Why this matters now
These commissions are tested for their exact constitutional articles, composition and powers — a high-yield prelims topic where candidates confuse the three bodies.
Constitutional basis
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is under Article 338; the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) under Article 338A (carved out by the 89th Amendment, 2003); and the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) under Article 338B (given constitutional status by the 102nd Amendment, 2018). Each has a chairperson, vice-chairperson and three other members appointed by the President.
Powers and functions
They investigate and monitor safeguards for their respective groups, inquire into complaints, advise on socio-economic development planning, and submit annual reports to the President (laid before Parliament). While investigating, they have the powers of a civil court (summoning witnesses, requiring documents).
Key distinctions
Note: the NCBC earlier was only a statutory body (post the Indra Sawhney case) and became constitutional in 2018; the NCST also handles matters relating to other backward communities like denotified and nomadic tribes. The President can specify their functions for the Anglo-Indian and other communities by reference.
UPSC angle
Know the article–body mapping (338 NCSC, 338A NCST, 338B NCBC), the 89th (2003) and 102nd (2018) Amendments, the 5-member composition, civil-court powers, and annual reports to the President.
Frequently asked questions
Under which articles are the NCSC, NCST and NCBC established?
NCSC under Article 338, NCST under Article 338A and NCBC under Article 338B.
When did the NCBC become a constitutional body?
In 2018, through the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act (inserting Article 338B).
What powers do these commissions have?
While investigating complaints they have the powers of a civil court, and they submit annual reports to the President.
When was the NCST created separately?
In 2003 by the 89th Amendment, which carved the NCST (Article 338A) out of the earlier combined commission.