Test: National Commission For Backward Classes (NCBC) - UPSC MCQ

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes. It was created to provide recommendations on the inclusion and exclusion of various backward classes for the purpose of benefits and protection. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are correct. Interesting additional fact: The NCBC plays a crucial role in ensuring the rights and development of socially and educationally backward classes in India. It helps in addressing the challenges faced by these classes and works towards their upliftment and progress.

The new National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has been given constitutional status and additional functions compared to its earlier version. One of these additional functions is grievance redress for backward classes. This means that the NCBC now has the authority to address and resolve complaints or grievances raised by backward classes. This is an important step towards ensuring their welfare and protection. Interesting additional fact: By giving the NCBC the additional function of grievance redress, the government aims to provide a platform for backward classes to voice their concerns and seek redressal for any injustices or difficulties they may face. This helps in empowering these classes and ensuring their rights are protected.

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of backward classes. It investigates and monitors the safeguards provided to these classes, evaluates the progress of their development under the Union and any State, and also participates and advises on their socio-economic development. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are correct. Interesting additional fact: Socio-economic development is essential for uplifting backward classes and ensuring their overall well-being. The NCBC's role in monitoring and advising on this development helps in identifying areas of improvement and implementing effective measures to uplift these classes.

The 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 is significant because it provides constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). This means that the NCBC now has a defined status and authority within the Indian Constitution, which strengthens its role in addressing the concerns and welfare of backward classes. Interesting additional fact: The constitutional status granted to the NCBC reflects the government's commitment to addressing the needs and rights of socially and educationally backward classes. It ensures that the NCBC has the necessary powers and authority to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

Article 342 A of the Constitution empowers the President to specify socially and educationally backward classes in various states and union territories. This means that the President has the authority to identify and classify certain communities or groups as socially and educationally backward, based on the prevailing conditions and needs in different regions. Interesting additional fact: The power given to the President to specify backward classes in different states and union territories helps in ensuring that the recognition and benefits provided to these classes are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of each region. It allows for a more targeted approach towards the development and upliftment of backward classes.

In the Indra Sawhney case of 1992, the Supreme Court directed the government to create a permanent body to entertain, examine, and recommend the inclusion and exclusion of various backward classes. This directive aimed to ensure that the concerns and welfare of backward classes are properly addressed and that their inclusion in beneficial schemes and provisions is based on fair and objective criteria. Interesting additional fact: The Supreme Court's directive in the Indra Sawhney case was a landmark decision that recognized the need for a dedicated body to address the issues faced by backward classes. This led to the establishment of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) as a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which has now been given constitutional status.

The 102nd Constitution Amendment Act did not bring any changes to Article 340. However, it inserted new Articles 338 B and 342 A, which provide authority to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and empower the President to specify socially and educationally backward classes, respectively. Interesting additional fact: The addition of new articles in the Constitution through the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act signifies the government's commitment to addressing the concerns and welfare of backward classes. These articles provide a framework for the functioning and responsibilities of the NCBC and the President in relation to backward classes.

According to the text, one of the issues with the new National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is that its composition does not reflect the features of an expert body. This means that the current composition of the NCBC may lack the expertise and diverse perspectives required to effectively address the concerns and welfare of backward classes. Interesting additional fact: The composition of a body like the NCBC is important to ensure that it has the necessary knowledge, skills, and perspectives to fulfill its responsibilities. An expert body is expected to bring specialized knowledge and experience to the table, which can greatly contribute to the decision-making and recommendations in relation to backward classes.

One of the suggestions mentioned in the text to improve the functioning of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is to ensure that its composition reflects the features of an expert body as mandated by the Supreme Court. This means that the NCBC should have members with specialized knowledge, skills, and diverse perspectives to effectively address the concerns and welfare of backward classes. Interesting additional fact: The Supreme Court's directive to have an expert body for addressing the concerns of backward classes emphasizes the importance of having knowledgeable and experienced individuals in such a commission. This helps in ensuring that the commission can provide informed recommendations and solutions for the upliftment and development of backward classes.

The 123rd Constitution Amendment bill of 2017 is significant because it aims to safeguard the interests of backward classes more effectively. It recognizes the importance of addressing the specific needs and concerns of these classes and seeks to strengthen the mechanisms and provisions in place for their welfare and protection. Interesting additional fact: Safeguarding the interests of backward classes is crucial for promoting social justice and equality in society. The 123rd Constitution Amendment bill reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that the rights and development of backward classes are adequately protected and promoted.