The Government of India has unveiled the “Online Grievance Management Portal of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)” on the occasion of the 130th birth anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar. This online portal will provide the Scheduled Caste (SC) community with a more streamlined platform to file and track their grievances.
Key Features of the Online Portal
Developed in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), a Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, this online portal is equipped with a variety of features. The portal offers end-to-end e-filing of complaints and grievances, as well as the ability to track those complaints. It specifically caters to complaints pertaining to atrocities against citizens belonging to the Scheduled Castes.
The portal aims to mirror the functionality of India’s e-Courts project allowing for grievance redressal for the country’s scheduled caste population in a “time-bound manner.” In addition to physical submissions, it provides another option for people to submit their complaints and grievances.
About the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
The NCSC is a constitutional body tasked with safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes (SC) in India. Established under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution, it investigates and monitors all matters related to protections provided for SCs. In addition, it advises on the planning process of their socio-economic development.
Through a 2003 amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for SC and ST was split into two distinct Commissions from 2004 onwards; the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)-under Article 338-A.
Functions of the NCSC
The NCSC’s responsibilities include monitoring and investigating all issues related to the constitutional safeguards for SCs. The Commission deals with complaints related to the deprivation of the rights and safeguards of the SCs, assists and advises the central or state governments on the socio-economic development of the SCs, and reports regularly to the President on the implementation of these safeguards. It is also responsible for any other duties related to the welfare, protection, development, and advancement of the SC community.
Until 2018, the Commission had similar duties in relation to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), but this responsibility was lifted by the 102nd Amendment Act of 2018.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions for Scheduled Caste Upliftment
There are several constitutional and legal provisions aimed at improving conditions for the Scheduled Castes. These include special provisions for their advancement under Article 15(4), reservation in matters of promotion under Article 16(4A), abolition of Untouchability under Article 17, and specific protections from social injustice and exploitation under Article 46.
Additionally, Articles 330 and 332 provide for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People and legislative assemblies of the States respectively. Part IX and Part IXA relating to Panchayats and Municipalities also provide for reservation for SC and ST in local bodies. The SC and the ST (Prevention of Atrocities) amendment Act, 2018, offers further protection.