The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a Constitutional body set up under Article 338 of the Constitution of India with a view to safeguard and promote
the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India. To provide safeguards against the exploitation of SCs and to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural
interests, special provisions have been made in the Constitution.
The NCSC acts as an advisory body to the government, ensuring that the constitutional safeguards for SCs are implemented effectively. It monitors the development, protection,
and empowerment of Scheduled Castes through its recommendations and oversight. The Commission has evolved through various constituencies and reforms, with the current NCSC
comprising a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Members who continue to work towards the upliftment and inclusion of Scheduled Castes in the social, educational, and economic spheres of India.
Historical Background
Setting up of the Commission for National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCSCST)
In July, 1978 the Govt. of India decided to set up the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, consisting of a Chairman and four Members including the Special
Officer appointed under Article 338 of the Constitution. This was done by the Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution No. 13013/9/77-SCT (1) dated 21st July, 1978.
The functions of the Multi-Member Commission set up in 1978 were modified vide Ministry of Welfare’s Resolution No. BC-13015/12/86-SCD VI dated 1.09.1987 and the Commission
for SCs & STs was renamed as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It was set up as a National Level Advisory Body to advise the Government on broad
policy issues and levels of development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The Statutory National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) came into existence consequent upon passing of the
Constitution (Sixty fifth Amendment) Bill, 1990.
The first Commission under the Constitution (65th Amendment) Act was constituted on 12.03.1992 replacing the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the Commission
was set up under the Ministry of Welfare’s Resolution of 1987.
Setting up of the Commission for National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
Consequent upon the Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2003 vide Notification Regd. No. D.L (N)04/0007/2003-05 dated 30.09.2003 the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes
& Scheduled Tribes has been replaced by:-
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
The rules of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes were framed by the NCSC and notified on 20 February, 2004 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.