4 October 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain.

(150 Words/10 Marks)

ANS

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body created by 89th CAA, 2003 to effectively protect the interests of Scheduled tribes.

NCST has contributed towards mainstreaming the welfare of tribals in the following ways:

1. It has provided an avenue for STs to report rights violations and atrocities against STs through NCSTGRAMS portal.
2. NCST also takes suo-motu cognizance of crimes against STs. E.g.; NCST took suo-motu cognizance of case of burning a tribal woman in Guna over land dispute.
3. NCST has enhanced accountability of public officials for protecting STs. E.g.; NCST sought a detailed report from Centre, Odisha govt. on issue of displacement of STs due to Polavaram project.
4. More legislative oversight (through reports) and better policy formulation, as for any policy affecting STs, NSCT must be consulted.

However, a report of Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment (2022) has highlighted following challenges/drawbacks in NCSTS’s functioning:

1. NCST has been ‘dysfunctional’ as it has not delivered a single report to the parliament in last four years (2018-2022).
2. NCST met only four times in the financial year 2021-22.
3. Its rate of pendency of resolution of complaints and cases that it receives is close to 50%.
4. Near paralysis of the Commission’s working due to shortage of human and financial resources.

STs are still one of the most vulnerable population of India showing low literacy, high mortality and morbidity, low employment, and high likelihood of becoming victim of violent crimes including human trafficking.

In this context, it becomes important not only to empower NCST but also to support STs through various complementary mechanisms, which can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals:

1. Empowerment of STs through better implementation of PESA, 1996 and FRA, 2006 so that they can have a say in developmental process.
2. Synergetic approach between State and NGOs to work for better implementation, monitoring and resolution of issues related to STs.
3. Capacity building and sensitisation of the institutions such as lawyers, judges and policemen in dealing with tribal related crimes (SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989). It would also help empower tribals in escaping exploitation.
4. Socio-economic empowerment through better education and health services coupled with more economic opportunities, can make STs more aware of their rights. It would also improve capability to seek redressal for their violations.
5. The social engagement programmes have to be designed in such a way to enhance the expression of tribal ways of living and thinking. Tribals should be involved in conservation and recording of tribal knowledge systems and oral traditions.

Vulnerability of STs is not just a law-and-order problem but also a consequence of socio-economic deprivations. An institutionalized approach of NCST should be complemented by other mechanisms to make STs more visible in regular developmental discourse