Harjit Singh Grewal Appointed Chairperson of National Commission for Minorities

Harjit Singh Grewal was appointed the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on 16 July 2026. The Ministry of Minority Affairs issued the official notification for his appointment.

The position had remained vacant since April 2025, following the completion of Iqbal Singh Lalpura’s tenure. Harjit Singh Grewal will serve for three years from the date he assumes office, or until further orders.

Along with him, Munawari Begum was appointed Vice-Chairperson, while Glenn E. Souza Ticlo was appointed as a member of the Commission.

What is the National Commission for Minorities?

The National Commission for Minorities is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. It functions under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.

The Commission works to protect the rights and interests of India’s notified minority communities.

Composition of NCM

The Commission has a sanctioned strength of seven members, comprising:

• One Chairperson
• One Vice-Chairperson
• Five Members

Members are nominated by the Central Government from among persons of eminence, ability and integrity. The law also provides for representation of minority communities in its composition.

Major Functions of NCM

The National Commission for Minorities performs several important functions:

• Evaluates the progress of development of minorities.
• Monitors constitutional and legal safeguards for minorities.
• Examines complaints regarding deprivation of minority rights.
• Conducts studies and research on issues affecting minority communities.
• Recommends measures for effective implementation of safeguards.
• Advises the Central Government on minority-related matters.

However, the NCM is not a constitutional body. Its powers and functions originate from an Act of Parliament.

Minority Communities Notified in India

The Central Government has notified six religious communities as minorities at the national level:

• Muslims
• Christians
• Sikhs
• Buddhists
• Parsis (Zoroastrians)
• Jains

Of these, Jains were notified as a minority community in 2014.

Important Facts for Exams

• Harjit Singh Grewal: Appointed NCM Chairperson in July 2026.
• NCM Act: National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
• NCM is a statutory body, not a constitutional body.
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Sanctioned composition: 7 members, including Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
• Tenure under the NCM Act: 3 years.
• India has six nationally notified religious minority communities.
• Jains became the sixth nationally notified minority community in 2014.
• Under Article 29, citizens have rights related to conservation of distinct language, script or culture.
• Article 30 provides minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions.