Context
The seat of chairman which was lying vacant since May 2020 has finally been entrusted to a former union minister after a waiting period of more than 8 months.
About National Commission for Scheduled Castes:
- It is a constitutional body under Article 338 of the Constitution of India.
- Functions of NCSC
- To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the Constitution or under any other law
- To inquire into specific complaints concerning the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes
- To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the SCs and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union or a state;
- To present to the President, annually and at such other times as it may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards;
- To make recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or a state for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare, and socio-economic development of the SCs; and
- Discharge such other functions about the protection, welfare and development, and advancement of the SCs as the president may specify.
- The commission presents an annual report to the president. It can also submit a report as and when it thinks necessary. The President places all such reports before the Parliament.
- The Commission, while investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, has all the powers of a civil court.
