National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Context: According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the NCST is functioning with less than 50% of its sanctioned strength.

About NCST:

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
• By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions namely- (i) the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and (ii) the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) w.e.f. 19 February, 2004.
• The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister, and the Vice-Chairperson that of a Minister of State and other Members have the ranks of a Secretary to the Government of India.

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.

Major functions of commission under 338A

• To investigate & Monitor matters relating to Safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws
• To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs
• To participate and Advise in the Planning Process relating to Socio-economic development of STs
• To annually present report to the President
• To discharge such other functions in relation to STs as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.

Source: The Hindu

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)

1. This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
2. This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
3. This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
4. The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.