The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a statutory body established by the Government of India to safeguard and protect the rights and interests of minority communities in the country. It was formed under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and came into existence on 17th May 1993.
- The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is a statutory body in India established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
- The purpose of the NCM is to safeguard the constitutional and legal rights of minorities in India, which include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis.
- The NCM has the power to investigate and monitor matters related to the socio-economic, educational and cultural development of minorities.
- The commission can also take up individual complaints of discrimination and violation of rights of minorities and make recommendations to the government for corrective measures.
- The NCM is headed by a Chairperson, who is assisted by a Vice-Chairperson, a Member-Secretary, and five other members, all of whom are appointed by the central government.
- The NCM has the authority to summon any person, including government officials, for the purpose of inquiry or investigation.
- The commission also undertakes studies, research, and analysis of various issues concerning the welfare of minorities and submits annual and special reports to the central government.
- The NCM also collaborates with NGOs, civil society groups and academic institutions to promote the socio-economic and educational development of minorities.
- Over the years, the NCM has played a significant role in promoting communal harmony and preventing incidents of communal violence in India.
