Q1. Which Constitutional Amendment led to the bifurcation of the National Commission for SCs and STs into two separate bodies?
- 65th Amendment Act, 1990
- 89th Amendment Act, 2003
- 102nd Amendment Act, 2018
- 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
Correct Option: 2. 89th Amendment Act, 2003.
Explanation: The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 separated the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two individual constitutional bodies:
-NCSC under Article 338
-NCST under Article 338-A
This change came into effect in 2004.
Q2. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes derives its authority from which Article of the Constitution?
- Article 338-A
- Article 339
- Article 340
- Article 338
Correct Option: 4. Article 338.
Explanation: Article 338 of the Constitution specifically provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
-Article 338-A pertains to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Q3. Which of the following is not a function of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes?
- Investigating complaints of deprivation of SC rights
- Reviewing safeguards for Scheduled Castes
- Advising on socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes
- Deciding legal cases involving Scheduled Castes
Correct Option: 4. Deciding legal cases involving Scheduled Castes.
Explanation: While the NCSC has quasi-judicial powers similar to a civil court, it does not decide legal cases. It investigates, advises, and recommends actions, but it is not a judicial body. Legal disputes are handled by courts of law.
Q4. Who appoints the Chairperson and members of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes?
- President of India
- Prime Minister
- Chief Justice of India
- Parliament
Correct Option: 1. President of India.
Explanation: The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and other members of the NCSC are appointed by the President of India through a warrant under his hand and seal. Their terms and conditions of service are also determined by the President.
Q5. Until 2018, the NCSC also had to perform functions related to which other community?
- Religious Minorities
- Anglo-Indian Community
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
- Scheduled Tribes
Correct Option: 3. Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Explanation: Until the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2018, the NCSC also had to discharge similar functions with regard to OBCs.
Post-2018, this responsibility was removed and assigned to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).