About the Commission

The HP State Commission for Scheduled Castes was established as a farsighted initiative by the Constitutional Committee to safeguard the interests of the weaker sections of society, especially the Scheduled Castes and Safai Karamcharies. The provisions made in the Constitution prioritize the upliftment and empowerment of these communities.

The Constituent Assembly envisioned this body to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and to promote and protect their social, educational, economic, and cultural interests. Special provisions for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes have been incorporated into the Constitution.

Article 338 of the Indian Constitution specifically deals with the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the State Commissions for Scheduled Castes.

Functions of HPSCSC

The functions, duties and power of the Commission have been laid down in the clauses 4,5,8,9 & 10 of the Article 338 of the Constitution.

Clause 4 : empowers the Commission to regulate its own procedure for meaningful performance.

The Rules of Procedure framed by the Commission under this provision have been notified on 25 March 2009 vide notification F.No.1/1/HPSCSC/2004- C.Cell of HPSCSC

Clause (5) states that it shall be the duty of the Commission: –

  1. a) To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under this Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards;
  2. b) To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes;
  3. c) To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State;
  4. e) To make in such reports recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio- economic development of the Scheduled Castes; and
  5. f) To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the Scheduled Castes as the Chairman may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.

Clause (8) states that – the Commission shall, while investigating any matter referred to in sub-clause (a) or inquiring into any complaint referred to in sub-clause (b) of clause (5), have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and in particular in respect of the following matters, namely:-

  1. a) Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;
  2. b) Requiring the discovery and production of any documents;
  3. c) Receiving evidence on affidavits;
  4. d) Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
  5. e) Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents;
  6. f) Any other matter which the Chairman may by rule, determine;

Clause (9) states that- the Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled Castes.

Clause (10) states that in this article references to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be construed as including references to such other backward classes as the Chairman may, on receipt of the report of a Commission appointed under clause (1) of Article 340, by order specify and also to the Anglo-Indian community.

Passionate

"To ensure dedication within myself and to work for the welfare of the downtrodden, especially the weaker sections of society."

Respectful

"It will be the earnest effort of the Commission to look into all cases pertaining to atrocities against the weaker sections of society, especially those concerning the Scheduled Castes and Safai Karamcharies."

Ownership

"The Commission also strives to ensure that members of the Scheduled Castes receive rightful ownership of land and property, safeguarding them from exploitation and injustice."

Unified

"The Commission believes in unity of purpose and action. All members and departments work together to support the welfare and progress of the Scheduled Castes and weaker sections of society."

History

Setting up of the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

In July, 1978 the Govt. of India decided to set up the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, consisting of a Chairman and four Members including the Special Officer appointed under Article 338 of the Constitution. This was done by the Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution No. 13013/9/77-SCT (1) dated 21st July, 1978.

The functions of the Multi-Member Commission set up in 1978 were modified vide Ministry of Welfare’s Resolution No. BC-13015/12/86-SCD VI dated 1.09.1987 and the Commission for SCs & STs was renamed as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It was set up as a National Level Advisory Body to advise the Government on broad policy issues and levels of development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The Statutory National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) came into existence consequent upon passing of the Constitution (Sixty fifth Amendment) Bill, 1990.

The first Commission under the Constitution (65th Amendment) Act was constituted on 12.03.1992 replacing the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the Commission was set up under the Ministry of Welfare’s Resolution of 1987.

Setting up of the Commission 
 

Consequent upon the Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2003 vide Notification Regd. No. D.L (N)04/0007/2003-05 dated 30.09.2003 the erstwhile HP State Commission for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes has been replaced by:-

  • HP State Commission for Scheduled Castes
  • HP State Commission for Scheduled Tribes

The rules of the HP State Commission for Scheduled Castes were framed by the HPSCSC and notified on 20 February, 2004 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Vision & Mission

– To evaluate process of all-round development of the Scheduled Castes.
– To monitor the implementation of the Constitutional and Legal Safeguards given to the members of the Scheduled Castes.
– To look into complaints and conduct enquiries in cases of violation and deprivation of rights and socio-economic safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.
– To give recommendations to the Central and State Governments regarding the protection of rights and furtherance of the safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.
– To proactively make recommendations for further empowering the Scheduled Castes.
– To work as an agent of justice and rights without fear of favour, in the supreme interest of the Scheduled Castes in consonance with constitutional provisions.
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