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General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

GS Paper II — Q5

Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a…

Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

राष्ट्रीय पिछड़ा वर्ग आयोग के सांविधिक निकाय से संवैधानिक निकाय में रूपांतरण को ध्यान में रखते हुए इसकी भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

Q5 of the 2022 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2022 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

Before 2018, the National Commission for Backward Classes functioned under the 1993 Act as an advisory statutory body, dependent on the executive and lacking suo motu powers, which limited its ability to independently identify OBCs or examine exclusion. The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018 inserted Article 338B, giving it constitutional status and parity with NCSC/NCST; the separate Repeal Act, 2018 repealed the 1993 Act. Its role is now stronger: it may inquire suo motu, examine matters affecting OBCs, advise on inclusion/exclusion and creamy-layer criteria, and submit annual reports to the President for Parliamentary consideration. This enhances autonomy, legitimacy and institutional backing while retaining its core mandate. Yet transformation remains partly symbolic unless supported by timely appointments, resources and effective implementation of recommendations and credible socio-economic data, especially in states with often weak OBC lists. Ultimately, constitutional status has improved its authority, but substantive empowerment depends on consistent use of its expanded powers.

What "Discuss" is asking you to do

Lay the issue out from more than one side — how it arose, what is claimed for it, what is held against it, and where it now stands. UPSC attaches discuss to broad topics with several live dimensions, so coverage of the dimensions earns more than the strength of your opinion.

Structure that answers it

Set the issue up → the case as it is made → the case against → the dimension both sides leave out → where the balance now lies

Where marks are lost

Listing facts with no thread between them, or arguing one side throughout and calling it a discussion.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2: Governance, Constitution, and Social Justice. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Clearly contrasts statutory vs constitutional status, cites 103rd Amendment and Art 338A, analyzes enhanced powers, and concludes with a balanced view on OBC welfare.

Key points expected

  • Mention 103rd Amendment (2019) as the basis for change
  • Contrast statutory (1993 Act) vs constitutional (Art 338A) status
  • Discuss enhanced powers (e.g., investigation, reporting to President)
  • Evaluate the role in protecting OBC rights and monitoring welfare

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Analyze the impact of the 103rd Amendment on the NBCB's mandate, powers, and status. 10 marks · 150 words

    discuss— intro → 3-4 dimensions → example → balanced close

    Must cover

    • Mention 103rd Amendment (2019) as the basis for change
    • Contrast statutory (1993 Act) vs constitutional (Art 338A) status
    • Discuss enhanced powers (e.g., investigation, reporting to President)
    • Evaluate the role in protecting OBC rights and monitoring welfare

    Loses marks

    • Reciting Article 338A without analyzing the change
    • Failing to distinguish statutory vs constitutional status
    • Ending without a reform or balanced conclusion

    Earns more

    • Reference to 103rd Amendment
    • Mention of Article 338A
    • Comparison of pre- and post-amendment powers
    • Discussion on OBC welfare monitoring

    Extra mark

    • Cite specific powers under Art 338A (e.g., investigation of deprivation)
    • Reference to 2nd ARC or Law Commission recommendations on NBCB

Practice this exact question

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