How far is the national commission for backward classes an empowered body? Assess its role in the context of rising demand for backwardness among dominant communities.

NCBC was given the constitutional status through 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018. It has also been given the authority to examine grievances and welfare measures regarding the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes. Previously, NCBC was given a statutory status under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

In the Indian constitution, Article 340 deals with the need to, identify those "socially and educationally backward classes", and also to understand the conditions of their backwardness, and then to make recommendations to remove the difficulties they face.

NCBC has proved itself to be an empowered body through-

• The commission has the power to investigate and monitor all those matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes under the Constitution or under any other law to evaluate the working of such safeguards.

• It also participates and advises the government on the socio-economic development of these classes and then to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State.

• It has also helped the backward classes in fighting atrocities against them and ensures quick justice to them.

• It also includes a woman member from the backward. It gives representation to both the genders at equal front.

• It has also not encroached upon the rights of state governments as they would have their own backward class commissions.

Rising demand for backwardness among dominant communities-

• Marathas, in Maharashtra, have dominated the state politics for more than 5 decades. While their percentage in the state’s population has been around 30 per cent, they have consistently captured more than 42% of the seats in the state legislative assembly since 1962. Yet, the community has repeatedly been demanding reservation at par with other socially and educationally backward classes.

• Patidars, in Gujarat, have also enjoyed dominance in various walks spheres. About 27% of all industrial units, large or small, are reportedly owned by its members only. Similarly, roughly 10-15 % of the community is settled in foreign countries and are known to own thriving businesses there.

Patidars have also been demanding inclusion in the OBC category and has also launched protest in the state. 

• Jat community, which is spread over Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, constitute nearly 2% of the country’s population. Members of Jat community had previously turned down theo ffer of being included in the OBC category. Now, Jat group, which already has been given reservation in Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, wants to get included in the Centre’s OBC list.

Reasons for these demand-

Reservation has nowadays ceased to be a tool for social justice. Currently, it is now being seen as the only available tool to get an upward social mobility.

This system has led to more inequality and has also resulted in marginalisation of a large number of dominant community people.

Various studies and reports indicate that the economic condition of Marathas, Jats and Patels have definitely deteriorated over the years. But, since they still enjoy considerable grasp over the political power in their respective states, members of these communities feel that they can use this bargaining power to extend these extra benefits of reservation in government jobs and the educational institutions to their respective communities.