National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes recently said that Forest (Conservation) Rules (FCR) 2022 will invariably violate the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes –

• It was established in 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. 19th February, 2004.

Composition of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes –

• 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 –

• 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;