National Commission for Minorities

The Minorities Commission was formed in January 1978. It was given statutory status under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. It was renamed as the National Commission for Minorities. The first Commission under this Act began functioning on 17 May 1993. The following religious groups are recognized as minorities: Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Zoroastrian (Parsi). The Act was amended in 1995. The Commission consists of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and five members. Its headquarters is at Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi.

UPSC/PSC Questions

1. The first Minority Commission came into existence in India - 1978

2. The National Commission for Minorities Act came into existence - 1992

3. The first Commission under the National Commission for Minorities Act began functioning - 17 May 1993

4. Religions notified as minorities in India - Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrian (Parsi)

5. Number of members of the National Minorities Commission - Seven members including the Chairperson

6. Term of office of the members of the National Minorities Commission - Three years

7. The first Chairperson of the National Minorities Commission - Justice Muhammad Sadir Ali (1993)

8. National Minorities Rights Day - December 18

9. Headquarters of the National Minorities Commission - Loknayak Bhavan (New Delhi)

10. Kerala State Minority Commission came into existence - June 2013

11. Headquarters of Kerala State Minority Commission - Thiruvananthapuram