Recent Developments — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
102nd Constitutional Amendment Act	2018	This Act granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) by inserting Article 338B. It also introduced Article 342A, empowering the President to notify the list of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) for the Central List.	Elevated NCBC to a constitutional body, enhancing its powers and authority. Initially, it was interpreted to curtail states' power to identify SEBCs for their own lists, leading to significant challenges and eventually the 105th Amendment.
105th Constitutional Amendment Act	2021	This Act clarified that states have the power to identify and specify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) for their own state lists, distinct from the Central List. It amended Articles 338B, 342A, and 366(26C).	Restored the power of state governments to prepare their own lists of OBCs, rectifying the ambiguity created by the Supreme Court's interpretation of the 102nd Amendment. This was crucial for maintaining federal balance and state autonomy in social policy.