Q1. Which Constitutional Amendment conferred constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes?
- 102nd Amendment Act, 2018
- 89th Amendment Act, 2003
- 65th Amendment Act, 1990
- 104th Amendment Act, 2020
Correct Option: 1. 102nd Amendment Act, 2018.
Explanation: The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2018 gave the NCBC constitutional status by inserting Article 338-B into the Constitution. Before this, the NCBC was a statutory body established in 1993.
Q2. What was the main reason behind the establishment of the NCBC in 1993?
- To handle cases related to Scheduled Tribes
- On the recommendation of the Mandal Commission
- On the direction of the Supreme Court in the Mandal case judgment
- As per the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
Correct Option: 3. On the direction of the Supreme Court in the Mandal case judgment.
Explanation: In the Mandal case judgment (1992), the Supreme Court directed the central government to create a permanent statutory body to address issues like under-inclusion or over-inclusion of communities in the OBC list. This led to the formation of the NCBC in 1993.
Q3. Which Article of the Constitution is associated with the National Commission for Backward Classes?
- Article 338
- Article 338-A
- Article 338-B
- Article 340
Correct Option: 3. Article 338-B.
Explanation: The Article 338-B was inserted into the Constitution by the 102nd Amendment Act to establish the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) as a constitutional body.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the NCBC?
- Investigating legal safeguards for OBCs
- Recommending development measures for SCs and STs
- Evaluating the progress of development of OBCs
- Inquiring into specific complaints regarding deprivation of OBC rights
Correct Option: 2. Recommending development measures for SCs and STs.
Explanation: The NCBC’s mandate is limited to socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs). The National Commissions for SCs (NCSC) and STs (NCST) handle issues related to Scheduled Castes and Tribes, respectively.
Q5. Who appoints the members of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)?
- Prime Minister of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- President of India
Correct Option: 4. President of India.
Explanation: The President of India appoints the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other members of the NCBC by warrant under his hand and seal. Their tenure and service conditions are also determined by the President.