5.3.4. SCs/STs/OBCs

National Commission for SCs

The Constitution under Article 338 has provided for appointment of a special officer to ensure that the safeguards are properly implemented and to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes and report to the President about the working of these safeguards. In pursuance of this provision a Special Officer known as the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes was appointed for the first time on 18th November, 1950.

The Commission under Article 338 of Indian Constitution has the following duties and functions:

♤ To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards;

♤ To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes;