Mains Marathon

• Introduce the answer by writing about National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCSTs)and its origin.
• Mention how this commission became an unfunctional old tiger despite being a constitutional body. Also provide the way forward to make it a more efficient institution.
• Conclude Suitably.

Answer:

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCSTs) is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution.

It was set up with the aim of safeguarding the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. The NCSTs plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare and development of ST communities by monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards, reviewing welfare measures, and addressing grievances.

Despite its constitutional mandate, the NCSTs has been criticized for becoming an unfunctional old tiger in recent times. There are several reasons responsible for this situation.

• The NCSTs has been plagued by issues of political interference and bureaucratic red tape. The appointment process of its members has often been delayed or influenced by political considerations, leading to a lack of strong and independent leadership within the commission.
• Dysfunction of the commission for a prolonged time. Example: As per the parliamentary committee's report, the NCSTs have been dysfunctional for the last four years and have not delivered a single report to Parliament.
• The NCSTs has faced challenges in implementing its recommendations and ensuring their enforcement due to its advisory nature.
• Many of its reports and recommendations have remained unimplemented or have not received adequate attention from the authorities concerned.
• Its rate of pendency of resolution of complaints and cases that it receives is also close to 50%.
• NCSTs has also struggled with resource constraints, including insufficient funding and inadequate staffing. These limitations have impacted the commission's capacity to carry out its functions effectively and efficiently.
  • Without adequate resources, the commission finds it challenging to conduct thorough investigations, monitor implementation, and provide timely interventions.

To make the NCSTs a more efficient institution, few steps can be taken:

• Strengthening the appointment process: The appointment of NCSTs members should be based on merit and expertise rather than political considerations. This will help ensure that capable individuals with a deep understanding of tribal issues lead the commission.
• Enhancing independence and autonomy: The NCSTs should be granted greater autonomy to carry out its functions without undue influence or interference. It should have the power to enforce its recommendations and hold accountable the authorities responsible for their implementation.
• Adequate funding and resources: The commission should be provided with adequate financial resources and staffing to effectively carry out its responsibilities. This will enable it to conduct comprehensive research, investigations, and monitoring activities.
• Strengthening collaboration and coordination: The NCSTs should work in close collaboration with other relevant government bodies, civil society organizations, and tribal communities to ensure a coordinated approach towards tribal welfare and development. This will help in the effective implementation of policies and programs.

NCSTs, despite being a constitutional body, has faced challenges that have hindered its effectiveness in addressing the issues faced by Scheduled Tribes in India. To transform it into an efficient and apt institution, it is crucial to address issues of political interference, enhance independence and autonomy, allocate adequate resources, and foster collaboration with stakeholders. Only through such measures can the NCSTs fulfill its constitutional mandate and ensure the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes in the country.