Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act 2003

The Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003 holds significant importance in India’s constitutional framework. It came into force on a date appointed by the Central Government through notification in the Official Gazette.

1. Amendment of Article 338: Article 338 of the Constitution underwent significant changes:
   • The marginal heading was substituted with “National Commission for Scheduled Castes.”
   • Clauses (1) and (2) were replaced:
     • The new clause (1) establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
     • The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members.
     • Their conditions of service and tenure are determined by the President 
   • Clauses (5), (9), and (10) no longer include the words “and Scheduled Tribes.
      
2. Insertion of New Article 338A: After Article 338, a new Article 338A was inserted:
   • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes:
     • The Commission is established to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes. 
     • It consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members. 
     • Their conditions of service and tenure are determined by the President. 
     • The Commission has the power to regulate its own procedure. 
     • Its duties include investigating, monitoring, and evaluating safeguards for Scheduled Tribes. 
     • It also inquiries into specific complaints related to ST rights and participates in socio-economic planning.

Eighty Ninth Amendment Act 2003

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