NAC, at a meeting chaired by Sonia Gandhi, felt that certain directions on major issues proposed under provisions of the Fifth Schedule, which relates to administration of areas needing special protection, can be issued immediately for better implementation of existing laws.
"These need not await amendment to the Act and can be issued immediately for better implementation of the existing law," an NAC statement said.
The council has suggested aligning laws in conformity with Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) to ensure autonomy of Gram Sabha and Panchayats in Scheduled Areas.
It also wanted the government to issue directions related to identification and declaration of 'village' to conduct gram sabhas under the law, to ensure prevention of land alienation and restoration of illegally alienated lands.
In addition, NAC also made recommendations to the government regarding inclusion of tribal habitations hitherto not included under the Fifth Schedule, to expedite Provisions of the Municipalities (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Bill, constitution of Special Task Force to review functioning of VIth Schedule Areas and to suggest appropriate administrative arrangements for Fifth Schedule Areas.
NAC was also briefed about the salient features, coverage planned, implementation plan and time lines for implementation of the Comprehensive Social Security Insurance Scheme (CSSIS) evolved by the government.
CSSIS, based on the recommendations of NAC, is expected to be rolled out by government in 2013-14, after holding consultations with the states.
The scheme envisages covering life, disability, girl child education (class IX-XII), co-contributory pension on optional basis (at the rate of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 per family each per year) on tripartite basis (government, state and beneficiary) and health insurance under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).
The implementation is to be entrusted to dedicated vertical in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).
