NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES (NCST)

• 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
• These communities were notified as Scheduled Tribes as per provisions of Article 342(1) of the Indian Constitution

• 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 the Rights and Safeguards of STs
• To participate and Advise in the Planning Process relating to the socio-economic development of STs, and to Evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State
• To submit the 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, development, and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes
• The Forest Right Act, of 2006 recognize the symbiotic relationship of the STs with the forests, reflected in their dependence on the forest as well as in their traditional wisdom regarding the conservation of the forests