Describe in brief different committees and commissions for tribal people.

1. Introduction

Various committees and commissions have been established in India to address the needs, rights, and welfare of tribal people. These committees and commissions play a crucial role in formulating policies, conducting inquiries, and making recommendations for the socio-economic development and empowerment of tribal communities.

2. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Constitution of India. The NCST is responsible for safeguarding the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards and welfare measures for tribal communities. The commission investigates and inquires into specific complaints regarding the deprivation of rights and safeguards of STs and makes recommendations to the President or the Governor for their redressal.

3. Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is a central government ministry responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs for the development and welfare of tribal communities in India. The ministry oversees various schemes and initiatives related to education, healthcare, livelihoods, land rights, and social empowerment for tribal people. It works in collaboration with state governments, tribal organizations, and civil society to address the socio-economic disparities and challenges faced by tribal communities.

4. Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs)

Tribal Advisory Councils (TACs) are statutory bodies established in certain states with significant tribal populations to advise the state government on matters related to tribal welfare, development, and administration. TACs are comprised of tribal leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives of tribal organizations. These councils play a consultative role in formulating policies, planning development programs, and monitoring the implementation of tribal welfare schemes at the state level.

5. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA)

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) is a landmark legislation aimed at recognizing and vesting forest rights and land tenure to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. The Act provides for the identification, verification, and vesting of forest rights such as land titles, access to forest resources, and community forest management rights to tribal and forest-dwelling communities. It also mandates the establishment of District Level Committees (DLCs) and Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs) to facilitate the implementation of the FRA at the grassroots level.

6. National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCSCST)

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCSCST) was a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Constitution of India. It was responsible for monitoring the implementation of constitutional safeguards and welfare measures for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. However, the NCSCST was later bifurcated into separate National Commissions for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to focus on the specific needs and concerns of each community.

7. Conclusion

Committees and commissions for tribal people in India play a vital role in advocating for the rights, welfare, and development of tribal communities. These bodies facilitate policy formulation, program implementation, and monitoring mechanisms to address the socio-economic disparities and challenges faced by tribal people. By ensuring the participation and representation of tribal leaders, experts, and organizations, these committees and commissions contribute to the empowerment and upliftment of tribal communities across the country.