Why is it in the news?
- The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended an increase in the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in West Bengal and Punjab.
More about the news
- Currently, the reservation percentage for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs cumulatively are 37% in Punjab and 45% in West Bengal.
- The proposed increase in the reservation quota for OBCs will comply with Supreme Court guidelines, which specify a maximum ceiling of 50% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes, as established in the Indra Sawhney case.
| About NCBC
· The NCBC, established as a statutory body under the NCBC Act, 1993, has attained Constitutional Status through the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018, with the introduction of Article 338B. · The commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members who hold the rank and pay equivalent to that of a Secretary to the Government of India. · The NCBC’s responsibilities include investigating and monitoring matters related to the safeguards provided for socially and educationally backward classes. · Additionally, the commission advises the Central Government on OBC inclusion or exclusion requests from state or central governments. · The NCBC submits an annual report to the President, and it may also present reports at other times deemed appropriate by the commission. · In the event that the Government disagrees with the NCBC’s recommendations, it is required to provide reasons for its decision. |
