National Commission For Scheduled Tribes (ST)

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes came into existence in 2004. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body. After the 89th Amendment in 2003, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was added to Article 338 A. The Commission consists of five members including the Chairman. The President appoints the Chairperson and members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The President decides the terms of service and tenure of the Chairman and members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The current tenure is three years. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes functions under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The main task of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is to achieve the constitutional rights of the Scheduled Tribes and to work for their social and economic upliftment. The headquarters of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is in New Delhi (Loknayak Bhawan). The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is required to submit its annual report to the President. The President submits the annual report of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to the Parliament. The President forwards any report of the Commission relating to a State Government to the Governor of the State. The Governor shall submit it before the State Legislative Assembly.

Additional Responsibilities

Additional responsibilities assigned to the Presidential Commission for the Protection, Welfare, Development and Progress of Scheduled Castes in 2005.

■ To take steps to provide ownership rights to Scheduled Castes living in forest areas in respect of minor forest produce.

■ To take steps to protect the rights of tribal communities in mineral resources, water sources, etc. as per law.

■ To take steps for the development of tribals and improvement of the standard of living of tribal members.

■ To take steps to prevent eviction of tribals from their villages and to rehabilitate those evicted.

■ To obtain maximum cooperation and participation of tribal communities in conserving forests and undertaking social forestry.

■ To take steps to ensure full implementation of the Provisions of Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.

Powers of National Commission For Scheduled Tribes

The Commission shall have the powers of a civil court in the following matters:

■ To summon any person from any part of India to appear before the Commission and seek an explanation.

■ To search for and produce any document.

■ To receive evidence on affidavit.

■ To require any public document from any court or office.

■ To issue summons for examination of witnesses.

■ To perform such other functions as the President may direct.

UPSC/PSC Questions

1. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was formed on - 19 February 2004

2. Article of the Constitution dealing with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - Article 338A

3. Appointment of the Chairperson and other members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - President

4. Number of members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - Five members including the Chairperson

5. Term of office of the Chairperson and members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - Three years

6. Headquarters of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - New Delhi (Loknayak Bhawan)

7. First Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - Kanwar Singh (2004-2007)

8. Served as Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes for two terms - Rameshwar Oraon