National Committee For Minorities has Barely Served Those For Whom It Was Set Up

National Committee For Minorities has Barely Served Those For Whom It Was Set Up 23 Oct 2025

National Committee For Minorities has Barely Served Those For Whom It Was Set Up

Currently, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has no chairman or members.

Current Status of NCM

  • Non-Functional Commission: The NCM is presently non-functional, with the posts of Chairperson and Members vacant. 
    • A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions for its reconstitution.
  • Criticism:  Many argue that even if the Commission were reconstituted, it would not significantly affect the lives of minorities. 
    • The Commission is described as a “useless body” that has failed to secure minority rights even after 47 years of existence.

Historical Context and Evolution

  • Initial Formation (1978): The NCM was created in 1978 as an Executive Body through a resolution of the concerned Ministry. 
    • It was established alongside a similar commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to monitor constitutional safeguards.
  • Demand for Enhanced Status: There was an early demand to elevate the NCM to either a Statutory or Constitutional Body.
  • Turning Point (1992): In 1992, the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was given Constitutional Status under Article 338. 
    • The NCM, however, was not granted constitutional status and was later given Statutory Status through a dedicated Act of Parliament.
  • Focus Areas:  After attaining statutory status, the NCM directed its attention toward:
    • Article 29: Protection of minority language, script, and culture.
    • Article 30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
  • Powers of NCM: The NCM has civil court-like powers, allowing it to summon individuals, request documents, and record evidence during investigations.

Limitations and Challenges of NCM

  • Advisorial Role:  The Commission’s role is purely advisory and non-binding. 
    • It cannot impose penalties, enforce its orders, or ensure compliance with its recommendations.
    • This restricts its ability to deliver tangible outcomes or hold violators accountable.
  • National Human Rights Commission Factor (NHRC): The NHRC was created in 1993. 
    • The NCM Chairperson was made an ex officio member of the national human rights framework. 
    • This diluted the independence of the Commission, making it subordinate to the broader human rights structure.
  • Creation of a Separate Educational Commission (2004): A specialized body for minority educational institutions was later created. 
    • Since education (Article 30) had been a major focus area, this transfer of responsibility left the NCM with little substantive work. 
    • It became a “lame commission” with limited relevance.
  • Lack of Autonomy: The NCM functions without real independence and remains administratively controlled, limiting its ability to act effectively.
  • Minimal Impact: In over four decades of existence, the Commission has not brought any substantive improvement in the lives or rights of minorities
    • Its work has been largely symbolic, failing to translate constitutional provisions into meaningful protections.
  • Redundant in Practice: With limited powers, overlapping institutions, and negligible outcomes, the NCM has become a bureaucratic formality rather than a functional guardian of minority rights.
    • It is viewed as a drain on public resources with minimal utility.
  • Systemic Neglect: Other minority-related reports and committees have also failed to produce significant policy action, reflecting a wider pattern of systemic neglect in advancing minority welfare and representation.

Ranganath Misra Committee Recommendations

  • Background: Established in October 2004 as a temporary Commission to examine socially and economically backward sections among religious and linguistic minorities.
    • Became functional in 2005 and submitted its report in May 2007.
  • Key Recommendations: 15% reservation in government jobs, special focus on muslim community.

Conclusion

The NCM’s trajectory highlights the gap between institutional existence and effective empowerment. 

  • Without enforceable powers, autonomy, and political will, such commissions remain toothless watchdogs. 
Mains Practice

Q. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is often described as a “toothless tiger,” merely a symbolic body rather than an effective guarantor of minority rights. In light of its statutory limitations and institutional history, critically analyze whether the NCM has substantially failed in its mandate.(15 Marks, 250 Words)

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.