Now Tom Vadakkan may head for NCM

Tom Vadakkan, an old hand in the Congress media cell, is likely to head for the National Commission for Minorities. The NCM, which is set for a major restructuring that would make it a constitutional body with statutory power, would have a new panel altogether.

Vadakkan, sources said, is slated to become one of the vice-chairpersons at the NCM. But it may not be a smooth transition of power. The amendment Bill for restructuring of the Commission is still pending before the Parliamentary Committee after it was introduced in the last session of Parliament and referred to the Standing Committee.

Admitting that Vadakkan is headed for the NCM, Girija Vyas, who headed the medial cell before being appointed National Commission for Women, said, ‘‘Some annoucement on this (Vadakkan’s new asignment) is likely to come by the end of this week’’.

Vadakan said, ‘‘I am ready to take up whatever repsonsibility the party gives me. I have no extra baggage to pack.’’ However, he insisted that he has not been ‘‘formally’’ approached.