Q1. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established under which Article of the Indian Constitution?
- Article 340
- Article 338
- Article 338-A
- Article 339
Correct Option: 3. Article 338-A.
Explanation: The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 inserted Article 338-A, under which the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was created. This separated it from the earlier combined commission for SCs and STs, which was under Article 338.
Q2. When did the separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) come into existence?
- 1999
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
Correct Option: 3. 2004.
Explanation: Although the 89th Amendment Act was passed in 2003, the separate NCST was established in 2004. It consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other members appointed by the President.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT listed as an additional function of the NCST as specified by the President in 2005?
- Promoting privatisation of tribal land for industries
- Conferring ownership rights over minor forest produce
- Improving efficacy of relief for displaced tribal groups
- Preventing alienation of tribal people from land
Correct Option: 1. Promoting privatisation of tribal land for industries.
Explanation: The NCST’s functions aim to protect and empower tribal communities, not promote privatisation of tribal land. Additional functions include ownership rights over forest produce, preventing land alienation, and improving rehabilitation efforts.
Q4. Which ministry was created in 1999 to give focused attention to tribal development?
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Correct Option: 4. Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Explanation: To address the distinct problems of STs more effectively, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created in 1999. Earlier, tribal welfare was handled by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q5. Which of the following powers is NOT enjoyed by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes?
- Requisitioning public records from any court
- Issuing summons for witnesses and documents
- Passing final judgments in legal disputes
- Receiving evidence on affidavits
Correct Option: 3. Passing final judgments in legal disputes.
Explanation: The NCST has quasi-judicial powers similar to a civil court, such as summoning witnesses, collecting evidence, and requiring documents. However, it does not pass legal judgments—that is the role of the judiciary.