Appointment of Chairperson of NCBC:
Niranjan Jyoti has assumed charge as Chairperson, and Kiran Umesh Mahalle has assumed charge as Member of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
- NCBC is a constitutional body dedicated to the welfare and protection of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).
- Initially established as a statutory body in 1993, it underwent a significant transformation through the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018, which granted it constitutional status.
- Before 2018, the NCBC was limited to recommending the inclusion or exclusion of castes in the Central List of Other Backwards Classes (OBCs). Under the new constitutional framework:
- The government is required to consult the NCBC on all major policy matters affecting socially and educationally backward classes.
- It provides a more robust grievance redressal mechanism similar to those available to SCs and STs.
- The commission’s authority is derived from Article 338B of the Indian Constitution. It operates alongside the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Article 338) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Article 338A).
- NCBC consists of 5 members—a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three others—all appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
- Additionally, the President holds the constitutional authority to determine the members’ specific tenure and conditions of service.
