National Commission for Scheduled Tribes marks 23rd Foundation Day; NCST Handbook released
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day in New Delhi on 19 February 2026, where Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram released the NCST Handbook.
Summary
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day in New Delhi on 19 February 2026, where Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram released the NCST Handbook and a magazine on the Commission's work from July to December 2025. NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya and Members Nirupam Chakma and Dr. Asha Lakra attended. Static link: NCST is a constitutional body under Article 338A, inserted by the Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003, which split the earlier National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; it came into existence on 19 February 2004. Article 338A provides for a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three other Members, appointed by the President.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 19 February 2026, New Delhi
- Occasion
- 23rd Foundation Day of NCST
- Released
- NCST Handbook (by Jual Oram)
- Chairperson
- Antar Singh Arya
- Constitutional basis
- Article 338A, 89th Amendment Act, 2003
- In existence since
- 19 February 2004
- Composition
- Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three Members, appointed by the President
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Who is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, as of its 23rd Foundation Day on 19 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Antar Singh Arya
NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya attended the 23rd Foundation Day along with Members Nirupam Chakma and Dr. Asha Lakra.
Under which Article of the Constitution is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes constituted?
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Correct answer: D — Article 338A
NCST is constituted under Article 338A. Article 338 covers the NCSC, Article 338B the NCBC, and Article 340 commissions on backward classes.
Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: 1. It was created by the Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003, which split the combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 2. It is a statutory body set up under an Act of Parliament, not a constitutional body. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. NCST is a constitutional body under Article 338A, inserted by the 89th Amendment Act, 2003; it came into existence on 19 February 2004.