Question

National commission for Minorities (NCM) was set up on
1. 17^th May, 1993
2. 17^th May, 1998
3. 17^th January, 1950
4. None of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 17^th May, 1993

The National Commission for Minorities is a statutory body that was originally titled Minorities Commission. With the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act 1992, the Minorities Commission (a non-statutory body) was renamed as National Commission for Minorities. The first National Commission for Minorities was set up on 17th May 1993.

Functions of NCM: 

• It evaluates the progress of the development of minorities under both central and state governments.
• It monitors the working of the constitutional laws enacted for the welfare of minorities, both by central and state governments.
• It makes recommendations for the implementation of protective safeguards for minorities.
• It is the authorized body to look into complaints regarding deprivation of the rights and safeguards of the minority communities.
• It initiatives studies concerning minorities’ issues arising from discrimination.
• It conducts studies, research, and analysis concerning issues related to the socio-economic and educational development of minorities.
• It presents periodic or special reports concerning minorities and their issues to the central government.
• It governs matters which the central government refers to.

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• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Resolution 1978 envisaged the idea of setting up a National Commission for Minorities.
• Until 1992, the Minorities Commission was a non-statutory body.
• In 1984, the Minorities Commission was separated from MHA and was brought under the Ministry of Welfare.
• Currently, the commission works under the Ministry of Minorities.
• Linguistic Minorities do not come under the National Commission for Minorities’ Jurisdiction since the Ministry of Welfare Resolution 1988 was passed.
• The first National Commission for Minorities was set up on 17th May 1993.

Hence, the correct answer is 17th May 1993.