Modi government picks a Sikh again to head minorities panel

Harjit Singh Grewal appointed as chairman of National Commission for Minorities (NCM), assuming charge after the post was vacant for 15 months.

Grewal is the second Sikh to head the NCM under the Modi government, following Iqbal Singh Lalpura.

The NCM had been largely headed by Muslim members since its inception in 1993, except for Tarlochan Singh (2003-2006).

Grewal's appointment is seen as significant ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly polls; he is a senior BJP functionary from Punjab.

S. Munawari Begum (Muslim representative) became vice-chairperson, and Glenn Souza Ticlo (Christian representative) joined the commission.