Institutions and Bodies for Scheduled Tribes - Social Justice Notes
In India, National institutions and Bodies for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes have been established. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes – NCST are some of the examples of such institutions. Scheduled Tribes (STs) are officially recognised groups of people who are among India's poorest socioeconomic groups. Scheduled tribes have primitive characteristics, a distinct culture, geographic isolation, fear of contact with the larger population, and a backwardness.
This article explains the Institutions and Bodies for Scheduled Tribes are important for UPSC IAS exam preparation.
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Institutions and Bodies for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission for STs
- The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was formed by altering Article 338 and introducing a new Article 338A into the Constitution by the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act of 2003.
- The former National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two independent Commissions, namely:
- The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
- The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
- In 2004, a separate National Commission for STs was established. It is made up of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and three additional people.
- The President appoints them by warrant under his hand and seal. The President also determines their terms of service and longevity in office.
Functions of the Commission
- To investigate & Monitor matters relating to Safeguards provided for STs.
- To investigate specific complaints relating to STs' rights and safeguards; • To participate and advise in the Planning Process relating to STs' socioeconomic development, and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State;
- To submit a report to the President annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, on/working of Safeguards, Measures required for effective implementation of Programmers/ Schemes relating to We
- The Commission would also perform the following other tasks related to the protection, welfare, and development and progress of the Scheduled Tribes:
- Measures that must be implemented to grant Scheduled Tribes living in forest regions ownership rights over minor forest produce.
- Legal measures to protect tribal communities' rights to natural resources, water resources, and so forth.
- Measures should be implemented for tribal development and the establishment of viable livelihood alternatives.
- Steps to increase the effectiveness of relief and rehabilitation efforts for indigenous groups displaced by development projects.
- Measures should be made to guarantee that the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 is fully implemented
- Steps should be done to limit, and eventually abolish, tribals' practise of shifting cultivation, which leads to their continued disempowerment and pollution of land and the environment.
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
- Currently, the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis is a non-statutory entity of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Previously, it was a statutory body formed by the 'National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act 1993' on August 12, 1994.
- It was originally formed for three years, from 1994 to 1997; nonetheless, it remained a statutory organisation until 2004.
- The statute expired in 2004, and the commission now operates as a non-statutory organisation.
Functions
- It proposes to the central government particular programmes of action aimed at eliminating inequities encountered by safai karamcharis in terms of status, amenities, and opportunities.
- It investigates and assesses the execution of programmes and initiatives aimed at the social and economic rehabilitation of safai karamcharis, particularly scavengers.
- It generates reports on safai karamcharis and presents them to state and national governments.
- It keeps an eye on the implementation of 'The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.'
- According to the Manual Scavengers Act 2013, it also investigates complaints received for violations of any provision relating to the act and refers them to the appropriate authority.
- It takes immediate notice of any such matters relating to the failure to execute the provisions of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013.
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| Issues faced by Other Backward Classes | Issues faced by Scheduled Castes |
| Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled Caste | Institutions and Bodies related to Scheduled Castes |
| Laws Related To Scheduled Caste | Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled Tribes |
| National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation | Challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes |
| Laws related to scheduled tribes | Constitutional Provisions for Children |
Conclusion
The Scheduled Tribes, like the Scheduled Castes, are social groupings recognised by the Indian Constitution as being characterised by poverty, helplessness, and social stigma. Scheduled Tribes are defined in Article 366 (25) of the Indian Constitution as "such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this constitution." National institutions and Bodies for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes have been established in India. National Safai Karamcharis Commission. Some examples of such institutions are the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes - NCST.
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| Vulnerable Sections of Population | Other Backward Classes |
| LGBTQ Community | Critical Analysis on Child Rights in India |
| Critical Analysis on Child Rights in India | Important Court Judgements related to LGBTQ Community |
| Constitutional provisions for Other Backward Classes | Laws Related To Migrant Workers |
| Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector/Services | Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger |
FAQs
Question: What are the key institutions set up for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in India?
Answer: Several institutions have been set up to promote the welfare of Scheduled Tribes (STs), including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED), and the Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), aimed at addressing their socio-economic issues.
Question: What is the role of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
Answer: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs aimed at the overall development of Scheduled Tribes. It focuses on providing education, healthcare, employment, and safeguarding their rights.
Question: How does the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) function?
Answer: NCST is a constitutional body that monitors the implementation of welfare programs for Scheduled Tribes, examines complaints regarding the deprivation of their rights, and advises the government on matters related to the welfare of STs.
Question: What is TRIFED and what role does it play?
Answer: The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) is an organization that aims to provide fair trade and marketing opportunities for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs. It facilitates the sale of tribal handicrafts and minor forest products, promoting economic independence for STs.
Question: How do Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) contribute to the development of Scheduled Tribes?
Answer: Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) work on conducting research on various aspects of tribal life, culture, and social issues. They play an essential role in formulating policies and programs aimed at the preservation of tribal heritage and addressing challenges faced by STs.
MCQs
1. Which institution is responsible for promoting fair trade and marketing opportunities for tribal artisans in India?
A) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
B) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
C) TRIFED
D) Tribal Research Institutes
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
TRIFED is responsible for providing fair trade and marketing opportunities for tribal artisans, facilitating the sale of tribal handicrafts and forest products, thereby promoting economic development among Scheduled Tribes.
2. What is the primary function of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)?
A) Formulating policies for education of STs
B) Monitoring the implementation of welfare programs for STs
C) Conducting research on tribal communities
D) Implementing laws related to Scheduled Tribes
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The primary function of the NCST is to monitor the implementation of welfare programs for Scheduled Tribes, examine complaints regarding their rights, and advise the government on matters related to their welfare.
3. Which of the following is not a responsibility of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
A) Promoting education for STs
B) Safeguarding the rights of STs
C) Implementing laws on the reservation system
D) Conducting research on tribal issues
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
While the Ministry of Tribal Affairs focuses on promoting education, safeguarding rights, and implementing policies for the development of STs, conducting research on tribal issues is typically the responsibility of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs).
4. Which of the following is the correct role of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)?
A) Implementing reservation policies for STs
B) Conducting research on tribal heritage and social issues
C) Marketing tribal products
D) Formulating laws for ST welfare
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) are primarily responsible for conducting research on various aspects of tribal culture, heritage, and social issues, which helps in the formulation of policies and programs for their development.
5. What is the key objective of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)?
A) To implement educational policies for STs
B) To promote the sale of tribal handicrafts and products
C) To provide financial aid to ST communities
D) To research tribal issues
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The primary objective of TRIFED is to provide marketing opportunities for tribal artisans by promoting the sale of their handicrafts and minor forest products, thereby contributing to their economic upliftment.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the role of various institutions in the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes in India. How effective have these institutions been in achieving their objectives?
Answer: Several institutions, including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, NCST, TRIFED, and TRIs, play a critical role in the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes. These bodies work towards enhancing education, providing economic opportunities, safeguarding rights, and preserving tribal culture. While these institutions have contributed significantly to improving the lives of STs, challenges like inadequate implementation, lack of awareness, and socio-cultural barriers persist. Greater coordination and focused policy implementation are necessary for these institutions to achieve their full potential and ensure that STs are fully integrated into the mainstream socio-economic framework.
Q2: Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in protecting the rights of tribal communities in India.
Answer: The NCST has been effective in addressing grievances and ensuring the proper implementation of welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribes. It plays a key advisory role in formulating policies and acts as a watchdog for the rights of STs. However, its ability to act swiftly and independently is sometimes hindered by bureaucratic delays and political influence. Strengthening the powers of the NCST, providing more resources, and ensuring greater independence would enhance its effectiveness in protecting the rights of tribal communities.
Q3: How do the initiatives by TRIFED and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) support the preservation of tribal culture and heritage while promoting economic development?
Answer: TRIFED and TRIs contribute to the preservation of tribal culture and heritage by promoting tribal arts and handicrafts, which are an integral part of tribal identity. TRIFED facilitates market access for tribal artisans, providing them with fair prices for their products, which leads to economic empowerment. TRIs conduct research on tribal traditions, social structures, and challenges, which informs policies aimed at their welfare. By promoting both economic and cultural preservation, these initiatives ensure that tribal communities remain rooted in their heritage while benefiting from socio-economic development.
Previous Year Questions on Institutions for Scheduled Tribes
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:
Question: Which of the following organizations is responsible for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in India?
A) TRIFED
B) NCST
C) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
D) All of the above
Answer: (D)
Explanation: All of the listed organizations, including TRIFED, NCST, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, play key roles in promoting the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes in India.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 2):
Question: "Analyze the role of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in protecting the rights and welfare of tribal communities in India."
Answer: The NCST is an essential constitutional body that works towards protecting the rights and welfare of tribal communities. It ensures the implementation of welfare schemes, reviews the status of tribal rights, and advises the government on policies. The commission has been instrumental in addressing grievances related to land alienation, displacement, and the violation of tribal rights. However, challenges remain in terms of its effectiveness in resolving complex issues due to limited authority and resources.
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