The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established in 2004 through the 89th Constitution Amendment Act, which introduced a new article, Article 338A, into the Constitution. This amendment replaced the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with two separate Commissions: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the NCST.

• Constitutional Body: Being formed through a constitutional amendment, the NCST holds the status of a constitutional body, emphasizing its significance in overseeing the welfare and rights of Scheduled Tribes.
• Objectives: Article 338A empowers the NCST to oversee the implementation of safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution, existing laws, and government orders. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of these safeguards in ensuring the well-being of Scheduled Tribes.

Composition and Tenure:

• The NCST consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members, all appointed by the President through a warrant under his hand and seal.
• The composition mandates at least one female member.
• Members, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, serve a term of three years.
• The Chairperson holds the rank of a Union Cabinet Minister, the Vice-Chairperson has the rank of a Minister of State, and other Members hold the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
• Members are not eligible for more than two terms.

Duties and Functions:

The NCST is entrusted with various responsibilities, including:

• Investigating and monitoring matters related to safeguards for Scheduled Tribes as per the Constitution, existing laws, and government orders.
• Inquiring into specific complaints concerning the deprivation of rights and safeguards of Scheduled Tribes.
• Advising and participating in the planning process for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes, while evaluating the progress made.
• Providing annual reports to the President on the operation of safeguards and making recommendations for effective implementation by the Union or any State.
• The President, within the framework of parliamentary laws, has the authority to assign additional functions to the NCST related to the protection, welfare, development, and advancement of Scheduled Tribes.Top of Form