Minority Rights Day
Miscellaneous
Why in News?
The National Commission for Minorities celebrated World Minorities Rights Day on December 18, marking the adoption of the UN Statement on the rights of individuals belonging to religious, linguistic, national, or ethnic minorities in 1992.
Key Points
- Minority Definition: The National Commission for Minorities Act (1992) defines a minority as a community notified by the Central government. In India, minorities include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains.
- TMA Pai Case (2002): The Supreme Court ruled that a minority is determined by the demography of a state, not the entire country's population.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 29: Grants citizens the right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture, extending to both minorities and majorities.
- Article 30: Ensures minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
- Article 350-B: Provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities, appointed by the President, through the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956.
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National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Genesis The NCM was established in 1992 through the NCM Act. The first Statutory National Commission was set up in 1993, initially recognizing Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) as minority communities. Jains were added in 2014. Composition The NCM consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and five members, all from minority communities. A total of 7 persons, nominated by the Central Government, should be of eminence, ability, and integrity. Tenure Each member serves for three years from the date of office assumption. Functions
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