Consider the following statements regarding National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. (a) As per the 89th Constitutional Amendment, Independent National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was set up in 2004. (b) Provision has been made in this regard in section 338(a) of the Constitution. (c) The Commission includes 5 members besides the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. (d) In February 2017, Mr. Nandkumar Sai has assumed charge as the Chairperson of the Commission. Which of the above statement/statements are incorrect? Correct Answer (c) statement is incorrect. The correct answer is (c) statement is incorrect. Key Points National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): Formation: NCST was set up with effect from 19th February 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. Hence statement a and b are correct. Objective: Article 338A inter-alia gives powers to the NCST to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to STs under the Constitution or under any other law for time being in force or under any other order to the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards. Composition: It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and 3 other members who are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. Hence statement c is incorrect. At least one member should be a woman. The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and the other Members hold office for a term of 3 years. The members are not eligible for appointments for more than two terms. The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Ministers, the Vice-Chairperson has the rank of a Minister of State and other Members have the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India. In February 2017, Mr. Nandkumar Sai has assumed charge as the Chairperson of the Commission. Hence statement d is correct.