UPSC Mains 2026 · GS II · Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words

Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality ? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness.

हिन्दी में

वास्तविक सामाजिक समानता को सुरक्षित करने में राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जाति आयोग (NCSC) एवं राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जनजाति आयोग (NCST) जैसे संवैधानिक निकायों के पास क्या पर्याप्त प्रवर्तन शक्तियाँ हैं ? इनकी संस्थागत प्रभावशीलता को बढ़ाने हेतु उपायों को सुझाइए ।

Constitutional BodiesSC, ST and OBC

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Strengthening the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) through various complementary mechanisms can go a long way towards mainstreaming the welfare of the tribals. Explain.”

Banna VenkateshAIR 15 · CSE 2024 · 95 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

National commission for scheduled tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body under Article 338-A of the constitution.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
Functions of NCST -> safeguarding tribal rights -> suo-motu take up cases related to violation of rights of tribals -> policy recommendations to government and their implementation monitoring -> Advocacy & awareness

Need for strengthening NCST:

  1. Recommendations are not binding on the government

  2. Can take up cases only below 1 year from date of commencement, limiting justice to victims

③ Reports submitted are not thoroughly discussed in parliament. ④ Gaps in monitoring policies & giving suitable policy recommendations. ⑤ Limited success of PESA implementation, violations of forest rights impite of NCST.

Diagram
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN -> Human resources & capacity building -> e.g: engagement with NGO/CSO's for grassroot reach -> powers to enforce penalties for protection of rights

Close · a framework

Strengthening NCST is crucial for safeguarding rights of Indigenous communities and achieving just society as enshrined in Constitution.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II, Q5. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.