NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

 NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

It took the Government almost 18 years to effectively establish the National Commission for Women. During this period, there were many discussions between the government and the women’s organisations where core disagreements, in relation to the provisions affecting the autonomy of the proposed body and its nature, role and functions, etc., emerged. While the government was not keen to excessively empower the proposed Commission, the women’s organization representatives felt that any compromise on the autonomy of the body would be detrimental and indeed counter-productive to the aims and purposes of such a proposed body. The Commission consists of a chairperson, five Members and a Member-Secretary, to be nominated by the Central Government. The Chairperson must be a person ‘committed to the cause of women’ whereas the Members must be ‘amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry or organization committed to increasing the employment potential of women, women’s voluntary organisations (including women activists), administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare’. The Member-Secretary is also nominated by the Central Government and shall either be an expert in the field of management, organizational structure or sociological movement, or an officer who is a member of a civil service of the Union or of an all-India service or holds a civil post under the Union with appropriate experience. As an autonomous body entrusted with advancing women’s rights and socio-economic development, the Commission is mandated to perform various functions under Section 10 (1) of the NCW Act which are briefly outlined below: Investigation and examination of issues in relation to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws and reporting to the Central Government on the working of such safeguards. Such reports to the Central Government may also include recommendations for the effective implementation of the safeguards for improving the conditions of women. Moreover, the Commission periodically reports to the Government on matters pertaining to women and in particular matters concerning difficulties affecting women. In addition, the Commission may review the existing provisions of the Constitution and other legislations affecting women and recommend amendments as remedial legislative measures in order to address any shortcomings, lacunae or inadequacies in such legislations. The Commission also takes up cases of violation of the provisions of the Constitution and of other laws relating to women with the appropriate authorities. Further, the Commission also acts on the basis of complaints or suo moto in relation to issues concerning deprivation of women; non implementation of laws enacted to provide protection to women and also to achieve the objective of equality and development. The Commission is also entrusted with inspecting custodial institutions such as jails, remand homes, women’s institutions, etc., where women are kept as prisoners or otherwise and if necessary, take up with the relevant authorities any remedial actions. In terms of conducting research, investigations and studies, the Commission may call for such special studies and investigations into specific problems or situations arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women and identify the constraints so as to recommend strategies for their removal. Additionally, the Commission may undertake