NCSC Submits Annual Report 2023–24 to President Droupadi Murmu, Recommends Stronger Safeguards for Scheduled Castes

In a major constitutional development concerning the rights and welfare of India’s marginalized communities, the #NationalCommissionForScheduledCastes (NCSC) submitted its Annual Report for the year 2023–24 to #PresidentDroupadiMurmu at #RashtrapatiBhawan, New Delhi, on Tuesday.

The report, which reflects a year-long assessment of the condition of #ScheduledCastes (SCs) in India, was formally handed over by an NCSC delegation led by Chairman Kishor Makwana.

He was accompanied by Commission Members #LoveKushKumar and #VaddepalliRamchander, and Secretary Gudey Srinivas (IAS).

Constitutional Mandate Under Article 338

This annual submission is part of the Commission’s constitutional duty under #Article338 of the Indian Constitution. As per this mandate, the #NCSC is required to present a detailed report to the President each year, outlining:

• The status of Constitutional safeguards and their implementation,

• The socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes,

• The efficacy of welfare schemes,

• And the functioning of institutions and legal frameworks is meant to protect SC interests.

The President may then lay the report before #Parliament, along with a memorandum of action taken or proposed by the # Government.

Key Focus Areas of the 2023–24 Report

This year’s report offers an in-depth review of the status of Scheduled Caste communities across states and Union Territories, with a major focus on:

• Crimes and atrocities against SCs

• Discrimination in access to education, employment, and public services

• Implementation of protective laws like the #SCSTPreventionOfAtrocitiesAct

• Field visits and on-ground investigations by the Commission

• Performance analysis of state-level SC welfare departments

• Consultations held with #centralministries and #stategovernments

The findings point to several areas where constitutional safeguards are either poorly enforced or need urgent strengthening.

Recommendations to Enhance Social Justice

As part of its role as a constitutional watchdog, the NCSC has submitted a series of comprehensive # policy recommendations aimed at improving:

• Institutional accountability in addressing caste-based injustice

• Monitoring mechanisms at the district and state levels

• Justice delivery in cases of atrocities

• Representation of SCs in public employment and governance

• Education, skill development, and entrepreneurship support tailored for SC youth

The Commission has also urged stronger tracking and timely disbursement of #SCWelfareFunds, improved implementation of the Stand-Up India, Post-Matric Scholarship, and PM-Awas Yojana SC-specific allocations.

A Step Toward Inclusive Governance

Speaking after the submission, officials reiterated that the NCSC’s work is vital for ensuring #SocialJustice, #Equity, and #EmpowermentOfSCs.

By regularly assessing the effectiveness of constitutional provisions and highlighting challenges faced by SCs, the Commission plays a key role in shaping inclusive governance in India.

This report, like its predecessors, will serve as a guiding document for future legislative and executive action aimed at bridging socio-economic gaps and ensuring dignity and justice for members of the Scheduled Castes across the nation.

#NCSCReport2024 #ScheduledCastes #ConstitutionalRights #SocialInclusion #SCWelfare #Empowerment #CasteJustice #AtrocitiesReport #IndiaGovernance #Articl