Consider the following statements.1. In order to safeguard the intere...
In order to safeguard the interests of the STs more effectively, it was proposed to set up a separate National Commission for STs by bifurcating the existing combined National Commission for SCs and STs. This was done by passing the 89 Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003.
Consider the following statements.1. In order to safeguard the intere...
Explanation:
Background:
In India, Scheduled Tribes (STs) are a group of indigenous people who are recognized as disadvantaged and marginalized communities by the Constitution of India. They are given special provisions and protection under the Constitution to safeguard their rights and interests.
National Commission for SCs and STs:
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCSCST) was established in 1992 as a constitutional body to investigate and monitor all matters related to the constitutional safeguards for the SCs and STs.
However, it was felt that the interests and issues of the STs were not being effectively addressed by the NCSCST, as the commission was dealing with both SCs and STs. Hence, there was a demand to bifurcate the commission and set up a separate National Commission for STs.
89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003:
To meet this demand, the government introduced the 89th Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament in 2003. The bill sought to bifurcate the NCSCST and set up a separate National Commission for STs.
The bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received the assent of the President in 2003, thereby becoming the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Key features:
1. The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the establishment of a separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), which will exclusively deal with the issues related to the STs.
2. The NCST will have a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and three other members, who will be appointed by the President of India.
3. The NCST will investigate and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and legal safeguards for the STs and will also inquire into specific complaints regarding the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the STs.
4. The NCST will also participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the STs and evaluate the progress of their development.
Conclusion:
Thus, it can be said that the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 was passed to safeguard the interests of the STs more effectively by setting up a separate National Commission for STs.