About

• National Commission for Scheduled Castes is a Constitutional body established under Article 338 to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• It was created as a separate commission after the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, which bifurcated the earlier NCSC/ST Commission.

Composition

• Chairperson + Vice-Chairperson + 3 other Members.
• All members are appointed by the President by warrant under his/her hand and seal.

Functions

• It investigates and monitors constitutional/legal safeguards provided to SCs and evaluates their implementation.
• It inquires into complaints regarding deprivation of SC rights and safeguards.
• It advises on socio-economic development of SCs and evaluates their progress.
• It submits reports to the President on the working of SC safeguards.
• It recommends corrective measures to the Union and State Governments for SC welfare and development.
• It advises on major policy matters affecting SCs; Union and State Governments are required to consult the Commission.

Powers

• It has powers of a Civil Court while investigating safeguards-related matters and complaints.
• It can summon persons and examine them on oath.
• It can demand production/discovery of documents.
• It can receive evidence through affidavits.
• It can requisition public records from courts or government offices.
• It can regulate its own procedure for conducting inquiries.