National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Category: Indian Polity | Constitutional Bodies | Social Justice

UPSC Notes

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body established to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes in India. It was created through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003, which separated the ST-related functions from the combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Key Pointers

  • Constitutional provision: Article 338A.

  • Constitutional status: Constitutional body.

  • Amendment: 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

  • Composition: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three other Members.

  • Appointment: By the President of India.

  • Main functions: Investigate safeguards, inquire into complaints, advise on socio-economic development and report on implementation of constitutional protections.

  • Powers: Has specified powers of a civil court while investigating matters within its mandate.

  • Reporting: Submits reports to the President, who causes them to be laid before Parliament with the required explanatory memorandum.

  • Distinction: NCST deals with Scheduled Tribes; the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is covered under Article 338.

UPSC focus: Constitutional commissions, tribal rights, affirmative action and safeguards for vulnerable communities.