The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken cognisance of representations sent to it against a June advisory of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), asking state forest departments to submit action plans on the relocation of villages from tiger reserves.

Further, the commission also decided to seek an action-taken report from the Union Environment Ministry and NTCA on its 2018 recommendations to revise the compensation package offered to villagers voluntarily opting to move out of tiger reserves.

The NCST had said in October 2018 that the compensation package should be provided based on the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

It added that the compensation package should include the monetary package along with the full range of entitlements as provided under the 2013 Act.

The NTCA had revised the compensation in 2021 from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per family.

• The representation stated that the NTCA’s letter was in violation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006, as it sought time-bound village relocation plans for a process that is voluntary, as per law.

About the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) :

• It is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Constitution of India. It was formed to promote and protect the rights and interests of the Scheduled Tribes in the country.:

Constitutional Provision:

Article 338A: This article was added by the 89th Amendment Act in 2003. It provides for the establishment of a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

Objective: The NCST is tasked with monitoring the implementation of various constitutional safeguards and welfare programs for Scheduled Tribes.

Composition:

• The NCST consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and three other members. The chairperson is usually a person who has considerable knowledge and experience regarding the Scheduled Tribes.

Eligibility Criteria/ Appointment Process:

 Experience and Knowledge:

• The chairperson should have considerable knowledge and experience regarding Scheduled Tribes and their issues. This may include a background in social work, education, law, administration, or related fields that reflect a deep understanding of the socio-economic and cultural challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes.

Public Service:

• The candidate should ideally have a proven record of public service or a history of working with Scheduled Tribes or related community welfare programs.

Not a Member of Legislative Bodies:

• The chairperson should not be a member of either house of Parliament or any State Legislature. This is to maintain the independence of the Commission.

Age Limit:

• There is no specific age limit prescribed for the chairperson in the constitutional provisions; however, the general practice is that the candidates are often senior and experienced individuals.

Appointment Authority: The President of India appoints the chairperson and members of the NCST.

Tenure: The members of the NCST hold office for a term of three years. They are eligible for reappointment.

Powers and Functions

Monitoring and Reporting: The NCST has the power to monitor the implementation of various provisions related to the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate the effectiveness of laws and policies affecting them.

Inquiries: It can also conduct inquiries into specific complaints regarding the violation of the rights of Scheduled Tribes.

Recommendations: The Commission makes recommendations to the government for the welfare and advancement of Scheduled Tribes.