22nd Foundation Day of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

Why in news?

The 22nd Foundation Day of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was celebrated on 19 February.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

• Established: 19 February 2004
• Under the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act 2003
• Constitutional Body
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 338-A

Structure:

• It consists of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and three other members.
• They are appointed by the President under his signature and seal.
• Their service conditions and tenure are determined by the President.

Tenure:

• Chairman, Vice-Chairman and other members for a period of three years.
• All of them shall not be eligible for appointment for more than two terms.

Functions:

• Protection of rights of tribes
• Suggestions and recommendations
• Spreading awareness in the society
• Problem solving

Report:

• Annual report is submitted to the President by the Commission.
• It is laid before the Parliament by the President. 
• The President also transmits the report of the Commission relating to a State Government to the Governor concerned.
• The Governor lays it before the State Legislature.

National Scheduled Tribes:

• According to Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution,
• Scheduled Tribes means such tribes or tribal communities or groups of tribal communities as are deemed to be Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 for the purposes of this Constitution.