Other Backward Classes Commission

The National Commission for Backward Classes was formed in 1993 following the Mandal judgment of the Supreme Court (1992). The National Commission for Backward Classes was a statutory body. It was given constitutional status by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment in 2018. Currently, the National Commission for Backward Classes is a constitutional body. Article 338 B deals with the National Commission for Backward Classes. It is responsible for examining and advising the government on the inclusion and exclusion of communities in the OBC (Other Backward Classes) list. The government is legally bound to implement the advice of the Commission. The President decides who is considered backward among the people in the states and union territories. The Commission has five members, including a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three members. The President appoints the members of the National Commission for Backward Classes. The term of office and other conditions of service of the members of the National Backward Classes Commission are decided by the President. The term of office of the members is currently three years. The Commission submits an annual report to the President. The said report is submitted to the Parliament by the President. The National Backward Classes Commission functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The headquarters of the National Backward Classes Commission is in New Delhi.

Main functions of the National Backward Classes Commission

■ To take steps to secure the rights of the socially and educationally backward classes and to provide protection to such classes.

■ To investigate complaints relating to the denial of rights and protections of the socially and educationally backward classes.

■ To investigate complaints relating to the denial of rights and protections of the socially and educationally backward classes.

■ To assess the progress of the socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes.

■ To submit reports on its activities to the President at suitable times.

■ Recommend the steps to be taken by the Centre and the State for the socially and educationally backward classes.

UPSC/PSC Questions

1. National Backward Classes Commission was formed - August 14, 1993

2. Following which judgment the National Backward Classes Commission was formed - Mandal judgment of the Supreme Court

3. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of the National Backward Classes Commission are appointed - President

4. The term of the Chairman and members of the OBC Commission - 3 years

5. The number of members of the OBC Commission - Five members including the Chairman

6. The first Chairperson of the National Backward Classes Commission - R.N. Prasad

7. The article that states which groups of people are included in the backward classes - Article 342 A