While the NCST has made significant contributions to tribal welfare, a multi-faceted approach is necessary to cover the concerns of tribals and ensure the holistic development of tribals. Elaborate.

NCST was established under provision of Article 338-A of the constitution and consists of chairman and 5 persons appointed by President who hold the term of 6yrs. Contributions of NCST: - Review legal policy safeguards for ST. - Raise awareness among members of ST about their rights. - Inquire into cases of breach of constitutional safeguards against members of ST. - Provide biannual report to the president which is placed before the legislature. Criticisms: - Vacancy in posts in NCST could not do much in the recent case of displacement of tribals due to Polavaram project. - Only advisory nature of opinions, cannot issue binding discharge.

Multi-faced approach for holistic development: Government schemes like: - PM Jan Vikas Karyakram - PM Vanbandhu Yojana, Van Dhan Yojana - MSL for Minor Forest Produce To provide basic facilities like healthcare, education, drinking water, roads, economic empowerment. Forest Rights Act 2006: statutory right over land and minor forest produce. PESA Act: provide local governance through gram sabhas in ST areas, 5th & 6th schedule areas: autonomous autonomous districts to preserve their culture & tradition. SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Involvement of civil society organizations in preventing displacement. Narmada Bachao Andolan. Scheduled tribes constitute 8.6% population of the country and ensuring their rights are protected is essential for achieving the vision of Sardar Saket Vikas - development of all.

— Ritu Goyal · AIR 223