National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body Under article 338A. Chairman, vice-chairman and three full time members including one female. Term is three years. Appointed by president.
Functions
Investigate and monitor safeguards
Enquire on complaints by ST on violation of safeguards.
Advice in planning for development.
Present annual report on working of safeguards.
Recommend uplifting measures.
Protection, welfare, development of ST as per law - forest ownership, rehabilitation, pesa act.
Criticism. Centre for policy research
Pendency of cases.
took up the issues of forest produce, constitutional protection, education, atrocities.
Reports do not have quality statistics and broad recommendations only. Like preserving the culture but not specific.
Ignore schedule tribes employed in private sector.
Unable to pray proactive roll in in protecting tribals. Atrocities of gang rapes murders by salwa judum not taken up.
Viewed as subordinate to Ministry of tribal affairs. Not productive.
Recommendations not binding. Shortage of staff funding and political courage.
Solution. Give them punitive powers. Involve experts and tribals. Independence from tribal ministry.