- Formations
- It was established in 2004
- It was created by revising Article 338 of the Constitution and adding a new Article 338A by the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act of 2003.
- With effect from February 19, 2004, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) replaced the former National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- Composition
- The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and each member serve for three years from the date of their appointment.
- The Chairperson has been appointed as a Union Cabinet Minister, the Vice-Chairperson as a Minister of State, and the other members as Secretaries to the Government of India.
- Functions
- To keep an eye on the safeguards granted for STs under the Constitution or other laws;
- To investigate particular complaints concerning STs’ rights and safeguards;
- To provide guidance in the planning process for the socioeconomic development of STs.
- To submit a report to the President on welfare measures required for the socioeconomic development of STs on an annual and other basis; To execute such additional tasks in regard to STs as the President may by regulation define;