Independent Commission for STs in Maharashtra

• 09 Jun 2025

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government approved the formation of a separate Scheduled Tribes (STs) Commission. The move aligns with the central government’s model of separate commissions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and STs. 

• This move is expected to enhance the autonomy, authority, and effectiveness of these bodies.  

Key Points

• Independent Commission for STs: 
  • The 51st Tribal Advisory Committee recommended establishing a separate and independent Commission for Tribals in the state. 
  • The Maharashtra Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to confer Constitutional status on the proposed SC and ST commissions. 
    • Additionally, Rs 4.20 crore has been sanctioned for administrative expenses, including infrastructure and salaries for commission members. 
  • The composition of this Commission will be similar to that of the Maharashtra Commission for SCs, comprising one Chairperson and four non-governmental members. 

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) 

• Formation: NCST was set up in 2004 by amending Article 338 and by inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the 89th Constitution Amendment Act, 2003. Hence, it is a constitutional body. 
  • By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and the NCST. 
• Objective: Article 338A inter-alia gives powers to the NCST to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any other order to the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards. 

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) 

• NCSC is a constitutional body that works to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes (SC) in India. 
• Article 338 of the constitution of India deals with this commission: 
  • It provides for a National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with duties to investigate and monitor all matters relating to safeguards provided for them, to inquire into specific complaints and to participate and advise on the planning process of their socio-economic development etc.