National Commission for Women (NCW)

Why in the news ?

In 2025, the National Commission for Women (NCW) received a total of 7,698 complaints. The most common complaints were:

• Domestic violence: Physical and mental abuse by husbands or family members.
• Harassment and threats: At the workplace or social level.
• Criminal threats and sexual violence cases.

This highlights that incidents of violence and discrimination against women continue to persist, and the Commission plays a critical role in addressing these issues.

Introduction to NCW

• Established: 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
• Type: Constitutional body.
• Purpose: To review constitutional and legal safeguards for women, recommend legislative reforms, resolve complaints, provide legal assistance, and conduct inquiries.
• Reporting: The Commission submits annual and special reports to the Central Government, which are forwarded to relevant State Governments for action.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

1. Review of laws and policies
   • Reviews major laws concerning women and recommends amendments, e.g.:
   • Domestic Violence Act, 2005
   • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
   • Sends recommendations to the government and judiciary for improvements.
2. Complaint redressal and support
   • One-Stop Centres: Under the Nirbhaya Fund, provide legal, medical, and psychological support to women.
   • Suo motu action: Takes immediate action in sensitive cases, e.g., the Barmer suicide case (June 2025).
   • NRI Cell: Addresses complaints of Indian women abandoned by NRI or expatriate husbands.
3. Education and awareness
   • Digital literacy campaign: “Yashoda AI Initiative” — promotes AI and digital literacy among women.
   • Pre-marital counselling: “Tere Mere Sapne” program offers guidance on marital life issues.
4. Swift dispute resolution
   • Family Women Lok Adalats: Quick resolution of marital and family disputes.
   • Coordinates with State Governments and NGOs to assist in mediation.

Achievements and Major Initiatives

1. Strengthening constitutional and legal protection for women.
2. Establishing one-stop centers and support facilities.
3. Suo motu action and investigation in sensitive cases.
4. Empowering women through digital literacy and AI awareness programs.
5. Quick resolution of family and marital disputes.
6. Protection of Indian women internationally through the NRI Cell.

Criticisms of NCW

1. Lack of adequate powers
   • The Commission has quasi-judicial powers, not full judicial authority.
   • Can only make recommendations; cannot enforce laws.
   • Often referred to as a “toothless tiger.”
2. Limited resources and reach
   • Insufficient budget and staff.
   • Limited presence in rural and remote areas.
   • Low public awareness about its role.
3. Coordination and effectiveness
   • Lack of coordination with State Women Commissions.
   • Conflicts over jurisdiction and responsibilities.
   • Recommendations are often not acted upon.
4. Political interference
   • Chairperson appointments are sometimes influenced by politics.
   • Frequent changes in leadership affect independence.
   • Delay in action on sensitive cases (e.g., Hathras, Manipur).
5. Way Forward: Recommendations by Parliamentary Committees
6. More independent and effective Commission
   • Review NCW Act.
   • Grant genuine quasi-judicial powers.
7. Ensure accountability
   • Make it mandatory for police and agencies to follow NCW directives.
   • Introduce penalties for non-compliance.
8. Coordination with State Commissions
   • Legally define coordination mechanisms and jurisdiction.
9. Independent appointments
   • Merit-based selection involving civil society and judiciary.
10. Increase resources and outreach
    • Raise funding, establish regional offices.
    • Partner with NGOs and implement digital grievance redressal.
11. Focus on marginalized groups
    • Special attention to women from Scheduled Castes/Tribes, minorities, and differently-abled groups.
12. Data collection and research
    • Collect data on women’s development indicators.
    • Promote local research and awareness programs.

Conclusion

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a vital institution for safeguarding women’s rights in India.
• To be truly effective, it requires:
  • Greater legal powers
  • Independence
  • Strong grassroots presence
• An empowered NCW is key to ensuring justice for women and achieving gender equality in India.