Context:
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) issued notice to the district authorities of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand after it took cognisance of reports that a Dalit youth was beaten up for entering a temple. The youth was allegedly beaten up with a burning piece of wood all night for entering the temple premises.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- Functions
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is an Indian constitutional body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo Indian communities to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution.
- Article 338 of the Indian constitution deals with National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
Composition:
- It consists of:
- Chairperson.
- Vice-chairperson.
- Three other members.
- They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Functions:
- The commission’s responsibilities include monitoring and investigating issues related to safeguards for Scheduled Castes (SCs) under the constitution
- Enquiring into complaints regarding the deprivation of rights and safeguards for SCs
- Advising and participating in the planning of socio-economic development for SCs
- Regularly reporting to the President on the implementation of these safeguards
- Recommending steps to further the socio-economic development and other welfare activities of the SCs
- Any other function related to the welfare, protection, development, and advancement of the SC community
- The commission is also responsible for similar functions for the Anglo-Indian community
- Previously, the commission also had similar responsibilities for other backward classes (OBCs) but was relieved of this responsibility in 2018 through the 102nd Amendment Act.
Source: The Hindu
