{"id":6318,"date":"2024-03-06T09:53:42","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T09:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=6318"},"modified":"2024-04-04T11:04:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T11:04:13","slug":"national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/","title":{"rendered":"National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>The <strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)<\/strong>, a <strong>constitutional body <\/strong>in India, embodies the nation&#8217;s commitment to ensuring the welfare and empowerment of the Scheduled Tribes. It stands as a guardian of equity and inclusion, dedicated to uplifting the marginalized and underserved sections of society. This <strong>article of Next IAS <\/strong>aims to study in detail the National Commission for STs, including its evolution, composition, functions, powers, and other related aspects.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#About_the_National_Commission_for_Scheduled_Tribes_NCST\" title=\"About the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)\">About the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#About_Scheduled_Tribes_STs\" title=\"About Scheduled Tribes (STs)\">About Scheduled Tribes (STs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Constitutional_Provisions_Related_to_the_NCST\" title=\"Constitutional Provisions Related to the NCST\">Constitutional Provisions Related to the NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Evolution_of_the_NCST\" title=\"Evolution of the NCST\">Evolution of the NCST<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Special_Officer_for_SCs_and_STs\" title=\"Special Officer for SCs and STs\">Special Officer for SCs and STs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#65th_Constitutional_Amendment_Act_of_1990\" title=\"65th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1990\">65th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1990<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#89th_Constitutional_Amendment_Act_of_2003\" title=\"89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003\">89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Establishment_of_National_Commission_for_STs\" title=\"Establishment of National Commission for STs\">Establishment of National Commission for STs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Composition_of_NCST\" title=\"Composition of NCST\">Composition of NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Tenure_of_Members_of_NCST\" title=\"Tenure of Members of NCST\">Tenure of Members of NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Functions_of_the_NCST\" title=\"Functions of the NCST\">Functions of the NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Other_Functions_of_the_NCST\" title=\"Other Functions of the NCST\">Other Functions of the NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Powers_of_the_NCST\" title=\"Powers of the NCST\">Powers of the NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Report_of_the_NCST\" title=\"Report of the NCST\">Report of the NCST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Constitutional_Provisions_for_the_Welfare_of_Scheduled_Tribes\" title=\"Constitutional Provisions for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes\">Constitutional Provisions for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Statutory_Provisions_for_the_Welfare_of_Scheduled_Tribes\" title=\"Statutory Provisions for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes\">Statutory Provisions for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Is_the_National_Commission_for_Scheduled_Tribes_a_Statutory_or_Constitutional_body\" title=\"Is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes a Statutory or Constitutional body?\">Is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes a Statutory or Constitutional body?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#Who_can_declare_a_tribe_as_a_Scheduled_Tribe\" title=\"Who can declare a tribe as a Scheduled Tribe?\">Who can declare a tribe as a Scheduled Tribe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/#What_is_Article_338_A\" title=\"What is Article 338 A?\">What is Article 338 A?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8fd6f86fd221b21122c98f55384e0665\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_National_Commission_for_Scheduled_Tribes_NCST\"><\/span><strong>About the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes (NCST)<\/strong> is a <strong>constitutional body<\/strong> in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has been established with a view to provide <strong>safeguards against the exploitation<\/strong> of the <strong>Scheduled Tribes<\/strong> as well as to protect their <strong>social, economic, educational, and cultural interests.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Headquarters <\/strong>of NCST is in <strong>New Delhi<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"146\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1-2.png\" alt=\"National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)\" class=\"wp-image-6319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1-2.png 634w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1-2-460x106.png 460w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1-2-150x35.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34f239907c0d6ab00d968dfa248ff132\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Scheduled_Tribes_STs\"><\/span><strong>About Scheduled Tribes (STs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; According to <strong>Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution<\/strong>, \u201cScheduled Tribes means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under <strong>Article 342<\/strong> to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution.\u201d<br>&#8211; <strong>Article 342 of the Indian Constitution<\/strong> says that \u201cThe President may with respect to any State or Union Territory, and where it is a State, after consultation with the Governor, by a public notification, specify the tribes or tribal communities or part of or groups within tribes or tribal communities as Scheduled Tribe in relation to that State or Union Territory\u201d.<br>&#8211; These Scheduled Tribes are spread largely in forest and hilly regions throughout the country.<br>&#8211; The essential characteristics of these communities are:-<br>A. Primitive traits,<br>B. Geographical isolation,<br>C. Distinct culture,<br>D. The shyness of contact with the community at large,<br>E. Social, Educational &amp; Economic backwardness.<br>&#8211; According to the <strong>2011 Census<\/strong>, the Scheduled Tribes <strong>represent 8.6% of the country\u2019s population.<\/strong><br>&#8211; There are <strong>over 700 tribes<\/strong> that have been notified under <strong>Article 342 of the Indian<\/strong> Constitution. All these tribes are spread across different States and Union Territories.<br>&#8211; According to the<strong> 2011 Census<\/strong>, the <strong>largest number <\/strong>of tribal communities are found in <strong>Madhya Pradesh followed by Odisha.<\/strong><br>&#8211; Moreover, there are <strong>no Scheduled Tribes<\/strong> in the states of <strong>Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-01fd5735dcd36dd1ed5024120e7af43b\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Provisions_Related_to_the_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Constitutional Provisions Related to the NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 338-A of the Indian Constitution<\/strong> deals with the provisions related to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62d39c50ec6150f8185e3749466c4dce\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evolution_of_the_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Evolution of the NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST), <\/strong>in its present form, has evolved through a series of developments as shown below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30efaad001aaad2d28a2fe80f8eb7725\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Special_Officer_for_SCs_and_STs\"><\/span><strong>Special Officer for SCs and STs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Originally, <strong>Article 338 of the Constitution<\/strong> provided for the appointment of a <strong>Special Officer for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Special Officer was designated as the <strong>Commissioner for SCs and STs.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The primary task of the <strong>Commissioner for SCs and STs<\/strong> was to investigate all matters relating to the constitutional safeguards for the SCs and STs and to report to the President on their workings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b8584cf6e80974139e06eed2761943f6\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"65th_Constitutional_Amendment_Act_of_1990\"><\/span><strong>65th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1990<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It amended Article 338 of the Indian Constitution and provided for the establishment of a high-level multi-member <strong>National Commission for SCs and STs.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This constitutional body <strong>replaced the Commissioner for SCs and STs.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aa80cc0d5091de722f13694e8a195869\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"89th_Constitutional_Amendment_Act_of_2003\"><\/span><strong>89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It further amended Article 338 and <strong>inserted a new Article 338-A in the Constitution.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As a result of this amendment, <strong>the National Commission for SCs and STs was bifurcated<\/strong> into two separate bodies:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Castes<\/strong> (NCSC) &#8211; Article 338.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes <\/strong>(NCST) &#8211; Article 338-A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-458cb5c3954df265fe020492f9011d80\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establishment_of_National_Commission_for_STs\"><\/span><strong>Establishment of National Commission for STs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The separate <strong>National Commission for SCs<\/strong> was finally <strong>established in 2004.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note<\/strong>: In <strong>1999<\/strong>, a new <strong>Ministry of Tribal Affairs<\/strong> was created to provide a sharp focus on the welfare and development of the Scheduled Tribes.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1331bf62573e8b43c43b952c319e66c5\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Composition_of_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Composition of NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It consists of a <strong>Chairperson<\/strong>, a <strong>Vice-Chairperson<\/strong>, and<strong> three other members<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are <strong>appointed by the President<\/strong> by warrant under his hand and seal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their conditions of service and tenure of office<strong> are determined by the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f25b6123b7777cb7c9d97ad370f854c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tenure_of_Members_of_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Tenure of Members of NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As per the <strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Members (Conditions of Service and Tenure) Rules of 2004:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, and other Members of the National Commission for STs shall hold office for a <strong>term of three years <\/strong>from the date on which he\/she assumes such office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, and other Members <strong>shall not be eligible for <\/strong>appointment for <strong>more than two terms.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176dc3e1c6ec667c60d2fa4b343c4436\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functions_of_the_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Functions of the NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The major functions of the National Commission for STs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>To investigate and monitor<\/strong> all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate their working.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To inquire into specific complaints<\/strong> with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Tribes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To participate and advise on the planning process<\/strong> of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union or a State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To present to the President,<\/strong> annually and at such other times as it may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To make recommendations<\/strong> as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or a State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare, and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To discharge such other functions<\/strong> in relation to the protection, welfare, development, and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes <strong>as the President may specify.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e49ea7238dc7a315bdeeb46352136cf8\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Functions_of_the_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Other Functions of the NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2005, <strong>the President<\/strong> specified the following other functions of the Commission in relation to the <strong>protection, welfare, development, and advancement of STs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Measures to be taken over conferring ownership rights in respect of <strong>minor forest produce<\/strong> to STs living in the forest areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures to be taken <strong>to safeguard the rights <\/strong>of tribal communities <strong>over mineral resources, water resources,<\/strong> etc as per law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures are to be taken for the development of tribals and <strong>to work for more viable livelihood strategies.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures to be taken <strong>to improve the efficacy of relief and rehabilitation measures<\/strong> for tribal groups displaced by development projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures to be taken <strong>to prevent alienation of tribal people<\/strong> from land and to effectively rehabilitate such people in whose case alienation has already taken place.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures to be taken <strong>to elicit maximum cooperation and involvement of tribal communities<\/strong> for protecting forests and undertaking social afforestation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures to be taken to ensure full implementation of the <strong>Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures to be taken<strong> to reduce and ultimately eliminate the practice of shifting cultivation by tribals<\/strong> that leads to their continuous disempowerment and degradation of land and environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30214dba876f56c90b42a28179758630\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Powers_of_the_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Powers of the NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Commission is vested with the <strong>power to regulate its own procedure.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, it has <strong>all the powers of a Civil Court,<\/strong> viz.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requiring the discovery and production of any document,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receiving evidence on affidavits,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requisitioning any public record from any court or office,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issuing summons for the examination of witnesses and documents,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any other matter which the President may determine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Central Government <\/strong>and the <strong>State Governments<\/strong> are <strong>required to consult<\/strong> the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the Scheduled Tribes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ef9546f2691cd4d0512499cb4c860795\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Report_of_the_NCST\"><\/span><strong>Report of the NCST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Commission presents <strong>reports to the President annually<\/strong> or at such <strong>other times<\/strong> as it may deem fit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>President places <\/strong>all such reports <strong>before the Parliament,<\/strong> along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations made by the Commission.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The memorandum also contains the <strong>reasons for the non-acceptance<\/strong> of any of such recommendations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>President <\/strong>also <strong>forwards <\/strong>any <strong>report <\/strong>of the Commission <strong>pertaining to a State<\/strong> Government <strong>to the concerned State Governor.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Governor places <\/strong>it <strong>before the State Legislature<\/strong>, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations of the Commission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The memorandum also contains the reasons for the non-acceptance of any of such recommendations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, the <strong>National Commission for STs (NCST)<\/strong> plays a vital role in India&#8217;s ongoing pursuit of a truly inclusive society. By effectively safeguarding rights, promoting development initiatives, and advocating for policy changes, the commission can empower the STs and create a more equitable future. As India progresses towards inclusive growth and social justice, the NCST remains a crucial institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5ae8223755c31938a39e2efbc3128b24\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Provisions_for_the_Welfare_of_Scheduled_Tribes\"><\/span><strong>Constitutional Provisions for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; <strong>Article 244(1)<\/strong> &#8211; The provisions of the Fifth Schedule shall apply to the administration and control of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any State other than the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Article 244(2)<\/strong> &#8211; The provisions of the Sixth Schedule shall apply to the administration of the tribal areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Article 275(1)<\/strong> &#8211; This Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India each year for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Article 330<\/strong> &#8211; Reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Article 332<\/strong> &#8211; Reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in State Legislatures.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eb138d67a25a3b0ccb0c6678fac36cd3\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statutory_Provisions_for_the_Welfare_of_Scheduled_Tribes\"><\/span><strong>Statutory Provisions for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; <strong>Protection of Civil Rights Act of 1955<\/strong>: It aims to eradicate untouchability and caste-based discrimination in India.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989<\/strong>: It aims to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996<\/strong>: It aims to extend the institution of Panchayats to Scheduled Areas, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006<\/strong>: It provides legal recognition to the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers over forest land and resources.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-618812723183593a2c916a1fd5800128\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1709718418822\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_National_Commission_for_Scheduled_Tribes_a_Statutory_or_Constitutional_body\"><\/span><strong>Is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes a Statutory or Constitutional body?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a Constitutional body.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1709718430832\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_can_declare_a_tribe_as_a_Scheduled_Tribe\"><\/span><strong>Who can declare a tribe as a Scheduled Tribe?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The President can declare a tribe as a Scheduled Tribe.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1709718440123\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Article_338_A\"><\/span><strong>What is Article 338 A?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Article 338A of the Indian Constitution deals with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. It outlines the establishment, composition, powers, and functions of this commission, which is tasked with protecting the interests of Scheduled Tribes in India.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), a constitutional body in India, embodies the nation&#8217;s commitment to ensuring the welfare and empowerment of the Scheduled Tribes..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6978,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[71],"class_list":["post-6318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-polity","tag-gs-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6318","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6318"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6318\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6333,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6318\/revisions\/6333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}