Guwahati, Feb 24:  Former union minister Vijay Sampla today took over as Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).

He assumed the office in presence of Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar , Union Minister Som Prakash, former Chairman of NCSC and BJP MP Hans Raj Hans and other members of Commission.

Sampla has been the former Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment from 2014-19.

Sampla said he will work incessantly to safeguard the interests and the rights of the SC community. "The Commission will work not only to ensure justice to the SCs but will also remain proactive to prevent any form of injustice to the community," he said.

He further stated that the Commission will participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes and to prevent atrocities against them.