Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST):
1. The Chairperson of the NCST must be appointed only from the ST Community.
2. The Central government and the state governments are mandated to consult the NCST on all major policy matters affecting the STs.
3. NCST can suggest measures to be taken to ensure full implementation of the Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option c is the correct answer
Article 338-A in the Constitution provides for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Statement 1 is correct: NCST consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three other members. They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. As per National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Members (Conditions of Service and Tenure) Rules, 2004:
- The Chairperson shall be appointed from amongst eminent social-political workers belonging to the Scheduled Tribes, who inspire confidence amongst the Scheduled Tribes by their very personality and record of selfless service. Thus, the chairperson must be only from the ST community.
- The Vice-Chairperson and all other Members out of whom at least two shall be appointed from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Tribes.
- At least one other Member shall be appointed from amongst women.
Statement 2 is correct: The Centre as well as state governments need to consult the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on all major policy matters, according to the rules of procedure from 2021. However, the rules have not specified what major policy matters would need to be referred to the NCST.
Statement 3 is correct: Several functions have been provided by the President to the NCST. It includes the measures that need to be taken to ensure full implementation of the Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
