The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was formed as a result of the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, which led to the bifurcation of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes into two separate bodies: one for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and another for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Prior to this, the welfare of both SCs and STs was handled by a joint commission, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which had been established under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution.
In 2004, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was constituted under Article 338A, giving it the responsibility to safeguard and monitor the interests of STs. The commission is tasked with investigating issues related to the rights and welfare of STs, advising on policies for their development, and inquiring into violations of their rights. It plays a key role in ensuring constitutional safeguards and addressing grievances.
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The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was established in 1993 by the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, to safeguard and promote the rights of India's religious minorities. Initially, the government of India identified six religious communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains (added in 2014)—as minorities under the National Commission for Minorities Act.
The NCM was formed to address issues faced by these communities, ensure their constitutional rights, and promote their welfare. The commission is tasked with monitoring the implementation of safeguards provided for minorities in the Constitution and laws, examining complaints of discrimination, and making recommendations for policy changes to the government.
The NCM consists of a chairperson and members appointed by the government, representing various minority communities, and plays a key role in fostering communal harmony and addressing grievances of minority communities across India.
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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was established in 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Its primary role is to ensure that the rights and welfare of children are protected and promoted in India. The NCPCR is tasked with:
- Monitoring and ensuring the implementation of laws and policies related to child rights.
- Investigating and addressing complaints and violations related to children's rights.
- Promoting and advocating for the rights of children as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Indian legislation.
- Advising the government on child rights issues and suggesting policy reforms.
The Commission comprises a chairperson and members with expertise in child rights, law, and social work, appointed by the central government. The NCPCR's mandate includes safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and ensuring their access to education, health, and protection.
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The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), formally known as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, was established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The need for a human rights body arose in the early 1990s due to rising concerns over human rights violations, both globally and within India, in areas such as custodial violence, discrimination, and abuse of power.
The NHRC was created to investigate human rights abuses, including the right to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as guaranteed by the Constitution or international covenants. The commission has the power to investigate complaints, intervene in court cases involving human rights issues, and make recommendations to the government.
The NHRC comprises a chairperson, usually a retired Chief Justice of India, along with other members from judicial, human rights, and related fields, who are tasked with protecting and promoting human rights across the country.
