The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) will examine the complaint of a decorated Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer against caste-based allegations by a Maharashtra minister.

About National Commission for Scheduled Castes

• NCSC is a constitutional body under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution.
• It functions under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It was established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes.
• It aims to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution.

How were they established?

• The original constitution provided for the appointment of a Special Officer under Article 338.
• The special officer was designated as the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• The 65th Constitutional Amendment Act 1990, amended Article 338 of the Constitution to introduce a joint NC for SCs and STs.
• Later by 89th Amendment, NC for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and NC for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) were separated by creating a new Article 338-A.

Functions

• To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the SCs
• To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes
• To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the SCs
• 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 in such reports recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State
• To discharge such other functions as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify

Note: National Commission for Backward Castes is also a constitutional body too. According to article 340, President shall establish a commission to examine the condition of social and backward class.

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