Author: Akshaya Mukul
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 22, 2012
URL: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-22/news/33321271_1_minority-status-ncmei-minority-tag

The grant of minority status to 71 educational institutions of Kerala by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) in a single sitting has raised hackles within the panel as well as the HRD ministry for doling out of minority certificates without due diligence.

 In January, when NCMEI granted minority status to 71 institutions, two of its members — Mohinder Singh and Cyriac Thomas — wrote to chairperson M S A Siddiqui pointing out that the files of many institutions were not in order. In fact, in few cases the vakalatnama by the advocate did not bear his signature. Even required affidavits were not in the files. The two members asked Siddqui as to how the secretary of NCMEI cleared 71 applications and told members that these cases were in order. The duo requested Siddiqui to review minority status to the 71 institutions by the full bench of the commission.

Siddiqui admitted two members of NCMEI had objected to the manner in which these institutions were given minority status. "We have reviewed their case and final order is pending," he said. He denied large scale granting of minority status to institutions. "All rules are being followed," he said, adding that till state government's minority department gives clearance, and NCMEI does not grant minority status. He cited the instance of an institute that had sought minority status on the ground that the promoter was a Sikh by birth, who had removed his hair and turban. When complaints and counter-complaints came about the institute, he said, all records were verified. "Even UP government's minority affairs department said promoters were minority," he said.