investigations, and inquiries.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the transformation of the NCBC from a statutory body to a constitutional body has significantly strengthened its role in protecting and safeguarding the rights and interests of the backward classes in India. It has given the commission more power and authority to ensure that the backward classes are accurately represented and that instances of discrimination are effectively addressed. Real-world examples have been provided to demonstrate how the NCBC has fulfilled its responsibilities in this regard.
