National Commission for Women:
#GS II #Statutory and Non-Statutory Bodies
Topic Statutory and Non-Statutory Bodies
What are the origins and goals of NCW?
Background:
- The Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) proposed establishing an NCW nearly 50 years ago to perform oversight responsibilities, facilitate the resolution of disputes, and speed the socioeconomic advancement of women.
- Numerous committees, commissions, and programmes, notably the National Perspective Plan for Women, have recommended the establishment of an apex body for women (1988-2000).
- In accordance with the National Commission for Women Act of 1990, the NCW became a statutory body in January 1992.
- The First Commission was created on January 31, 1992, with Mrs. Jayanti Patnaik acting as chair.
- The commission consists of a chairperson, a member secretary, and five other members. The NCW’s chairperson is chosen by the central government.
Mission and Objectives:
- By means of appropriate policy creation, legislative action, etc., it aims to protect women’s legal rights and entitlements, enabling them to achieve equality and equitable participation in all spheres of life.
- Its responsibilities include investigating the constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
- Recommend adopting corrective legislation.
- Aid in getting grievances resolved.
- Advice should be given to the government on all matters of policy that affect women.
- It has received several complaints, and in a number of situations, it has acted independently to bring about speedy justice.
Why is it important to enlarge the NCW’s remit?
- The relationship between women’s skills and the development of the country has been made clear by the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-sufficient India) campaign.
- Women make up over 70% of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana grantees, which makes this transition clear.
- The number of women’s self-help groups nationwide has risen during the last six to seven years.
- Similar to this, there is at least one woman director in 45% of the more than 60 000 new enterprises that have emerged since 2016.
- Old Social Thinking: The advancement of the textile and dairy sectors has been aided by the skills and influence of women.
- India must promote female entrepreneurs because the country’s economy is dependent on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
- However, traditionalists assume that women’s tasks are restricted to domestic duties.
- The NCW reports that there has been a 46% increase in complaints of crimes against women in the first eight months of 2021 compared to the same period the previous year.
- Among the crimes that harm women are domestic violence, dowry harassment, sexual harassment at work, attempted rape, and cybercrimes.
