Church flags absence of Christian representation in National Commission for Minorities

The Catholic Church has expressed strong displeasure over the absence of Christian representation in the National Commission for Minorities.

In an editorial published in Deepika, its official mouthpiece, on Monday, the Church described the lack of representation as regrettable and accused the BJP government of failing to ensure adequate inclusion. The editorial further alleged that, without judicial intervention, minorities are often left without access to justice and said the development reflects a lack of regard for the Christian community.

“On the one hand, there are attacks by Sangh Parivar groups, and on the other, laws and amendments such as anti conversion legislation and the FCRA that target minorities, including Christians. In such a context, the Minority Commission itself has been reduced to a mere formality.

Even so, one cannot ignore the gaps that are left unaddressed in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ narratives for those who continue to be marginalised under BJP rule. Although two members from the Muslim and Parsi communities were recently appointed to the Commission, there is still no Christian representative,” the editorial pointed out.

It also noted that no replacement has been appointed since George Kurian stepped down from the post in 2020.