NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
WOMEN (NCW) - POLITY
News: NCW Chairperson visits Kalakshetra
What's
in the news?
●
Chairperson of the National Commission for
Women (NCW) Rekha Sharma visited the Kalakshetra Foundation following
complaints of sexual harassment in the institute.
National
Commission for Women:
●
The NCW is the statutory body generally concerned with advising the government on
all policy matters affecting women.
●
It was established on 31 January 1992
under the provisions of the Indian Constitution as defined in the 1990 National Commission for Women Act.
Constitutional
provision:
●
The Indian Constitution doesn’t contain
any provision specifically made to favor women intrinsically.
●
Article
15 (3), Article 14 and Article 21 protect and safeguard
women. They are more gender-neutral.
Objectives:
●
The objective of the NCW is to represent
the rights of women in India and to provide a voice for their issues and
concerns.
●
The subjects of their campaigns have
included dowry, politics, religion, equal representation for women in jobs, and
the exploitation of women for labor.
●
They have also discussed police abuses
against women.
Composition:
●
A Chairperson,
committed to the cause of women, to be nominated
by the Central Government.
●
Five
Members to be nominated by the Central Government
from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience
in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry potential of
women, women’s voluntary organizations (including women activist),
administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare.
(Provided that at least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging
to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively).
Powers
of NCW:
●
Provide consultation on all major policy
matters that affect women.
●
Issuing summons for the examination of
documents and the witnesses.
●
It has the power to make any public
record.
●
Receiving evidence on affidavits.
●
Discovery and production of documents.
●
Summoning
and enforcement.
Functions
of the NCW:
1.
Presentation of reports: Table reports should be submitted to the Central Government every
year. When the commission feels it’s appropriate. The reports upon the
functioning and working of the safeguards.
2.
Investigation and Examination: There should be proper
investigation and examination made under the Constitution and other laws. This
is related to the protection of the rights of women.
3.
Review of laws: Constantly all laws are reviewed and
scrutinized. And necessary amendments and alterations are made to meet the
needs of the current world.
4.
Cases of Violation: Ensure there is no violation against
women and taking due care of such cases.
5.
Suo Motu Notice: It takes care of complaints and also suo
motu matters about the deprivation of rights of women. Implementation of laws favouring
the welfare of women.
6.
Evaluation: Assessing the development and the
progress of the women community under the Center and State level.
7.
Special studies and investigation: To understand the
limitations in the system and curb it with strategic plans and mechanisms.
Powers
of the NCW:
1.
Not concrete powers: The NCW is only recommendatory and has no power to enforce its decisions.
Often it takes action only if the issues are brought to light.
2.
Legal powers: Commission lacks constitutional status, and thus has no legal powers to summon
police officers or witnesses.
3.
Less funding: NCW’s functions are dependent on the
grants offered by the central government. Financial assistance provided to the
Commission is very less to cater to its needs.
4.
Political interference: It does not have the power to choose its own members.