Backward Classes panel to be strengthened, Bill to be tabled in monsoon session

The state government is set to strengthen the Haryana Backward Classes Commission as a Bill to expand its functions will be tabled in the monsoon session, which is starting on August 22.

As per Section 9 of the existing Haryana Backward Classes Commission Act, 2016, the commission can only examine requests for inclusion or exclusion of any class of citizens as a Backward Class and hear complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any Backward Class.

But now, the Haryana Backward Classes Commission (Amendment Bill), 2025, proposes to include five more functions. If passed, the commission can “investigate and examine” the working of various safeguards provided in the Constitution or under any law or any order of the state government for the “welfare and protection of the Backward Classes.” It can also enquire into specific complaints concerning the “deprivation of the rights and safeguards of the Backward Classes” and to “take up such matter with the appropriate authorities.”

It can not only participate and advise on the planning of socio-economic development of the Backward Classes, but also “evaluate the progress of their development.” To make recommendations on the measures of the government for the implementation of safeguards and other measures for the “protection, welfare, and socio-economic development of the Backward Classes” and to submit an annual report to the state government is also included among the functions of the commission in the Bill.

Discharging functions about the protection, welfare, development, and advancement of the Backward Classes are also included.

The commission had proposed an amendment to Section 9 of the Act for expanding its functions in its meeting held on August 4, 2023.

There is no provision in the 2016 Act to protect the Chairman, members, officers, or officials of the commission against any suit or other legal proceedings for anything done by them in good faith. In the Bill, Section 18 has been inserted for their protection on the lines of the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes Act, 2018.