Explanation:

Functions of the Commission -

To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the STs and to evaluate their working

To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the STs.

To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the STs and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union or a state.

To present to the President, annually and at such other times as it may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards.

To make recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or a state forthe effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection,welfare and socio-economic development of the STs.

To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development andadvancement of the STs as the President may specify.

Other Functions of The Commission -

The President in 2005 has specified the following other functions of the commission in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the STs -

Measures to be taken over conferring ownership rights in respect of minor forest produce to STs living in forest areas.

Measures to be taken to safeguard rights of the tribal communities over mineral resources, water resources etc., as per law.

Measures to be taken for the development of tribals and to work for more viable livelihood strategies.

Measures to be taken to improve the efficacy of relief and rehabilitation measures for tribal groups displaced by development projects.

Measures to be taken to prevent alienation of tribal people from land and to effectively rehabilitate such people in whose case alienation has already taken place.

Measures to be taken to elicit maximum cooperation and involvement of tribal communities for protecting forests and undertaking social afforestation.

Measures to be taken to ensure full implementation of the Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.

Measures to be taken to reduce and ultimately eliminate the practice of shifting cultivation by tribals that lead to their continuous disempowerment and degradation of land and the environment.