Part of: Prelims and GS – II – Issues related to minorities
In news Recently, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to nominate persons to all the vacant positions in the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) by 30th September, 2021.
This is to ensure that the commission functions efficiently and the purpose of the commission as envisaged under the National Commission for Minorities Act (NCM), 1992 is also fully given effect to.
What is the background of NCM?
In 1978, setting up of the Minorities Commission (MC) was envisaged in the Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution.
In 1984, the MC was detached from the Ministry of Home Affairs and placed under the newly created Ministry of Welfare.
The MC became a statutory body and was renamed as the NCM in 1992, with the enactment of the NCM Act, 1992.
In 1993, the first Statutory National Commission was set up and five religious communities viz. The Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) were notified as minority communities.
In 2014, Jains were also notified as a minority community.
What is the composition of NCM?
NCM consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and five members and all of them shall be from amongst the minority communities.
Total of 7 persons to be nominated by the Central Government should be from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
Tenure: Each Member holds office for a period of three years from the date of assumption of office.
What are the functions of NCM?
Monitoring of the working of the safeguards for minorities provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the state legislatures.
Making recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of minorities by the central or state governments.
Ensures that the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities is implemented.
Looking into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of minorities and taking up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
Investigates matters of communal conflict and riots.
