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-

1. the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and
2.  the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Term of Office
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 Commission

1. To investigate & Monitor matters relating to Safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws or under Govt. Order.
2. To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs.
3. 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.
4. 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.

​Power of the Commission
​For Investigation and Inquiry, the Commission is vested with powers of a civil court having authority to

• Summon and enforce attendance of any person.
• Receive evidence on affidavits.
• Requisition any public record or copy thereof from any court or office.
• Any matter which President, by rule, may determine.