National Commission or Women (NCW), Objectives and Functions

Context: The National Commission for Women has constituted a two-member fact-finding committee to investigate the sexual assault of an engineering student in the Anna University campus (Chennai).

About National Commission or Women (NCW)

• NCW is an autonomous and statutory body established in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, to protect and promote women’s rights in India.
  • It is responsible for reviewing and addressing issues related to the rights of women and for making recommendations for the protection and promotion of these rights.
• Composition;
  • Chairperson
  • 5 Members (At Least 1 member from SC/ST)
  • Member Secretary
• Appointment and Removal both by the Central Government.
• The Chairperson and every Member shall hold office for a period of 3 years.
• NCW under Section 10(1) (f) of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 takes suo motu cognizance of matters where there is:
  • Violation /deprivation of the rights of women.
  • Non-implementation of laws enacted to protect women and also to achieve the objective of equality.
  • Non-compliance with policy decisions, guidelines or instructions aimed at mitigating hardships and ensuring welfare and empowerment of women.
  • Suo Motu cognizance may be taken on the basis of print, electronic and social media or any other information received by the Commission.

Objectives of NCW

• Safeguard Women’s Rights: Protect and promote the constitutional and legal rights of women in India.
• Address Grievances: Investigate and resolve complaints related to violations of women’s rights.
• Policy and Legislation: Review laws and policies affecting women and suggest amendments or new legislation for better implementation.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Create awareness about women’s rights and gender equality through campaigns, seminars, and public discourse.

Functions of NCW

• Legislative Reviews: Analyze existing laws and recommend measures to address gender biases and implementation gaps.
• Investigation and Inquiry: Take suo motu cognizance of issues affecting women and conduct inquiries into specific complaints.
• Advisory Role: Advise the government on policy formulation and implementation for women’s welfare.
• Research and Documentation: Undertake research, compile data, and prepare reports on women’s issues to support evidence-based policy-making.
• Monitoring Mechanisms: Monitor programs and schemes for women’s development and ensure their proper implementation.
• Awareness Campaigns: Promote awareness about rights, laws, and the importance of gender equality.

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