The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) today concluded its Internship Programme 2026 with a valedictory function held at its Headquarters, Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi. The month-long programme was organised to provide young scholars with practical exposure to the constitutional mandate of the Commission, tribal governance, public policy, and the legal and institutional framework for the protection and welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

Twenty interns participated in the programme and attended expert lectures and interactive sessions conducted by senior officers of the Commission and subject experts. The sessions covered constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), tribal development programmes, public administration, governance, and the functioning of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The interns also gained practical exposure through interactions with various Divisions of the Commission, grievance redressal mechanisms, quasi-judicial proceedings, research activities, policy initiatives and a field visit.

As part of the academic component of the programme, each intern delivered an individual presentation on issues relating to tribal affairs, constitutional provisions or governance. The participants also undertook research assignments on subjects including the Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas, the Forest Rights Act, tribal welfare programmes, and other aspects of tribal administration and public policy. The programme concluded with the submission and presentation of group research reports.

The valedictory session was presided over by Dr. Asha Lakra, Hon'ble Member, NCST, in the presence of Sh. Prashant Kumar Singh, Secretary, Sh. Amit Nirmal, Joint Secretary, Shri Purnendu Kant, Director, Shri Manish Raj, Senior Investigator and Programme Coordinator, and other senior officers of the Commission. Addressing the interns, the dignitaries congratulated them on successfully completing the programme and appreciated their academic commitment, research contributions and enthusiasm. They encouraged the participants to apply their understanding of tribal issues in their future academic and professional pursuits and contribute towards safeguarding the rights and promoting the inclusive development of Scheduled Tribes.

The successful completion of the Internship Programme marks another significant step in the Commission's continuing efforts to engage young scholars with issues concerning Scheduled Tribes and to strengthen awareness of the constitutional, legal and policy framework for their protection, welfare and inclusive development. Through such initiatives, the Commission seeks to promote informed academic engagement, enhance public awareness and foster greater sensitivity towards tribal issues among the youth.

 

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