CONTENTS
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Context:
Shri Kishor Makwana assumes charge of Chairman National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
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.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Context:
The Government of India recently initiated a scheme through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the upgradation and strengthening of the laboratory network in the country.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
- BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016.
- It oversees standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods to ensure their safety and reliability.
- BIS is the successor of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), established in 1947.
- It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Functions and Responsibilities:
- Provides traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy by ensuring safe, reliable quality goods.
- Minimizes health hazards to consumers and promotes exports while controlling the proliferation of varieties through standardization, certification, and testing.
- Operates product certification schemes covering various industrial disciplines.
- Certification by BIS is mandatory for certain products affecting public health and safety, while voluntary or self-certification may be permitted for others.
Certification Process:
- BIS grants licenses to manufacturers through product certification schemes.
- It employs engineers, scientists, and statisticians to ensure compliance with standards.
- Testing is conducted in BIS laboratories as well as in independent facilities following ISO guidelines.
- BIS headquarters is in New Delhi, with regional and branch offices across India.
