Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 3: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has strongly criticized the Union government for prolonged vacancies in key positions of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).

In a letter to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, Gandhi questioned the government’s delay in filling these crucial posts. He highlighted that while a Chairperson and two members were appointed to the 7th NCSC last year, the Vice-Chairperson position has remained vacant for nearly a year, despite previous commissions having at least two members.

Emphasizing the NCSC’s role in protecting Dalit rights, Gandhi stated that the commission has been instrumental in addressing issues related to public employment, education access, and atrocities against Scheduled Castes. He accused the government of deliberately weakening the institution, calling it an "anti-Dalit mindset."

The Congress leader also raised concerns over the NCBC, where the Vice-Chairperson position has been unfilled for nearly three years. The commission currently operates with just a Chairperson and one member, despite the constitutional requirement for a Vice-Chairperson and at least three members.

Gandhi linked these vacancies to the government’s reluctance to address demands for a nationwide caste census, calling the omissions “shocking” and an intentional move to undermine social justice efforts.

Urging the government to take immediate action, he stressed that empowering these commissions is essential for an inclusive and equitable India.