DELAYED REPORTS OF SC, ST, AND OBC COMMISSIONS

UPSC Relevance

• GS-2: Social Justice (welfare schemes, protection mechanisms)
• GS-2: Governance (transparency, accountability, statutory bodies)

Key Points

• Over a dozen annual reports from the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), Scheduled Tribes (NCST), and Other Backward Classes (NCBC) remain unpublished, some for up to seven years.
• NCSC and NCST haven’t submitted reports for two years, NCBC for three.
• These reports, mandated to be submitted to the President and tabled in Parliament, are delayed due to slow preparation of action-taken reports by nodal ministries.

Detailed Insights

• The reports review safeguards and policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs, offering recommendations.
• Delays hinder transparency and accountability in welfare implementation.
• NCBC reports for 2022-24 are nearing completion.

Significance

• Raises concerns about monitoring welfare measures for marginalized groups.
• Undermines the role of constitutional bodies.
• Limits public and parliamentary oversight.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Address delays in report submission and action-taken preparation.
• Set strict timelines for nodal ministries.
• Enhance transparency in commission operations.