Union Government Appoints New Members to National Commission for Minorities

New Delhi, July 20, 2026: The Government of India has appointed Mr. Glenn John Vijay Ambrose E ‘Souza Ticlo, a two-time BJP MLA from Goa, as the Christian Member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). The appointments were made on July 16, 2026, with Sardar Harjit Singh Grewal named Chairperson of the Commission.

Mr. Glenn E ‘Souza currently serves as the BJP Goa State Vice President and Spokesperson. Sardar Harjit Singh Grewal is among the BJP's longest-serving Sikh leaders in Punjab and has been associated with the party for decades.

S. Munawari Begum, who was appointed as a Member of the Commission in March 2026, has now been elevated to the position of Vice-Chairperson in July 2026 to represent the Muslim community.

The fourth appointed member is Mr. Berjis Desai, a Parsi, lawyer, writer, and former journalist with a leading Gujarati daily.

The National Commission for Minorities is a seven-member body, with three positions yet to be filled.

Constituted under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the Commission is mandated to safeguard the rights of notified minority communities, monitor constitutional protections, investigate complaints of discrimination, and advise the Central Government on matters relating to minority welfare and policy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter