The Hindu : National : More powers for NCM favoured

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Wednesday, Feb 22, 2006

National

National

More powers for NCM favoured

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment is in favour of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) being given "inquiring and investigation" powers. Otherwise, according to the committee, the NCM would remain a "toothless tiger" even if it were given Constitutional status.

In its report on The Constitution 103rd (Amendment) Bill, 2004, granting NCM constitutional status and The NCM (Repeal) Bill, 2004 tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, it noted: "In the absence of vital powers of inquiring and investigation, the NCM — even with a Constitutional status — would be a toothless tiger and be hampered a great deal in carrying out its mandate."

Referring to the Ministry's contention that the NCM Act of 1992 was being amended to instil greater confidence among minorities, it suggested that a clause be introduced in the Bill that will allow the NCM "to inquire into specific complaints with respect to deprivation of rights and safeguards of minorities, and to investigate and monitor all matters regarding safeguards provided for minorities under the Constitution or under any law."

Also, according to the committee, the post of both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Commission should be rotated amongst members of the five notified minority communities.

This recommendation has been made in view of the fact that in the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson discharges his/her duties. Such a move would, in the view of the Committee, go a long way in inspiring greater confidence among the minorities.

The NCM was set up in 1992 as a statutory body. However, in view of persistent demands for giving it constitutional status, the Union Cabinet in 2004 decided to introduce a Bill in Parliament to make the NCM a constitutional body.

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