New Delhi: The Union Government has appointed a new Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Member to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), reconstituting the statutory body responsible for safeguarding the rights and interests of notified minority communities in the country.
The appointments were notified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs on July 16 under Sections 3 and 4 of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
New appointments
According to the official notification:
- Harjit Singh Grewal has been appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities.
- S. Munawari Begum has been appointed Vice-Chairperson.
- Glenn E. Souza Ticlo has been appointed as a Member of the Commission.
The appointments will take effect from the date the appointees assume office, and each will hold office for a three-year term in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Role of the National Commission for Minorities
The National Commission for Minorities is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Its primary mandate is to safeguard the rights and interests of India’s notified minority communities.
The Commission monitors the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for minorities, examines complaints regarding the deprivation of minority rights, reviews welfare measures, and advises the Central Government on policies affecting minority communities.
Christian representation restored
With the appointment of Glenn E. Souza Ticlo, the Commission now includes representation from the Christian community. The latest appointments are expected to strengthen the functioning of the NCM, which had vacancies in key leadership positions for an extended period.
The reconstituted Commission will continue its role in promoting the welfare, protection, and development of minority communities across the country through its advisory and oversight functions.