– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Minority Commission has effectively ceased to exist, as the state government has shown no interest in its reconstitution. Despite the commission’s crucial role in safeguarding the rights of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis, the BJP-led UP government has remained silent on its revival.
Established to address grievances and complaints from minority communities, the commission had the authority to summon officials, ensure complaint resolutions, and impose penalties for non-compliance. It could also recommend departmental action against negligent officials. However, its tenure ended on June 27, 2024, under the chairmanship of Ashfaq Saifi, and no steps have been taken to reconstitute it since. No new chairman or members have been appointed, effectively rendering the commission defunct.
While the BJP publicly claims to protect minority rights, its failure to revive the commission contradicts its stance. The party has advocated for citizenship for Jain refugees from Afghanistan, yet it has taken no action to support existing minority communities in UP. This inaction raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to minority welfare.
Adding to the uncertainty, the commission currently lacks a full-time secretary. Anil Kumar Yadav, who holds only an additional charge as secretary, admitted, “Only the commission has the authority to hear complaints. I recently assumed this additional responsibility, so I am unaware of the details of pending complaints. Since this is not my primary role, I cannot visit frequently. As for the commission’s reconstitution, I have no information.”
At present, 470 complaints remain unresolved. Complainants continue visiting the commission’s office, only to find no response. Many feel abandoned and are struggling to seek justice.
Former commission secretary Alameen Ali emphasised the impact of the commission’s absence: “The secretary can only request reports on complaints; beyond that, he has no authority to act. There is no doubt that the lack of a functioning commission is harming the interests of minority communities.”
