Background: The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, deals with the constitutional status of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
Bill Introduction: The 123rd Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2017, was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, the then Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
Key Provisions: This amendment inserted Article 338B, which provides for the establishment of a National Commission for Backward Classes. It also inserted Article 342A, which empowers the President to notify socially and educationally backward classes.
Article 338B: This article outlines the composition, powers, and functions of the NCBC, similar to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Article 338) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Article 338A). It ensures that the NCBC has a statutory basis and greater autonomy.
Article 342A: This article grants the President the power to identify and specify the socially and educationally backward classes in relation to a State or Union Territory, after consultation with the Governor. This provision aims to streamline the process of identifying backward classes for affirmative action.
Effective Date: The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act came into force on 14 August 2018, not 11 August 2018.
Distinction from other amendments: It is important not to confuse this with the 101st Amendment (GST), 103rd Amendment (EWS reservation), or 104th Amendment (reservation in LS and State Assemblies).
Significance for Competitive Exams: Understanding the specific articles amended and the correct dates of commencement is crucial for answering questions on constitutional amendments in various competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC, and state PSCs.
