12 Nov 2024        12:30:02 pm

Political

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Tags : National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Topic: Constitutional Bodies

Why in the news?

• In the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes’ (NCST) report on the demographic changes in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region, the Commission has recommended roping in non-State actors, specifically non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to deal with the alleged problem of “Bangladeshi infiltration” into the State. 
• The report concludes that the demographic changes in the Santhal Pargana region over the last seven decades had been caused by alleged infiltration of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. 
• This is in divergence with the Union government’s understanding of the issue as per an affidavit filed by the Home Ministry last month before the Jharkhand High Court, which is hearing a batch of petitions on the issue.

Source: The Hindu 

About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST):

• It is a constitutional body established in the year 2004.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • It 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-
    • the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and
    • the NCST w.e.f. 19 February, 2004.
• 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 ranks of a Secretary to the Government of India.
• Functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Under Clause (5) of Art. 338A):
  • To Monitor safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws
  • To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs
  • To advise in the Planning Process relating to Socio-economic development of STs
  • To submit report to the President annually and other times on welfare Measures required related to Socio-economic development of STs
  • To discharge such other functions in relation to STs as the President may by rule specify

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