The Ministry of Minority Affairs is contemplating to raise the pitch of demand for constitutional status for National Commission for Minorities in order to let it function in an effective and meaningful manner on the lines of National Human Rights Commission, and National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Over the years, it is believed that the minority commission has functioned like a toothless body and most of minority ministers failed to address the real issues of the community. The ministry so far is believed to have worked primarily on the desired lines of the government. It has been used as a platform only to raise voice against any apathy towards the minority community or it generally visits places where atrocities committed against any minority community. It has lacked the power to enthuse the concerned authority to act against the wrongdoers or any act of police brutality against the minority community. If constitutional status is granted to the minority panel, the commission will be empowered to investigate all matters related to safeguard of the community. Under the present circumstances the commission is only entitled to look into complaints made by the member of the minority communities.
K Rahman Khan, Minister of Minority Affairs, in his recent meet with the officials of the ministry and chairman of the Commission, expressed his willingness to raise the issue of constitutional status of the panel with the prime minister. The ministry is of the opinion that if there is green signal from the Prime Minister then the ministry can think of introducing an amendment bill in the budget session of the Parliament.
There is an impression in the minority community that the new minority minister, unlike others, enjoys good rapport with Muslim organisations and will take them along in deciding and formulating policies pertaining to the minority community. It is expected of him to become a spokesperson of the minority community rather than that of the government alone. It is yet to be seen that whether it turns out to be a political gimmick in order to lure the minority community or preparing the grounds for the minority community keeping an eye on the 2014 general elections.
Dr Tasleem Rahmani of Muslim Political Forum, sharing his thoughts with Radiance, said that constitutional status for minority commission has been on demand since the inception and nothing concrete has been done so far in that direction. If minority ministry has made any attempt in this direction it should be welcomed. However, such attempts can also be viewed from the prism of 2014 elections as 4.5 per cent reservation was promised by the government before assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, he added.
On many occasions the granting of constitutional status has been evaded for one reason or the other in the past. Dr S Q R Ilyas, General Secretary Welfare Party of India, while talking to Radiance, said the minority commission is only a cosmetic body but favoured any attempt in this direction. He further said it would strengthen the commission because presently neither the district magistrate nor any concerned authorities take any serious note of any complaints made by the commission.