(1) The Central Government shall constitute a body to be known as the National Commission for Backward Classes to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to, it under this Act.

(2) The Commission shall consist of the following Members nominated by the Central Government :--

(a) a Chairperson, who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court;

(b) a social scientist;

(c) two persons, who have special knowledge in matters relating to backward classes; and

(d) a Member-Secretary, who is or has been an officer of the Central Government in the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.