Statutory body constituted under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990
Came into existence in 1992
Functions —
Apex body for the women rights
A constant legal and constitutional review for betterment of women
As a consultative and advisory body for any work of government towards any women related matter
Make recommendation to the government rebadging women rights and a better environment for women to live
Take up extensive research work for women rights
Help the victim though legal intervention and taking up the case to the judiciary | helping them during the entire process
Funding the women rights organisations and women related bodies working for betterment of women
Assist in the investigation process in women related crime
Spread awareness about the women rights among common people
Formulate guidelines and recommendation to make a work place better for women
Drawbacks —
No actual legislative powers
It can only make non-obligatory recommendations, which the government can easily refuse to act upon
No enforcement mechanism — joins the rank of protesters and agitators demanding justice
Does only the mouth service — no real work with conclusive gains for women community — it is not because it doesn’t have the will, but it is not empowered enough to do so.
Funding depends upon the Central government — takes away the autonomy of the commission
Major appointments to key position is done by Central Government and thus is often politically influenced.
It is reduced to just a mere ‘toothless tigress’.
Way forward
Provide more autonomy — let it make its appointments by itself and without the intervention of Government
Provide more legislative powers
Provide some mechanism to ensure enforcement of its recommendations
Funding mechanism should become more institutionalised and transparent
If possible grant the Constitutional Status to the Commission (like that of NCSC, NCBC) — at least start a discussion in this regard
