Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (UPSC CSE Mains 2022 - General Studies Paper 2)
The NCBC, originally a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was granted constitutional status by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2018.
Various transformations that have happened in the new NCBC
- The National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) was previously a statutory body, deriving its powers from laws made by Parliament. However, after the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2018, the NCBC has been granted constitutional status, thereby deriving its powers and authorities directly from the Indian Constitution.
- With the insertion of Article 338B by the 102nd CAA, the NCBC is now empowered to examine complaints and implement welfare measures, which was lacking in its previous form.
- The 102nd CAA also introduced a new Article 342A, which brings in greater transparency as it mandates the concurrence of Parliament for any amendment to the list of backward classes.
- The new NCBC’s focus has shifted from reservation to the development of backward classes and the inclusion of grievance redressal measures.
Nevertheless, certain issues remain unresolved, such as the non-binding nature of the NCBC’s recommendations and its lack of authority to determine the definition of backwardness.
As such, the NCBC is a crucial commission for promoting social advancement. It ought to adopt a gender-sensitive approach, and its policies should be implemented without succumbing to vote bank politics.
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