The West Bengal Minorities’ Commission (W.B.M.C.) is a statutory body under Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, Government of West Bengal.

The Commission was constituted through enactment of the West Bengal Minorities’ Commission Act 1996.

This body discharges functions as per Rule u/s 4 of West Bengal Minorities’ Commission Act 1996. It functions as apex body in the State of West Bengal for the redressal of grievances of Minorities.

Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Parsee, Sikh and Jain are the six religious groups who enjoy the status of Religious Minority in this state.

Apart from that, people six linguistic groups namely, Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, Odia, Gurumukhi and Santhali are recognized as Linguistic Minorities under West Bengal Minorities’ Commission Act 1996.

The Commission is constituted with one Chairperson, one Vice-Chairman and 9 other members from various Minority Communities. Out of 9 members, 6 members are from each religious community; there is one woman member and two open seats. Another 3 are ex-officio members:

• Member Secretary, West Bengal Minorities’ Commission
• Secretary, Minority Affairs & Madrasah Education Department
• One nominated Representative from West Bengal Minority Development & Finance Corporation

The tenure of each member is 3 years.

Functions

• Evaluate the progress of the development of the Minorities of West Bengal and review implementation of the State Government.
• Monitor the working of the safeguards provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by parliament or the State Legislature.
• Make recommendations for the effective enforcement and implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of the Minorities provided by the Central Government or the State Government.
• Look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of social, economic, educational, cultural, and linguistic rights and safeguards of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
• Cause studies to be undertaken into problems arising out of any discrimination against Minorities and recommended measures for their removal.
• Conduct studies, research, and analysis on the issues relating to socio-economic and educational development of the Minorities.
• Make an annual report and send it to the State Government on any matter pertaining to any of the functions of the commission.

Powers

The Commission shall have the power of a Civil Court trying a suit while performing its functions. The Commission shall, while investigating or enquiring into any complaint regarding violation or infringement of any rights of the Minorities as guaranteed by the Constitution or as conferred under any Central Act or State Act, have all the powers of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, and in particular, in respect of the following matters:

• Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India, and examining him on oath.
• Requiring the discovery and production of any document.
• Receiving evidence on affidavits.
• Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office.
• Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents.