UPSC Articles
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Part of: Prelims and GS-II Constitutional body
Context: A parliamentary committee has said in a recent report that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been dysfunctional for the past four years and has not delivered a single report to Parliament.
- According to the commission’s website, in the financial year 2021-22, it has met only four times.
- Its rate of pendency of resolution of complaints and cases that it receives is close to 50%.
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
- NCST was set up with effect from 19th February, 2004 by amending Article 338 and by inserting a new article 338A in the Constitution through the 89th Constitution Amendment Act, 2003.
- Hence, it is a constitutional body.
- Powers: It oversees the implementation of various safeguards provided to STs under the Constitution and to evaluate the working of such safeguards.
- The commission is vested with all the powers of a civil court while investigating any matter on inquiring into any complaint relating to deprivation of rights and safeguards for the Scheduled Tribes
- Composition: It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and 3 other Members who are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
- At least one member should be a woman.
- The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and the other Members hold office for a term of 3 years.
- The members are not eligible for appointment for more than two terms.
News Source: TH
