Nand Kumar Sai, a senior tribal leader from Chhattisgarh and ex-parliamentarian took over as the new Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on February 28, 2017 in New Delhi.
- The 71-year-old Sai succeeds Rameshwar Oraon, whose tenure ended on October 31 2016.
- Sai would be responsible to protect the rights of the tribal people living in far-flung areas of the country. Shri Sai has been actively involved in spread of education in tribal areas.
- The Chairman of NCST is given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister. The Vice-Chairperson is given the rank of Minister of State and other Members have the ranks of a Secretary to the Government of India.
- Nand Kumar Sai has been appointed for a term of three years from the date of assumption of charge.
About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
1. NCST was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
2. The amendment, replaced the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by two separate Commissions w.e.f. February 19, 2004.
a.National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
b.National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
3. The Commission comprises a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three full-time Members (including one lady Member).
Functions of NCST
- To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution and to evaluate the working of such safeguards
- To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Tribes
- To participate and advise in the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State
- To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards
- To make reports, recommendations for the measures to be taken by the Union or any State for effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes, and
- To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.
About Nand Kumar Sai
Nand Kumar Sai was born on January 1, 1946 at village Bhagora of Jaspur District in Chhattisgarh.
- Shri Sai studied at NES college Jashpur and obtained Post Graduate degree in Political Science from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur.
Political Career
- Elected to MP legislative assembly in 1977, 1985 and 1998
- Elected to Chhattisgarh legislative assembly in 2000 and was the first leader of opposition in the assembly
- Elected to Lok sabha in 1989, 1996 and 2004
- Elected to Rajya Sabha in 2009 and 2010
- He also served as member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal and Steel and member of the Parliamentary consultative committee of Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment.