The National Commission for Minorities, commonly known as NCM was initially established in 1992, by the Union Government under the National Commission for Minorities Act. It was initially called Minorities Commission; after the enactment of the act, it was renamed National Commission for Minorities. As per the Union Government, there are six prominent minority communities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains. 

 This article talks about the National Commission for Minorities in India with detailed information on the formulation of the National Commission for Minorities with its functions and objectives. So, let us start by describing the National Commission for Minorities in the Indian Polity study material.

Formulation of National Commission for Minorities 

According to the census conducted in the year 2001, the six major minority communities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains, account for only 18.8% of the total population of the country. The most recent census done in 2011 states that these six are still considered minority communities. 

The minorities communities that the National Commission for Minorities notified on the 27th June 2014 are as follows:

  • Muslims

  • Zoroastrians/Parsis

  • Christians

  • Buddhists

  • Sikhs

  • Jains 

Here are vital facts regarding the following minority communities 

  1. The combined total population of all six minority communities is only 19.30% of India’s total population. 
  2. According to census 2011, out of these six minorities communities, Muslims have the largest population, accounting for 14.2% with 17.22 crore Muslim citizens.  
  3. Here is a quick overview of the population of other minority communities in India. 

  • Buddhists – 0.7% of the population, which is 0.84 crore 

  • Sikhs – 1.7% population, which is 2.08 crores 

  • Jains – 0.4% of the total population, which is 0.45 crore 

  • Christians – 2.3% population, which is 2.78 crores people

  • Parsis – Around 57000 people 

The National Commission for minorities or NCM should comprise

  • Chairperson. Currently, the chairperson of the National Commission for minorities is Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura

  • Vice-Chairperson

  • Five members

Note that the chairperson and vice-chairperson, along with the five people, should belong to one of the minority communities. 

The first-ever National Commission for Minorities

  • Mohd. Sardar Ali Khan was the first-ever chairperson of the Minority Commission, later named the National Commission for Minorities. 

  • Shri B.S. Ramoowalia was the first-ever vice-chairperson of the Minority Commission.

Removal of an individual from chairperson’s office 

The central government has the power to remove the chairperson, vice-chairperson or the members in the following cases:

  • If the person becomes undischarged or insolvent

  • If the person becomes incapable of acting or refuses to act. 

  • Convicted for committing an offence that involves moral turpitude in the eyes of the central government. 

  • Not present for three regular meetings without taking leave. 

  • If the central government feels that the person has abused their position as chairperson or member. 

  • Not understanding minorities or public interest. 

If the person(s) gives satisfactory reasons, they will not be removed. 

Functions of National Commission for Minorities 

The following are the functions of the National Commission for minorities:

  • Keeping a check on the overall growth and the development of minorities. 

  • Assessing the complete working of the safeguards provided by the union, state and constitution laws. 

  • Addressing the issues of the right desperation of minorities. 

  • Conducting research and analysing the issues related to educational and socio-economical development of the minorities. 

  • Presenting a complete report to the central government regarding all the matters of minorities. 

Objectives of National Commission for Minorities 

The primary objective of the National Commission for Minorities is to build greater confidence in the hearts of the minorities and safeguard their interests as a whole. 

Conclusion

The National Commission for Minorities, commonly known as NCM, is a statutory body established initially in 1992 by the Union Government under the National Commission for Minorities Act. As per the most recent census, there are six minority communities in India; these are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains.