In a sudden and unexplained reversal, the National Commission for Minorities’ (NCM) pool of community representatives and national advisor to the Commission has been "withdrawn/discontinued in light of the prevailing situation with immediate effect,” vice chairman Kersi Deboo informed Parsiana on July 28, 2023. The situation being referred to was not elaborated on, though a reference to the upheavals and turmoil in Manipur was stated not to be the reason. "NCM shall not be responsible for any action undertaken by any panel member,” stated the Commission’s communication of that date.
The pool of community representatives at NCM had been increased in early July. Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic chain of hospitals in Poona Dr Purvez Grant was appointed advisor at the national level. The panel of community members added were: businessman Tehmton Anklesaria (Ratlam), retired senior corporate executive Shereyar Vakil (Bangalore), lawyer Jamshed Mistry (Bombay), businessman Cyrus Madan (Calcutta), Parzor director Dr Shernaz Cama, Delhi Parsi Anjuman trustees Dr Niloufer Shroff and Marazban Zaiwalla (all from Delhi). Deboo had informed Parsiana on July 18 that Madan will continue with his role on the West Bengal State Minorities Commission.
Previous appointees to the panel were chartered accountant Jehangir Bisney, lawyer Neville Deboo and businessmen Porus Debara and Aspi Damania (see "Assisting the Commission,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, February 21-March 6, 2023). The panel members were to "forward problems if any, to NCM… assist the visiting members in their state… arrange meetings, etc… This is completely honorary work and nothing to do with the state minorities commissions,” the vice chairman had explained. They were also to "take up all matters with respect to their communities for promoting welfare schemes” in the states they are nominated from. The community leaders were to "aid, advise and guide the Commission for achievement of its mandate,” stated the terms and conditions of their appointment.
Reportedly, there were 148 nominees belonging to different communities, including 13 at the national level.