National Commission for Women

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body set up by the Government of India in 1992 to safeguard the rights of women. It is an autonomous body, headed by a Chairperson, who is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The NCW has a mandate to promote the welfare of women, to investigate complaints of discrimination against women, and to take up issues related to women’s rights.

The NCW has been instrumental in bringing about a number of positive changes for women in India. It has played a key role in the passage of a number of laws, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The NCW has also been involved in a number of awareness-raising campaigns, and has provided support to women who have been victims of violence.

The NCW has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness. Some critics have argued that the NCW is too bureaucratic and slow to act. Others have argued that the NCW is not independent enough, and that it is too closely aligned with the government. Despite these criticisms, the NCW remains an important institution for the promotion of women’s rights in India.

The NCW has a number of functions, including:

  • To investigate complaints of discrimination against women;
  • To take up issues related to women’s rights;
  • To promote the welfare of women;
  • To make recommendations to the government on matters relating to women;
  • To undertake research on issues relating to women;
  • To provide training and education on issues relating to women;
  • To collaborate with other organizations working for the welfare of women;
  • To raise awareness about women’s rights;
  • To provide support to women who have been victims of violence.

The NCW has a number of powers, including the power to:

  • Summon witnesses;
  • Take evidence on oath;
  • Require the production of documents;
  • Inspect any place or establishment;
  • Make inquiries;
  • Conduct investigations;
  • Make recommendations to the government;
  • Take up issues related to women’s rights;
  • Promote the welfare of women;
  • Provide training and education on issues relating to women;
  • Collaborate with other organizations working for the welfare of women;
  • Raise awareness about women’s rights;
  • Provide support to women who have been victims of violence.

The NCW is funded by the government of India. The NCW’s budget for the financial year 2020-21 was Rs. 100 crore.

The NCW is headed by a Chairperson, who is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Chairperson is assisted by a Vice-Chairperson and a number of Members. The NCW also has a number of officers and staff.

The NCW has its headquarters in New Delhi. The NCW also has regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

The NCW has a number of achievements to its credit. Some of the NCW’s key achievements include:

  • The passage of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005;
  • The passage of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013;
  • The launch of a number of awareness-raising campaigns;
  • The provision of support to women who have been victims of violence.

The NCW has also been involved in a number of controversies. Some of the NCW’s most controversial decisions include:

  • The decision to withdraw the case against former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor in the Sunanda Pushkar death case;
  • The decision to recommend the removal of the Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi;
  • The decision to recommend the removal of the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Indira Banerjee.

Despite its controversies, the NCW remains an important institution for the promotion of women’s rights in India. The NCW has made a number of positive contributions to the lives of women in India, and it continues to play a vital role in the fight for gender equality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What is the National Commission for Women?
    The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body set up by the Government of India in 1992 to safeguard the rights of women. It is an autonomous body, headed by a Chairperson, who is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The NCW has a mandate to promote the welfare of women, to investigate complaints of discrimination against women, and to take up issues related to women