Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Institutions, Issue: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
Context:
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is currently awaiting the appointment of a new chairperson and members.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Context and Concerns:
- Past Delays: This is not the first instance of delayed appointments at the NCM. Similar situations occurred in 2017, prompting the Delhi High Court to intervene in 2021.
- Questionable Utility: Former NCM Chairperson Tahir Mahmood has expressed skepticism about the commission’s effectiveness, labeling it a “showpiece” and a “stopgap placement” in his book.
- Political Affiliations: Concerns have been raised about the appointment of individuals with connections to ruling parties, potentially compromising the commission’s impartiality.
| About National Commission for Minorities: Establishment: Constituted in 1978, through an executive resolution by the Ministry of Home Affairs for protecting, promoting and safeguarding the interests and rights of minorities. Became an autonomous, statutory (and not constitutional) body under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and was renamed the National Commission for Minorities (earlier Minorities Commission). The first statutory Commission was constituted in 1993. The Act does not define the term ‘minority’, but enables the Central Government to notify ‘minorities’ for the purposes of the Act. The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the Nodal ministry. Composition: Multi-member body nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity (Chairman, Vice-chairperson and 5 Members) 5 members, including the Chairperson, should be from amongst the minority communities. Salaries, Allowances and other service conditions Prescribed by the Central Government (Ministry of Minority Affairs). Tenure: 3 years Resignation: To the Central Government. |
Report: The Commission presents an annual report as and when it thinks necessary to the Centre.
- All such reports are presented before each House of Parliament, along with a memorandum (action taken on the recommendation made by the Commission).
- The memorandum contains the reasons for the non-acceptance of any of such recommendations.
- In case of a report being related to any matter connected with the State government, a copy of such a report is forwarded to the State government.
- The State Government places it before the state legislature, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations of the commission.
Development and Safeguards of Minorities:
The ongoing vacancies in the National Commission for Minorities signify neglect of minority rights, highlighting the urgent need for government action to ensure effective representation and protection for marginalized communities.
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