National and state Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe commission

National SC commission

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is an Indian constitutional body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution.

Functions

To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under this Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards.
To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.
To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-Economic Development of the Scheduled Castes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State.
To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards.
To make in such reports recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes.
To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the Scheduled Castes as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.

National ST commission

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending ARTICLE 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003. By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions namely-

the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC),
(ii) the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) w.e.f. 19 February, 2004.

Powers of the Commission

For Investigation and Inquiry, the Commission is vested with powers of a Civil Court having authority to:

Summon and enforce attendance of any person and examine on oath.
Discovery & production of any documents.
Receive evidence on affidavits.
Requisition any public record or copy thereof from any court or office.
Issue Commissions for examination of witnesses and documents.
And Any matter which President, by rule, may determine.

Functions of the Commission

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 Rights & Safeguards of STs.
To participate and advise in the Planning Process relating to Socio-economic development of STs, and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State.
To submit 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 and development & advancement of the Scheduled Tribes, namely:
Measures that need to be taken over conferring ownership rights in respect of minor forest produce to the Scheduled Tribes living in forest areas.
Measures to be taken to safeguard rights to the Tribal Communities over mineral Resources, Water Resources etc. as per law.
Measures to be taken for the development of tribals and to work for move viable livelihood strategies.
Measures to be taken to improve the efficacy of relief and rehabilitation measures for tribal groups displaced by development projects.
Measures to be taken to prevent alienation of tribal people from land and to effectively rehabilitate such people in whose case alienation has already taken place.
Measures to be taken to elicit maximum cooperation and involvement of Tribal Communities for protecting forests and undertaking social afforestation.

State level SC/ST commission

Different states has founded SC/ST commissions to address the issues related to both the casts.

Role of State level commission:

The study the existing state of various provisions in the Constitutions and by the State Government for the Scheduled Castes and Tribes and suggest measures to fulfill the same.
To investigate various grievances raised by members from Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
To participate in the process of creation of schemes related to the economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Tribes and provide advice to the State Government regarding the same.
To take a review of matters registered under the Scheduled Castes / Tribes Atrocities Act 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955.
To take review of the financial assistance to be given to the affected persons under the above mentioned acts. To accept and investigate grievances of SC/ST employees related to service.
To take a review of policies related to Scheduled Castes / Tribes. To provide advice to the State Government for rolling out beneficial schemes for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) are Statutory Bodies established by the Government of India to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) respectively. The NCSC was established in 1955, while the NCST was established in 1970.

The NCSC and NCST are responsible for promoting the welfare of SCs and STs, and for investigating complaints of discrimination against them. They also have the power to recommend measures to the government for the amelioration of the conditions of SCs and STs.

The NCSC and NCST are composed of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and a number of other members. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are appointed by the President of India, while the other members are appointed by the Prime Minister. The NCSC and NCST have their headquarters in New Delhi.

The functions of the NCSC and NCST include:

Promoting the welfare of SCs and STs;
Investigating complaints of discrimination against SCs and STs;
Recommending measures to the government for the amelioration of the conditions of SCs and STs;
Making reports to the government on the implementation of laws and programmes for the welfare of SCs and STs;
Reviewing the progress made in the implementation of laws and programmes for the welfare of SCs and STs;
Suggesting measures to the government for the removal of difficulties faced by SCs and STs in availing of the benefits of laws and programmes for their welfare;
Undertaking studies and research on the problems of SCs and STs;
Disseminating information on the problems of SCs and STs;
Cooperating with other organizations working for the welfare of SCs and STs;
Performing such other functions as may be entrusted to them by the government.

The NCSC and NCST have the power to:

Call for reports from the government and other authorities;
Require the attendance of any person and examine him;
Require the production of any document;
Inspect any place;
Take evidence on oath;
Publish reports;
Make recommendations to the government.

The NCSC and NCST are assisted by a Secretary and such other staff as may be necessary. The Secretary is appointed by the government on the recommendation of the NCSC or NCST.

The NCSC and NCST are funded by the government.

The NCSC and NCST have been instrumental in promoting the welfare of SCs and STs. They have investigated complaints of discrimination against SCs and STs, and have recommended measures to the government for the amelioration of their conditions. They have also made reports to the government on the implementation of laws and programmes for the welfare of SCs and STs. The NCSC and NCST have played a significant role in the upliftment of SCs and STs.

The Constitution of India provides for the establishment of State Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The State Commissions are similar in composition and functions to the National Commissions. The State Commissions are responsible for promoting the welfare of SCs and STs in their respective states. They also have the power to investigate complaints of discrimination against SCs and STs.

The State Commissions are an important part of the mechanism for protecting the rights of SCs and STs. They play a vital role in ensuring that SCs and STs are able to enjoy the benefits of the Constitution and the laws of the land.

What is the National Commission for Scheduled Castes?

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a statutory body established by the Constitution of India to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for them under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force.

What are the functions of the NCSC?

The functions of the NCSC are to:

Investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for SCs under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force and to take up with the appropriate authorities any matter which appears to the Commission to require redressal;
Examine any complaint made by, or on behalf of, any SCs with respect to any matter relating to the safeguards provided for them under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force and to take up with the appropriate authorities any matter which appears to the Commission to require redressal;
Inquire into any matter with respect to the implementation of any safeguards provided for SCs under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force and to report to the Central Government;
Advise the Central Government on any matter relating to the welfare of SCs;
Undertake such other functions as the Central Government may, from time to time, entrust to it.

What is the State Commission for Scheduled Castes?

The State Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCS) is a statutory body established by the Constitution of India to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the state. It is an independent body that functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

What are the functions of the SCS?

The functions of the SCS are to:

Investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for SCs under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force in the state and to take up with the appropriate authorities any matter which appears to the Commission to require redressal;
Examine any complaint made by, or on behalf of, any SCs with respect to any matter relating to the safeguards provided for them under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force in the state and to take up with the appropriate authorities any matter which appears to the Commission to require redressal;
Inquire into any matter with respect to the implementation of any safeguards provided for SCs under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force in the state and to report to the State Government;
Advise the State Government on any matter relating to the welfare of SCs;
Undertake such other functions as the State Government may, from time to time, entrust to it.

What are the powers of the NCSC and SCS?

The NCSC and SCS have the following powers:

To summon any person and require him to produce any document or other material;
To require any person to give evidence on oath;
To enter any place and inspect any document or other material;
To issue any order or direction as it may deem necessary in the interests of SCs;
To recommend to the Central Government or the State Government any legislative or administrative measures for the welfare of SCs.

How can I file a complaint with the NCSC or SCS?

You can file a complaint with the NCSC or SCS by writing to the Commission or by visiting its website. The complaint should be accompanied by all relevant documents and evidence. The Commission will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

What is the procedure for filing a complaint with the NCSC or SCS?

The procedure for filing a complaint with the NCSC or SCS is as follows:

You can file a complaint with the Commission by writing to it or by visiting its website.
The complaint should be accompanied by all relevant documents and evidence.
The Commission will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

What is the timeline for filing a complaint with the NCSC or SCS?

There is no specific timeline for filing a complaint with the NCSC or SCS. However, it is advisable to file the complaint as soon as possible after the incident has occurred.

What is the redressal mechanism for complaints filed with the NCSC or SCS?

The NCSC or SCS will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action. The Commission may recommend to the Central Government or the State Government any legislative or administrative measures for the welfare of SCs. The Commission may also issue any order or direction as it may deem necessary in the interests of SCs.

Sure. Here are some MCQs on the topics of National and state Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe commission:

Which of the following is not a function of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes?
(A) To investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force and to take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
(B) To undertake studies and research on the conditions of the Scheduled Castes and to make recommendations for their amelioration.
(C) To promote and protect the rights of the Scheduled Castes and to ensure that they are not discriminated against.
(D) To review the implementation of the policies and programmes for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and to suggest measures for their effective implementation.
Which of the following is not a function of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes?
(A) To investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force and to take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
(B) To undertake studies and research on the conditions of the Scheduled Tribes and to make recommendations for their amelioration.
(C) To promote and protect the rights of the Scheduled Tribes and to ensure that they are not discriminated against.
(D) To review the implementation of the policies and programmes for the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes and to suggest measures for their effective implementation.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes are constituted under which of the following Acts?
(A) The Constitution of India
(B) The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
(C) The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 1992
(D) The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
The Chairperson and other members of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of which of the following?
(A) The Prime Minister
(B) The Union Home Minister
(C) The President of the Rajya Sabha
(D) The Vice President of India
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have their headquarters in which of the following cities?
(A) New Delhi
(B) Chennai
(C) Kolkata
(D) Mumbai
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have regional offices in which of the following cities?
(A) New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar, and Imphal
(B) New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Imphal, and Agartala
(C) New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Imphal, Agartala, and Shillong
(D) New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Imphal, Agartala, Shillong, and Kohima
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have the power to:
(A) Summon any person from any part of India and examine him on oath.
(B) Require any person to produce any document or other material evidence.
(C) Inspect any place or object.
(D) All of the above.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have the power to:
(A) Make recommendations to the Central Government and the State Governments on matters relating to the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
(B) Take up with the appropriate authorities any matter relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force.
(C) Review the implementation of the policies and programmes for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and to suggest measures for their effective implementation.
(D) All of the above.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have the power to:
(A) Publish reports