ST commission functioning with less than 50% of its approved strength

Source: The post is based on the article “ST commission functioning with less than 50% of its approved strength” published in The Hindu on 7th February 2023.

What is the News?

Data presented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA) has revealed that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST) is currently functioning with less than 50% of its sanctioned strength.

What is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST)?

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST) was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003. 

By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions namely (i) the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and (ii) the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).

Composition: The term of office of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and each member is three years from the date of assumption of charge.

The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister and the Vice-Chairperson that of a Minister of State and other Members have the ranks of a Secretary to the Government of India.

They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.

At least one member should be a woman.

The members are not eligible for appointments for more than two terms.

Functions of the commission:

– To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under this Constitution or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards;

– To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled tribes;

– To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State;

– To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards;

– To make in such reports recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled tribes; and

– To discharge such other functions insulation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the Scheduled tribes as the President may, subject to the provision of any law made by Parliament by rule specified.

Powers: The Commission is vested with all the powers of a civil court while investigating any matter on the inquiry into any complaint relating to deprivation of rights and safeguards for Scheduled Tribe.