National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

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