About National Commission for Minorities (NCM):
- It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Origin:
- In January 1978, the government set up the Minorities Commission to safeguard the interests of minorities.
- With the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the Minorities Commission became a statutory body and was renamed as the National Commission for Minorities.
- It is entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the interests of the minority communities in India. Besides the role, the Commission is also to undertake confidence-building measures in light of the new and emerging challenges.
- NCM is responsible for advising the central and state governments on matters related to the welfare and development of minority communities in India.
- Initially, five religious communities-Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)-were notified as minority communities by the Union Government.
- Further, with the 2014 notification, Jains were also notified as another minority community.
- As per the 2011 Census, the six religious minority communities constitute around 20% of the country’s population.
- The commission consists of a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and five members to be nominated by the central government from amongst persons of eminence, ability, and integrity.
- The members, including the chairperson, are required to be from amongst the minority communities.
- In accordance with Section 4(1) of the NCM Act, 1992, each member, including the chairperson, holds office for a period of three years from the date of assumption of office.
- The main functions of the Commission are:
- Evaluate the progress of the development of minorities under the Union and states.
- Monitor the working of the safeguards for minorities provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the state legislatures.
- Make recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of minorities by the central government or state governments.
- Look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
- Cause studies to be undertaken into the problems arising out of any discrimination against minorities and recommend measures for their removal.
- Conduct studies, research, and analysis on the issues relating to the socio-economic and educational development of minorities.
- Suggest appropriate measures in respect of any minority to be undertaken by the central government or state government.
- Make periodical or special reports to the central government on any matter pertaining to minorities and, in particular, difficulties confronted by them.
- Any other matter which may be referred to by the central government.
