42. National Commission For SCs

Question 0

What are the functions of the National Commission for SCs?

Answer 0

1. To INVESTIGATE and MONITOR all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the SCs and to evaluate their working.
2. To INQUIRE into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safe guards of the SCs.
3. To PARTICIPATE and ADVISE on the planning process of socio-economic development of the SCs and to evaluate the process of their development under state or union govt.
4. To PRESENT ANNUAL REPORTS to the president, also as and when necessary upon the workings of those safeguards.
5. To make RECOMMENDATIONS as to the measures that should be taken by the union or state for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the SCs.
6. And to DISCHARGE such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare, development and advancement of the SCs as the president may specify.

Question 1

What is National Commission for SCs?

Answer 1

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs) is a constitutional body in the sense that it is directly established by Article 338 of the constitution.

The separate National Commission for SCs came into existence in 2004.

It consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three other members appointed by the president by a warrant under his hand and seal, their tenure and conditions of service are also determined by the president.

Question 2

What are the powers of the National Commission for SCs?

Answer 2

The commission is vested with the power to regulate its own procedure.

Has the powers of civil court regarding matters related to its functioning. Particularly in respect of following matters:

1. Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;
2. Requiring the discovery and production of any document;
3. Receiving evidence on affidavits;
4. Requisitioning any public record from any court or office;
5. Issuing summons for the examination of witnesses and documents; and
6. Any other matter which the president may determine.

The central and state govt are required to consult the commission on all major policy matters affecting the SCs.

The commission is also required to discharge similar functions with regard to the OBCs and the Anglo-Indian community as it does with respect to SCs.