National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
Relevant for sociology optional Paper- 2 & GS Mains Paper- 2
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is an important body in India that was established under Article 338A of the Constitution of India. The NCST was set up with the aim of promoting the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. The Commission has the mandate to monitor and evaluate the implementation of various laws, policies, and programs meant for the upliftment of STs. In this essay, we will discuss the NCST and its functions in detail.
The Scheduled Tribes are a diverse group of people who have been historically marginalized and deprived of basic amenities like education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. According to the 2011 Census, there are 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, and they constitute 8.6% of the country’s population. The Constitution of India recognizes the Scheduled Tribes as a distinct category and provides for special provisions for their welfare and development.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was established in 2003 by the Government of India, with the aim of ensuring that the rights and interests of the Scheduled Tribes are protected and promoted. The Commission is headed by a Chairperson, who is assisted by six Members. The Chairperson and Members of the Commission are appointed by the President of India and hold office for a term of three years. The Commission is supported by a Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Commission.
The NCST has been given a wide range of functions and powers to carry out its mandate. One of the key functions of the Commission is to monitor and evaluate the implementation of various laws, policies, and programs meant for the welfare of STs. The Commission also has the power to inquire into specific complaints regarding the deprivation of the rights and safeguards of STs. The Commission can also initiate suo motu investigations into matters related to the non-implementation of laws meant for the protection of STs.
The NCST has been given the power to recommend measures for the effective implementation of various laws, policies, and programs meant for the welfare of STs. The Commission can also make recommendations to the Government of India on measures for the protection, welfare, and development of STs. The Commission can also recommend the inclusion of new communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes.
The NCST has the power to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and legal safeguards for STs, and report on the same to the President of India. The Commission can also review the progress of development and welfare programs meant for STs and make recommendations for their improvement. The NCST also has the power to advise the Government of India on matters related to the welfare of STs.
Apart from its monitoring and advisory functions, the NCST also has the power to take legal action against any person or authority that violates the rights and safeguards of STs. The Commission can also recommend to the Government of India the initiation of criminal or civil proceedings against such persons or authorities.
The NCST has been actively involved in promoting the welfare and development of STs in India. The Commission has been instrumental in the formulation of various policies and programs meant for the upliftment of STs. For instance, the Commission has played a crucial role in the formulation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The Act recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling STs and other traditional forest dwellers to forest land and resources.
The NCST has also been actively involved in the implementation of various schemes meant for the welfare of STs. For instance, the Commission has been instrumental in the implementation of the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) and the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP). The TSP and SCA to T SP aim to ensure that a portion of the funds allocated for development is earmarked for the welfare of STs. The TSP is a planning mechanism that ensures that the developmental needs of STs are given priority in the allocation of funds for various schemes and programs. The SCA to TSP provides additional funds to states for the development of infrastructure in ST-dominated areas.
In addition to its regular functions, the NCST also organizes workshops, seminars, and consultations with various stakeholders to discuss issues related to the welfare of STs. The Commission also publishes reports and studies on various aspects of the welfare of STs.
However, the NCST has been criticized for its limited powers and lack of autonomy. The Commission does not have the power to enforce its recommendations, and its recommendations are often ignored by the Government of India. The NCST also does not have the power to investigate cases of atrocities against STs, which is the mandate of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). The lack of adequate staffing and resources has also hampered the functioning of the NCST.
In conclusion, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes plays a crucial role in the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes in India. The Commission has been instrumental in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of various laws, policies, and programs meant for the welfare of STs. The NCST has also been actively involved in the formulation and implementation of various schemes meant for the welfare of STs. However, the Commission needs more autonomy, staffing, and resources to carry out its mandate effectively. The Government of India needs to pay more attention to the recommendations of the NCST to ensure that the rights and interests of STs are protected and promoted.
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