Polity

Article 338A

Also: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

Definition

The Article, inserted by the 89th Amendment of 2003, that creates the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes with a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three members, to protect tribal safeguards, examine complaints and advise on tribal development.

Summary card: Article 338A. Inserted by the 89th Amendment, 2003; commission formed in 2004. At least one member should be a woman, under the 2004 rules. Civil court powers for investigation. Separate from the Article 338 commission for SCs — Summary card © UPSCPrep.in

Background and evolution

The joint commission for SCs and STs created in 1990 was criticised for not giving enough attention to tribal issues, which differ from caste discrimination. Tribal communities face questions of land alienation, displacement, forest rights, self-governance and cultural identity, rather than mainly untouchability. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created in 1999, and the 89th Amendment of 2003 followed by setting up a separate commission for STs under Article 338A.

This page stresses the tribal-specific mandate that sets Article 338A apart from Article 338.

Key features and provisions

Composition: Chairperson with Union Cabinet Minister rank, Vice-Chairperson with Minister of State rank, and three members, appointed by the President.
Core functions: same pattern as Article 338: investigate safeguards, inquire into complaints, advise on planning, evaluate progress and report.
Additional functions notified in 2005: measures to give ownership of minor forest produce to STs, safeguard their rights over mineral and water resources, reduce displacement and ensure rehabilitation, prevent land alienation, and strengthen PESA implementation.
Shifting cultivation: measures to move away from it and protect tribal livelihoods.
Reports: to the President, then laid before Parliament with action taken.

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Last reviewed: 23 October 2026 · Original UPSCPrep.in content.