Composition of NCST
The Commission comprises a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three full time members (including one lady member). The term of office Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Member of NCST is three years from the date of assumption of charge. The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister The Vice-Chairperson has the rank of a Minister of State and other Members have the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.
Functions of the commission are as follows:
- To investigate & Monitor matters relating to Safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws or under Govt. Order, to evaluate the working of such Safeguards.
- To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs;
- 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;
- To submit report to the President annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, upon/ working of Safeguards, Measures required for effective implementation of Programmers/ Schemes relating to Welfare and Socio-economic development of STs;
- 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;
The Commission would also discharge the following other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development & advancement of the Scheduled Tribes, namely:
- Measures that need to be taken over conferring ownership rights in respect of minor forest produce to the Scheduled Tribes living in forest areas.
- Measures to be taken to safeguard rights to the Tribal Communities over mineral resources, water resources etc. as per law.
- Measures to be taken for the development of tribals and to work for move viable livelihood strategies.