National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Context:

NCST is functioning with less than 50% of its sanctioned strength according to Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) data presented in Lok Sabha.

About 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) w.e.f. February, 2004.
Composition: It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and 3 other Members who are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Term: The term of office of 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 rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.

Functions of the Commission:

To investigate & Monitor matters relating to Safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws or under Govt. Order, to evaluate the working of such Safeguards.
To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs.
To participate and Advise in the Planning Process relating to Socio-economic development of STs, and to Evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State
To submit report to the President annually and as needed on the implementation of safeguards and programs for the welfare and socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes.
To discharge such other functions in relation to STs as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.

Source: The Hindu, ncst.nic.in