NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR STs
WHAT IS NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR STs?
- It is a Constitutional body, formed by 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
- It is formed under Article 338A.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NCSTs?
- To investigate all matters relating to the Constitutional safeguards for STs and report to the President of India.
EVOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION
- Originally, Article 338 provided for the special officer for SC and ST.
- In 1978, the government set up a non-statutory multi-member commission for SC and ST, the officer for SCs and STs also existed.
- In 1987, the Government renamed it as the National Commission for SC and ST.
- 65th constitutional amendment act, 1990 provided for the establishment of a high level multi member National commission for SC and ST in place of single officer.
- In 89th constitutional amendment, 2003 bifurcated the combined National Commission for SC and ST into 2 separate bodies, namely:
- National Commission for SC: Article 338
- National Commission for ST: Article 338A
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF NCSTs?
- To monitor cases and matters related to STs.
- To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of STs.
- To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of STs and to evaluate their progress.
- To present the annual report to the President.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE OF REMOVAL FOR NCSTs?
- The removal process is not given in the Indian Constitution.
- So, the members of National Commission of ST are under the pleasure of the President.
IMPORTANT FACTS
- The qualification of becoming the member and Chairman is not given in the Indian Constitution so they are being appointed on the advice of Council of Ministers.
- Tenure: 3 Years