National Commission for Minorities (NCM)

Why in News?

Over a month after the Delhi High Court sought the Centre’s response on delayed appointments in the National Commission for Minorities, Union Ministry for Minority Affairs remained non-committal.

• It is established to safeguard and protect the interests of the country's minority communities.
• Established in –1978 under a Ministry of Home Affairs resolution.
• Headquarters - New Delhi.
• Purpose – To address feelings of inequality and discrimination among minorities despite constitutional safeguards.
• Statutory Status – By enacting the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the commission became a statutory body.
• In 1988, its jurisdiction was narrowed; linguistic minorities excluded by resolution of Ministry of Welfare.
• Constitutional Provisions – To safeguard the interests of minorities are mandated under
  • Preamble,
  • Fundamental Rights (Article 14, 15, 16, 25–30), 
  • DPSP (Article 38, 46),
  • Fundamental duties, and
  • Other articles - Article 347, 350A, 350B.
• Notified Minority Communities –

• Composition – As per NCM Act, 1992, a total of 7 members - Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, 5 Members were nominated by the Central Government.
  • All the members are drawn from diverse minority communities.
• Tenure – Each member serves 3 years term.
• Removal – The Chairperson and members are removed by  the Central Government if they -
  • Are adjudged insolvent, 
  • Take up paid employment outside their duties, 
  • Refuse or become incapable of acting, 
  • Are declared of unsound mind by a court, 
  • Abuse their office, or 
  • Are convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude.
• Powers – It has quasi-judicial power and enjoys powers equivalent to a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure.
• Functions – It acts as an advisor, and researcher by evaluating progress, monitoring safeguards, addressing complaints, suggesting policies, and reporting to the government to protect minority rights.
• Complaints handled – Common complaints includes police atrocities, service matters, minority educational institutions and encroachments on religious properties.

References

1. The Hindu | Delay in appointments to NCM
2. NCM | National Commission for Minorities