National Commission for Minorities (NCM)

National Commission for Minorities

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM), set up with the vision to safeguard and protect the interests of minority communities in India, is awaiting the appointment of a head and members since the retirement in April 2025 of its previous Chairperson and members.

About National Commission for Minorities

• 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.

Source: TH

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