National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions

News: The Union Minister of Education addressed the 20th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). He emphasized the rights of minorities under the Constitution.

About National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions

• It was established by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act (NCMEI Act), 2004.
• Mandate– To safeguard and promote educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities as per Article 30(1) of the Constitution.
• Nodal Ministry– Ministry of Education
• Powers and Functions:
  • It is a quasi-judicial body endowed with the powers of a Civil Court.
  • It decides on questions regarding the status of an institution as a Minority Educational Institution (MEI).
  • It acts as an appellate authority for disputes related to Minority Status or No Objection Certificate (NOC).
  • The Commission can cancel the minority status of an institution granted by an authority or commission based on the Act’s provisions.
  • It has powers to call for information while enquiring into the complaints of violation or deprivation of the educational rights of the minorities.
  • As per Supreme court ruling the Commission has both original as well as appellate jurisdiction.
  • No court (except the Supreme Court and a High Court exercising jurisdiction under articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution) shall entertain any suit, application or other proceedings in respect of any order made by the Commission.