- The 65th Amendment of the Constitution of India was passed in 1990.
- It established a National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The commission is responsible for protecting the interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and for ensuring their development.
The commission has the following powers:
- To investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law.
- To undertake studies and research on the problems of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to recommend measures for their welfare.
- To make recommendations to the government on matters relating to the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- To review the working of the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law.
- To perform such other functions as the President may, by order, specify.
The commission is headed by a chairperson who is appointed by the President. The other members of the commission are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The commission has its headquarters in New Delhi.
Significance
- The 65th Amendment was a significant step in the protection of the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- It has helped to ensure that these communities have a voice in the decision-making process and that their interests are taken into account.
- The 65th Amendment has been criticized by some for being too bureaucratic and for not doing enough to address the problems faced by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, the commission has played an important role in raising awareness of these problems and in advocating for the rights of these communities.
- The 65th Amendment is a work in progress. It is important to continue to monitor its implementation and to make sure that it is effective in protecting the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.