Question 8GS2GS2

What are the powers and functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC)? Discuss the performance of NCSC in protecting and promoting the rights of Scheduled Caste.

Introduction

Article 338 of the Constitution provides for the formation of National Commission for Scheduled Castes. It acts as a body for safeguard of the invaluable of scheduled castes.

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Main Body

Functions of NCSC: 1) Evaluation of the existing constitutional and legal safeguards for the scheduled castes. 2) Inquiries into complaints against discrimination of scheduled castes & grievance redressal. 3) Powers of civil court to conduct two-moto inquiries and investigations to ensure safety of scheduled castes. 4) Provide policy inputs for betterment of socio-economic

condition of scheduled castes. 5) Tabled annual reports to the President regarding status of scheduled castes. Performance of NCST: Benefits / Achievements: 1) Improvement in socio-economic development of SC. Eg: Access per TISS reported, by SC has increased by 30%. 2) Bridging the equality gap from mainstream society. Eg: Female literacy among SC improved by 9%. 3) Speedy grievance resolution. 4) Special SC officers in most rural ministries and departments. 5) Increased representation of lower castes in higher level political offices. Eg: Former president of India (Rampah Kovind). Lacunae: 1) Ineffective and slow disposal of complaints – 22,000+ complaints we pending.

2UHI 89.7% of atrocities are committed against SC y ST (NCRB data) 3) Recommendations are not binding. 4) Lag in percolation of annual reports – 2 year delay in annual report. 5) No follow up for the 'Action Taken Report' by ministries. 6) Lack of adequate representation of lower castes in parliamentary committees, central universities, judiciary etc. Way Forward: 1) Recommendations should be made binding. 2) Participation of civil society in discussion forums with NCSC ⟹ improve answerability. 3) Provision of powers to deal with complaints of criminal nature. Moreover, to realise the vision of D.R. Ambedkar for a society free of caste biases, NCSC plays a crucial role and it needs to be further strengthened to deliver the intended goals.

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Conclusion

To realise the vision of D.R. Ambedkar for a society free of caste biases, NCSC plays a crucial role and it needs to be further strengthened to deliver the intended goals.

31 words

Open original scan

Page 22

Topper

Ritika Chitlangia

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Constitutional Posts and Bodies - Appointment, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities

National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Powers, functions, and performance of NCSC

Writing Stats

335

Total words

Paragraphs

descriptive-analytical

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