Who appoints the Chairperson and other members of the National Commission for Backward Castes?

The correct answer is President.

Key Points

• The Chairperson and other members of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) are appointed by the President of India.
• NCBC was established under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993, which was later replaced by the NCBC Act, 2018.
• The Commission investigates matters relating to the inclusion and exclusion of communities in the list of backward classes and advises the central government accordingly.
• Appointments to NCBC are made on the recommendation of the central government, ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions.
• The NCBC is a constitutional body under Article 338B of the Indian Constitution after the passage of the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018.

Additional Information

• Article 338B: This article provides for the structure, duties, and powers of the National Commission for Backward Classes as a constitutional body.
• 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018: This amendment granted constitutional status to the NCBC and empowered it to address issues related to backward classes.
• Functions of NCBC: It examines requests for inclusion or exclusion of communities in backward classes, advises on socio-economic development, and monitors safeguards for backward classes.
• Composition of NCBC: The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other members appointed by the President based on central government recommendations.
• Difference from National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): While NCSC deals with issues related to Scheduled Castes under Article 338, NCBC specifically addresses matters related to backward classes.