Rahul targets Centre over vacancies in national SC Commission

  • March 1, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Rahul targets Centre over vacancies in national SC Commission

Sub: Polity

Sec: National Body

Context:

  • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the BJP-led Union government for the vacancies in the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
  • He termed it as “proof of the anti-Dalit mentality of the BJP government.”
  • In a post on X, he stated that the NCSC has been deliberately neglected, with key posts lying vacant for a year.
  • He called for the Prime Minister to fill the posts at the earliest.

Status of Vacancies in NCSC

  • The 7th National Commission for Scheduled Castes was constituted on March 9, 2024.
  • Vacant posts:
    • Vice-Chairperson.
    • One more Member.
  • The Constitution mandates that NCSC should have a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three members.
  • The last time all top posts were filled was during the 5th Commission (2017-2020), under Ram Shankar Katheria.

Other Key Vacancies in NCSC

  • Law Officer for the Legal Cell is vacant.
  • Some posts at the Section Officer level are also unfilled.
  • An NCSC official stated that the Commission cannot comment on vacancy-related issues.

Vacancies in Other National Commissions

  • National Commission for Other Backward Classes (NCBC)
    • Lacks a Vice-Chairperson.
    • Missing at least two members.
  • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
    • Lacks a Vice-Chairperson.
  • Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
    • The post has been vacant for over five years.
    • The Disability Department Secretary is holding additional charge.
  • National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK)
    • Until January 2025, it was four members short of its mandate.
    • Currently has Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and two members.
    • Requires a total of five members as per mandate.

Constitutional and Governance Concerns

  • These commissions are constitutional/statutory bodies tasked with protecting the rights of marginalized communities.
  • Persistent vacancies weaken their functioning and affect policy implementation.
  • Raises concerns over governance efficiency and administrative neglect.
  • The issue has been flagged in Parliament (December 2024) and remains unresolved.

About National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)

Introduction

  • The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution.
  • It is responsible for safeguarding the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India.

Composition

  • As per the Constitution, the NCSC consists of:
    • Chairperson
    • Vice-Chairperson
    • Three Members
  • Members are appointed by the President of India.

Functions and Powers

  • Investigate and monitor issues related to Scheduled Castes’ safeguards under the Constitution.
  • Inquire into specific complaints regarding violations of SC rights.
  • Participate in the planning process for SC welfare and advise on policy matters.
  • Present annual and special reports to the President on the status of SCs.
  • Recommend measures for socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes.
Polity Rahul targets Centre over vacancies in national SC Commission