National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

1. Recently, the 23rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was observed in New Delhi.
2. What is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)?
   1. The NCST is a constitutional body created specifically to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Tribes.
   2. Initially, there was one combined body dealing with both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
   3. But, this changed with the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003 which amended Article 338 and introduced Article 338A to establish NCST and NCSC as two separate bodies. The formal division took place on 19 February 2004.
   4. Through this provision, the Commission was given independent constitutional status and clearly defined powers.
3. Headquarters of NCST: New Delhi
4. Composition of NCST:
   1. Chairperson: Enjoys status equivalent to a Union Cabinet Minister
   2. Vice-Chairperson: Holds rank similar to a Minister of State
   3. Members: Given status equal to a Secretary to the Government of India
5. Tenure: All office-bearers serve for three years from the date they assume charge.
6. Core Functions of the NCST:
   1. Monitoring Safeguards: It keeps watch over constitutional and legal protections provided to Scheduled Tribes.
   2. Inquiry into Complaints: The Commission investigates individual or community complaints related to violation of tribal rights.
   3. Advisory Role in Planning: NCST guides government planning related to social and economic development of STs.
   4. Reporting to the President: It submits annual and special reports to the President of India, recommending welfare measures and policy improvements.
   5. Additional Assigned Functions: Any other responsibilities concerning ST welfare can be assigned by the President through rules.

FAQs

Q1. What is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)? 

It is a constitutional body established under Article 338A to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes.

Q2. When and how was the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) created? 

It was created by the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003, separating it from the combined SC/ST commission. The formal division took place on 19 February 2004.

Q3. Where is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) headquartered? 

Headquarters are in New Delhi.

Q4. What is the composition of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)?

1. Chairperson (status of Union Cabinet Minister)
2. Vice-Chairperson (status of Minister of State)
3. Members (status of Secretary to Government of India)
4. All serve a 3-year tenure.

Q5. What are the core functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)? 

Monitoring safeguards for STs, investigating complaints, advising on planning, submitting reports to the President, and performing additional welfare functions assigned by the President.