National Commission for SCs

• It is a constitutional body, established by Article 338 of the Constitution.
• Originally, this commission is called as a Special Officer for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 bifurcated the National Commission – 1.National Commission for Scheduled Castes (under Article 338). 2.National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (under Article 338-A).
• The separate National Commission for SCs established in 2004.
• The chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three members are appointed by the President.
• Function - To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the SCs.
• The commission presents an annual report to the president. The President submits the reports before the Parliament.

Other national commissions (statutory bodies) -

1. The National Commission for Women (1992)
2. The National Commission for Minorities (1993)
3. The National Human Rights Commission (1993)
4. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (2007)