Appointment of Chairperson of NCBC

• 01 Apr 2026

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Niranjan Jyoti has assumed charge as Chairperson, and Kiran Umesh Mahalle has assumed charge as Member of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). 

What is the National Commission for Backward Classes? 

• About: 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. 
• Significance of the 102nd Amendment: 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. 
• Constitutional Basis: 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). 
• Composition: 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. 
• Qualification of Members:  
  • Chairperson: Must be appointed from among eminent socio-political workers belonging to the SEBCs. They must be individuals who inspire confidence in the backward classes through their personality and record of service. 
  • Vice-Chairperson & Members: Out of the Vice-Chairperson and the three other members, at least two must belong to the socially and educationally backward classes. 
  • Women Representation: At least one member of the Commission must be a woman. 
• Tenure and Conditions of Service: The tenure of office and the conditions of service (salary, allowances, etc.) are determined by the President.  
  • The Chairperson and members serve a term of 3 years from the date they assume office. Members are generally not eligible for appointment for more than 2 terms. 
• Key Functions: 
  • Investigation: Monitoring and investigating all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the backward classes under the Constitution or any other law. 
  • Inquiry: Investigating specific complaints regarding the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the backward classes. 
  • Advisory: Participating in and advising on the socio-economic development of these classes and evaluating their progress. 
  • Reporting: Presenting annual reports to the President regarding the working of those safeguards. 
• Powers of a Civil Court: While investigating matters or inquiring into complaints, the NCBC has the powers of a civil court, meaning it can: 
  • Summon and enforce the attendance of any person. 
  • Require the discovery and production of any document. 
  • Receive evidence on affidavits. 
  • Issue commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents. 
• Related Constitutional Amendments: Article 342A was inserted alongside the NCBC’s constitutional status (102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018) that empowers the President to specify the socially and educationally backward classes in various States and Union Territories.  
  • Following the 105th Amendment Act, 2021, the power of State Governments to identify and maintain their own state lists of OBCs was explicitly restored. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Which constitutional amendment granted constitutional status to the NCBC? 
The 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 inserted Article 338B, transforming the NCBC from a statutory body into a full constitutional entity. 

2. How is the composition and tenure of the NCBC determined? 
It consists of five members (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three others) appointed by the President, who also determines their tenure and service conditions. 

3. What was the impact of the 105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2021? 
It explicitly restored the power of State Governments to identify and maintain their own state-specific lists of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). 

4. What quasi-judicial powers does the NCBC hold? 
While investigating complaints, the NCBC has the powers of a civil court, including summoning witnesses, requiring document production, and receiving evidence on affidavits. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question: 

Q. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: (2023)

1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 
2. The National Human Rights Commission 
3. The National Law Commission 
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 

How many of the above constitutional bodies? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All four 

Ans: (a)