_V._Mohini_Giri_(Social_Activist),_at_an_Investiture_Ceremony_at_Rashtrapati_Bhavan_in_New_Delhi_on_March_23,_2007.jpg)
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{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} | {{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox government agency | {{Infobox government agency | ||
| agency_name = National Commission | | agency_name = National Women Commission of India | ||
| nativename = राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग | | nativename = राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग | ||
| nativename_r = | | nativename_r = | ||
| type = Commission | | type = Statutory Body/Commission | ||
| logo = | | logo = Logo for the National Commission for Women.svg | ||
| logo_width = | | logo_width = 179 | ||
| logo_caption = | | logo_caption = | ||
| seal = | | seal = | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
| image_size = | | image_size = | ||
| image_caption = | | image_caption = | ||
| formed = 1992 | | formed = {{start date and years ago|1992|01|31|df=y|p=y}} | ||
| preceding1 = | | preceding1 = | ||
| preceding2 = | | preceding2 = | ||
| dissolved = | | dissolved = | ||
| superseding = | | superseding = | ||
| jurisdiction = | | jurisdiction = India | ||
| headquarters = New Delhi | | headquarters = [[New Delhi]], India | ||
| employees = | | employees = | ||
| budget = | | budget = | ||
| minister1_name = | | minister1_name = [[Annpurna Devi]] | ||
| minister1_pfo = | | minister1_pfo = [[Ministry of Women and Child Development]] | ||
| deputyminister1_name = | | deputyminister1_name = | ||
| deputyminister1_pfo = | | deputyminister1_pfo = | ||
| deputyminister2_name = | | deputyminister2_name = | ||
| deputyminister2_pfo = | | deputyminister2_pfo = | ||
| chief1_name = [[ | | chief1_name = [[Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar]] | ||
| chief1_position = Chairperson | | chief1_position = Chairperson | ||
| chief2_name = | | chief2_name = | ||
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
| chief6_position = | | chief6_position = | ||
| parent_agency = | | parent_agency = | ||
| website = {{URL|http://www.ncw.nic.in}} | | website = {{URL|http://www.ncw.nic.in}} | ||
| footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
| Line 55: | Line 53: | ||
| chief9_name = | | chief9_name = | ||
| chief9_position = | | chief9_position = | ||
| parent_department = | | parent_department = [[Government of India]] | ||
| native_name_a = | | native_name_a = | ||
| region_code = | | region_code = | ||
| Line 63: | Line 61: | ||
| keydocument3 = | | keydocument3 = | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''National Commission for Women''' ('''NCW''') is | The '''National Commission for Women''' ('''NCW''') is a statutory body of the [[Government of India]], generally concerned with advising the government on all policy matters affecting women. It was established on 31 January 1992 under the provisions of National Commission for Women Act, 1990.<ref name="NCW About">{{cite web |title=NCW :: About NCW |url=http://ncw.nic.in/frmAboutUS.aspx |website=ncw.nic.in |publisher=National Commission for Women |access-date=28 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016194845/http://ncw.nic.in/frmAboutUS.aspx |archive-date=16 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Act No. 20 of 1990 of Govt. of India</ref> The first head of the commission was [[Jayanti Patnaik]]. {{as of|2024|10|19|post=,}} [[Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar]] is the chairperson. | ||
is the chairperson. | |||
==Activities== | ==Activities== | ||
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 | 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 the commission's campaigns have included [[dowry]], politics, religion, equal representation for women in jobs, and the exploitation of women for labour. The NCW has also discussed police abuses against women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiatogether.org/2006/may/wom-ncw.htm|title = India Together: A gallery of failures – 19 May 2006|date = 19 May 2006}}</ref> | ||
The commission | The commission publishes a monthly newsletter, ''Rashtra Mahila'' ("Nation's Women"), in both Hindi and English.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ncw.nic.in/publications.htm |title=National Commission for Women :: Publications |access-date=5 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118155748/http://ncw.nic.in/publications.htm |archive-date=18 January 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
| Line 77: | Line 73: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
But the grounds on which Ms. Vyas resists the logic of making this a criminal offence — particularly for women, as often recommended — are not as encouraging. She is averse to holding the adulterous woman equally culpable as the adulterous man because women, she believes, are never offenders. They are always the victims.<ref name="oneworld">{{Cite web |url=http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/144502/1/5339 |title=One World.net |access-date=7 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011455/http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/144502/1/5339 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | But the grounds on which [then NCW chairperson] Ms. Vyas resists the logic of making this a criminal offence — particularly for women, as often recommended — are not as encouraging. She is averse to holding the adulterous woman equally culpable as the adulterous man because women, she believes, are never offenders. They are always the victims.<ref name="oneworld">{{Cite web |url=http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/144502/1/5339 |title=One World.net |access-date=7 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011455/http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/144502/1/5339 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
The NCW has demanded that women should not be punished for adultery, as a woman is "the victim and not an offender" in such cases. They have also advocated the amendment of Section 198 of the [[CrPC]] to allow women to file complaints against unfaithful husbands and prosecute them for their promiscuous behaviour. This was in response to "loopholes" in the Indian Penal Code that allowed men to file adultery charges against other men who have engaged in illicit relations but did not allow women to file charges against their husbands.<ref>Prakash, Satya | The NCW has demanded that women should not be punished for adultery, as a woman is "the victim and not an offender" in such cases. They have also advocated the amendment of Section 198 of the [[CrPC]] to allow women to file complaints against unfaithful husbands and prosecute them for their promiscuous behaviour. This was in response to "loopholes" in the Indian Penal Code that allowed men to file adultery charges against other men who have engaged in illicit relations but did not allow women to file charges against their husbands.<ref>Prakash, Satya. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930044555/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1880193,0008.htm "What constitutes adultery?]" (archived). ''Hindustan Times''. 25 December 2006.</ref> | ||
The Commission has also worked to guarantee women security in unconventional relationships.<ref name="oneworld"/> | The Commission has also worked to guarantee women security in unconventional relationships.<ref name="oneworld"/> | ||
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The NCW came under sharp criticism for their response to the attack by forty male members of the Hindu right-wing [[Sri Ram Sena]] on eight women in a bar in [[Mangalore]] in late January 2009. Video from the attack shows the women were punched, pulled by their hair, and thrown out of the pub.<ref name="mangalorean">{{cite news|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=110268|title=Mangalore: Attack on Pub now a National Concern!|access-date=6 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130065059/http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=110268|archive-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> | The NCW came under sharp criticism for their response to the attack by forty male members of the Hindu right-wing [[Sri Ram Sena]] on eight women in a bar in [[Mangalore]] in late January 2009. Video from the attack shows the women were punched, pulled by their hair, and thrown out of the pub.<ref name="mangalorean">{{cite news|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=110268|title=Mangalore: Attack on Pub now a National Concern!|access-date=6 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130065059/http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=110268|archive-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> | ||
NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh was sent to assess the situation, and said in an interview that the pub did not have adequate security and that the women should have protected themselves. Venkatesh said, "If the girls feel they were not doing anything wrong why are they afraid to come forward and give a statement?"<ref name="rocheinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=1023|title=Mangalore Pub Attack | NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh was sent to assess the situation, and said in an interview that the pub did not have adequate security and that the women should have protected themselves. Venkatesh said, "If the girls feel they were not doing anything wrong why are they afraid to come forward and give a statement?"<ref name="rocheinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=1023|title=Mangalore Pub Attack – National Commission for Women Recommends Punishment Under Article 307|last=Roche|first=Florine|date=2009-01-30|access-date=2009-02-06}}</ref> On 6 February, the NCW said they decided not to accept Venkatesh's report but would not be sending a new team to Mangalore. On 27 February, the Prime Minister's Office approved the removal of Nirmala Venkatesh on disciplinary grounds.<ref name="msnreject">{{cite news|url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1815488 |title=NCW rejects report, blames security lapse for pub attacks |date=2009-02-06 |access-date=2009-02-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207080031/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1815488 |archive-date=7 February 2009 }}</ref> | ||
===Guwahati molestation controversy=== | ===Guwahati molestation controversy=== | ||
{{Main|2012 Guwahati molestation case}} | {{Main|2012 Guwahati molestation case}} | ||
The NCW came under fire again after the molestation of a 17-year-old girl by a gang of men outside a pub in [[Guwahati]] on 9 July 2012. NCW member [[Alka Lamba]] was accused of leaking the name of the minor victim to the media, and was subsequently removed from the fact-finding committee, though she remains a member of the commission.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |title=Guwahati molestation case: Chief Minister's office accidentally names victim, then retracts |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/guwahati-molestation-case-alka-lamba-national-commission-for-women-member-who-named-victim-is-sacked-244007 |website= | The NCW came under fire again after the molestation of a 17-year-old girl by a gang of men outside a pub in [[Guwahati]] on 9 July 2012. NCW member [[Alka Lamba]] was accused of leaking the name of the minor victim to the media, and was subsequently removed from the fact-finding committee, though she remains a member of the commission.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |title=Guwahati molestation case: Chief Minister's office accidentally names victim, then retracts |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/guwahati-molestation-case-alka-lamba-national-commission-for-women-member-who-named-victim-is-sacked-244007 |website=ndtv.com |access-date=28 September 2014}}</ref> The following week, NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma made comments suggesting that women "be careful how you dress", which invited criticism that she was guilty of [[victim blaming]]. The controversy led activists to call for a restructuring of the commission.<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/guwahati-molestation-ncw-chief-mamta-sharma-advises-women-to-dress-carefully-109997-2012-07-17|title=Guwahati molestation: NCW chief Mamta Sharma advises women to dress 'carefully'|date=18 June 2012|access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="ibnlive">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/guwahati-shame-activists-demand-ncw-rejig/271979-3-251.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719084329/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/guwahati-shame-activists-demand-ncw-rejig/271979-3-251.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2012|title=Guwahati molestation: Activists demand NCW restructure|access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> | ||
=== Badaun rape and murder controversy === | === Badaun rape and murder controversy === | ||
In 2021, the NCW was once again criticized for engaging in [[victim blaming]] following the gang rape and murder of a woman in [[Budaun|Badaun]], Uttar Pradesh. A two-member delegation from the NCW was sent to the site of the incident to meet with the victim's family and prepare a fact-finding report. NCW member Chandramukhi Devi, who was part of the delegation, stated to the press that part of the blame for the incident lay with the victim, as she had chosen to visit the temple late in the evening. Devi stated, "A woman should not go out at odd hours under the influence of somebody. I think if she had not gone out in the evening, or had some child along with her, this could have been prevented."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=NCW Member's Shocker: Badaun Gangrape-Murder Victim Shouldn't Have Gone Out in Evening|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/badaun-gangrape-murder-may-not-have-happened-had-victim-not-gone-out-alone-in-evening-ncw-member-3258116.html|access-date=2021-01-08|website=News18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Incident could have been avoided had woman not gone out in evening: NCW member on UP gangrape|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/incident-could-have-been-avoided-had-woman-not-gone-out-in-evening-ncw-member-on-up-gangrape-936353.html|access-date=2021-01-08|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref> The comments attracted wide criticism on social media, as well as from celebrities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Taapsee Pannu, Urmila Matondkar, Pooja Bhatt slam NCW member's victim-blaming comments about Budaun gang-rape|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/taapsee-pannu-urmila-matondkar-pooja-bhatt-slam-ncw-member-s-victim-blaming-comments-about-badaun-gang-rape/story-Mlknbnbr8GV2xmLfpQLNgO.html|access-date=2021-01-08|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | In 2021, the NCW was once again criticized for engaging in [[victim blaming]] following the gang rape and murder of a woman in [[Budaun|Badaun]], Uttar Pradesh. A two-member delegation from the NCW was sent to the site of the incident to meet with the victim's family and prepare a fact-finding report. NCW member Chandramukhi Devi, who was part of the delegation, stated to the press that part of the blame for the incident lay with the victim, as she had chosen to visit the temple late in the evening. Devi stated, "A woman should not go out at odd hours under the influence of somebody. I think if she had not gone out in the evening, or had some child along with her, this could have been prevented."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=NCW Member's Shocker: Badaun Gangrape-Murder Victim Shouldn't Have Gone Out in Evening|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/badaun-gangrape-murder-may-not-have-happened-had-victim-not-gone-out-alone-in-evening-ncw-member-3258116.html|access-date=2021-01-08|website=News18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Incident could have been avoided had woman not gone out in evening: NCW member on UP gangrape|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/incident-could-have-been-avoided-had-woman-not-gone-out-in-evening-ncw-member-on-up-gangrape-936353.html|access-date=2021-01-08|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref> The comments attracted wide criticism on social media, as well as from celebrities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Taapsee Pannu, Urmila Matondkar, Pooja Bhatt slam NCW member's victim-blaming comments about Budaun gang-rape|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/taapsee-pannu-urmila-matondkar-pooja-bhatt-slam-ncw-member-s-victim-blaming-comments-about-badaun-gang-rape/story-Mlknbnbr8GV2xmLfpQLNgO.html|access-date=2021-01-08|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Budaun Gangrape: NCW Member Blames Victim For Going Out In Evening, Irks Controversy|url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/budaun-gangrape-ncw-member-blames-victim-for-going-out-in-evening-irks-controversy-1431976|access-date=2021-01-08|website=news.abplive.com|language=en}}</ref> Following public criticism, Devi withdrew her remarks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NCW member shames Budaun gangrape victim for going out alone in evening, withdraws statement later|url=https://scroll.in/latest/983428/budaun-gangrape-murder-ncw-member-blames-woman-for-going-out-alone-in-the-evening|access-date=2021-01-08|website=Scroll.in|date=7 January 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
=== LGBTQ members === | |||
The NCW has been criticized for limited action in matters involving LGBTQ individuals, particularly lesbian and queer women. Despite the [[Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India|decriminalization of homosexuality]] and the striking down of [[Section 377]], LGBTQ members, mostly lesbians, have faced threats to life, social ostracism, and in some cases, forced marriages.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.the-independent.com/asia/india/india-conversion-therapy-lesbian-married-police-b1815632.html|title= | |||
Lesbian woman married against her will in India given police protection over 'conversion therapy' threats|date= | |||
11 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="delhi">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/wireStory/hundreds-join-pride-march-india-gay-sex-illegal-51095191 | |||
|title=Hundreds of gay rights activists join pride march in Delhi |date=November 12, 2017 |website=ABC |access-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112145911/https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/wireStory/hundreds-join-pride-march-india-gay-sex-illegal-51095191 | |||
|archive-date=November 12, 2017}}</ref> While legal protections exist for transgender women, similar protections have not consistently been extended to lesbian and queer adult women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/india/bombay-hc-transgender-person-becoming-woman-after-surgery-can-seek-relief-under-domestic-violence-act-7431607.html|title=Transgender Person Becoming Woman After Surgery Can Seek Relief Under Domestic Violence Act|website=News18|date=31 March 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023}}</ref> As a result, some lesbian couples have sought protection from the judiciary due to threats from family members, and in some cases, have been subjected to conversion therapy, as law enforcement authorities and NCW members have reportedly been slow to act on complaints filed by queer couples.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bombay-hc-orders-police-to-provide-protection-to-same-sex-couple | |||
| title=Bombay HC Orders Police To Provide Protection To Same-Sex Couple | newspaper=The Free Press Journal | date=5 July 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/article/madras-hc-judge-asks-parents-of-lesbian-couple-to-undergo-counselling-from-lgbtq-specialist/739686 | |||
| title=Madras HC judge asks parents of lesbian couple to undergo counselling from LGBTQ-specialist | date=April 2021 }}</ref><ref name="news.sky.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/cure-therapy-ban-to-training-for-police-madras-high-court-reaches-out-to-lgbtq-7348680/lite/|title='Cure therapy' ban to training for police: Madras HC reaches out to LGBTQ|website=The Indian Express|date=8 June 2021 |access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> | |||
=== Inaction against Political leaders === | |||
The NCW has faced criticism for inaction against political leaders for comments against women, particularly on serious matters like rape. Despite complaints, no formal action is taken, especially during election periods. In March 2010, [[Samajwadi Party]] leader [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]] reportedly made several controversial comments regarding the [[Women's Reservation Bill, 2010|Women's Reservation Bill]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/mulayam-draws-flak-for-his-sexist-remark-on-women/|title= | |||
Mulayam draws flak for his 'sexist' remark on women|date= 24 March 2010}}</ref> | |||
At an election rally during the [[2014 Indian general election|2014 elections]], Yadav stated that "Boys are boys, they make mistakes, why hand them for rape."<ref>{{cite news|url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/mulayam-singh-yadav-backs-rapists-for-votes/articleshow/33579716.cms?from=mdr|title= | |||
Mulayam Singh Yadav backs rapists for votes|newspaper= The Economic Times|date= 11 April 2014}}</ref> On 19 August 2015, Yadav remarked that gang-rapes are impractical and that victims in such cases tend to lie,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Activists-leaders-slam-Mulayam-Singh-for-saying-gang-rape-is-impractical/articleshow/48540988.cms|title=Activists , leaders slam Mulayam Singh for saying 'gang rape is impractical'|work=The Times of India|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref> for which he was summoned by the Judicial Magistrate of [[Mahoba district]] court in Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-court-summons-mulayam-singh-over-rape-remark/article7566027.ece|title=UP court summons Mulayam Singh over rape remark|first=Mohammad |last=Ali|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref> His remarks were widely criticized, and despite complaints to the Election Commission and the NCW, no formal action was taken; he was subsequently elected from the constituency of Mainpuri in the 2014 elections.<ref name="bbc.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26984281 | |||
|title=Indian media criticise Mulayam Singh Yadav's 'anti-women' remarks |journal=BBC News |date=11 April 2014 |accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref> As a result of these statements, some media outlets described Yadav and the [[Samajwadi Party]] as "Supporters and Defenders of Rape and Rapists."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiatimes.com/news/more-from-india/mulayam-singh-yadav-sinks-to-a-new-low-defends-rapists-to-woo-voters-140567.html|title= | |||
Boys Make Mistakes: Mulayam Defends Rape|date= | |||
10 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
== | ==Chairwomen== | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
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|| {{Dts|2008|02|15|format=dmy}} | || {{Dts|2008|02|15|format=dmy}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | (5) || [[Girija Vyas]] || | ||
| | | | ||
{{Dts|2008|04|09|format=dmy}} | {{Dts|2008|04|09|format=dmy}} | ||
|| {{Dts|2011|04|08|format=dmy}} | || {{Dts|2011|04|08|format=dmy}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 6 || [[Mamta Sharma (politician)|Mamta Sharma]]<ref name="Hindu 20110803">{{cite news |title=Mamta Sharma is NCW chief |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mamta-sharma-is-ncw-chief/article2316551.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |date=3 August 2011 |location=New Delhi |issn=0971-751X |access-date=19 September 2014}}</ref> || | ||
| | | | ||
{{Dts|2011|08|02|format=dmy}} | {{Dts|2011|08|02|format=dmy}} | ||
|| {{Dts|2014|08|01|format=dmy}} | || {{Dts|2014|08|01|format=dmy}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 7 || [[Lalitha Kumaramangalam]] || [[File:The Chairperson, National Commission of Women (NCW), Smt. Lalitha Kumaramangalam delivering the valedictory address at the 5th National Conference of Heads of Prisons of States and UTs on Prison Reforms, in New Delhi.jpg|100px]] | ||
|| {{Dts|2014|09|29|format=dmy}} | || {{Dts|2014|09|29|format=dmy}} | ||
|| {{Dts|2017|09|28|format=dmy}} | || {{Dts|2017|09|28|format=dmy}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |8 | ||
|[[Rekha Sharma (politician)|Rekha Sharma]] | |[[Rekha Sharma (politician)|Rekha Sharma]] | ||
| | |[[File:Rekha Sharma NCW.jpg|100px]] | ||
|7 August 2018<ref>{{cite news |title=Rekha Sharma Is New National Commission for Women Chairperson |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rekha-sharma-is-new-national-commission-for-women-chairperson-1897965 |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref> | |7 August 2018<ref>{{cite news |title=Rekha Sharma Is New National Commission for Women Chairperson |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rekha-sharma-is-new-national-commission-for-women-chairperson-1897965 |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref> | ||
|7 August 2024 | |||
|7 August | |||
|- | |- | ||
|9 | |||
|[[Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar]] | |||
|[[File:Mrs. Vijaya Rahatkar, President ,BJP Mahila Morcha.jpg|100px]] | |||
|19 October 2024<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-19 |title=Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar takes over as 9th chairperson of National Commission for Women |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vijaya-kishore-rahatkar-takes-over-as-9th-chairperson-of-national-commission-for-women/articleshow/114374608.cms |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> | |||
|''Incumbent'' | |||
|} | |} | ||
== State Level Women Commission == | == State Level Women Commission == | ||
Following is the list of state level women commissions | Following is the list of state level women commissions<ref>{{Cite news |title=List of State Women Commissions - National Commission for Women |url=https://www.ncw.gov.in/important-links/list-of-state-women-commissions/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250808210436/https://www.ncw.gov.in/important-links/list-of-state-women-commissions/ |archive-date=2025-08-08 |access-date=2026-01-03 |work=National Commission for Women |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
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|19 | |19 | ||
|[[Nagaland]] | |[[Nagaland]] | ||
|[[Nagaland Women | |[[Nagaland State Commission for Women]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|20 | |20 | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|30 | |30 | ||
|[[Pondicherry]] | |[[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]] | ||
|[[Puducherry Women Commission]] | |[[Puducherry Women Commission]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
Latest revision as of 19:10, 24 January 2026
| राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग | |
 | |
| Statutory Body/Commission overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 31 January 1992 |
| Jurisdiction | India |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Minister responsible | |
| Statutory Body/Commission executive |
|
| Parent department | Government of India |
| Website | www |
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body of the Government of India, generally concerned with advising the government on all policy matters affecting women. It was established on 31 January 1992 under the provisions of National Commission for Women Act, 1990.[1][2] The first head of the commission was Jayanti Patnaik. As of 19 October 2024,[update] Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar is the chairperson.
Activities[edit | edit source]
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 the commission's campaigns have included dowry, politics, religion, equal representation for women in jobs, and the exploitation of women for labour. The NCW has also discussed police abuses against women.[3]
The commission publishes a monthly newsletter, Rashtra Mahila ("Nation's Women"), in both Hindi and English.[4]
Controversies[edit | edit source]
Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code[edit | edit source]
In December 2006 and January 2007, the NCW found itself at the center of a minor controversy over its insistence that Section 497[5] of the Indian Penal Code not be changed to make adulterous wives equally prosecutable by their husbands.
But the grounds on which [then NCW chairperson] Ms. Vyas resists the logic of making this a criminal offence — particularly for women, as often recommended — are not as encouraging. She is averse to holding the adulterous woman equally culpable as the adulterous man because women, she believes, are never offenders. They are always the victims.[6]
The NCW has demanded that women should not be punished for adultery, as a woman is "the victim and not an offender" in such cases. They have also advocated the amendment of Section 198 of the CrPC to allow women to file complaints against unfaithful husbands and prosecute them for their promiscuous behaviour. This was in response to "loopholes" in the Indian Penal Code that allowed men to file adultery charges against other men who have engaged in illicit relations but did not allow women to file charges against their husbands.[7]
The Commission has also worked to guarantee women security in unconventional relationships.[6]
Mangalore pub attack controversy[edit | edit source]
The NCW came under sharp criticism for their response to the attack by forty male members of the Hindu right-wing Sri Ram Sena on eight women in a bar in Mangalore in late January 2009. Video from the attack shows the women were punched, pulled by their hair, and thrown out of the pub.[8]
NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh was sent to assess the situation, and said in an interview that the pub did not have adequate security and that the women should have protected themselves. Venkatesh said, "If the girls feel they were not doing anything wrong why are they afraid to come forward and give a statement?"[9] On 6 February, the NCW said they decided not to accept Venkatesh's report but would not be sending a new team to Mangalore. On 27 February, the Prime Minister's Office approved the removal of Nirmala Venkatesh on disciplinary grounds.[10]
Guwahati molestation controversy[edit | edit source]
The NCW came under fire again after the molestation of a 17-year-old girl by a gang of men outside a pub in Guwahati on 9 July 2012. NCW member Alka Lamba was accused of leaking the name of the minor victim to the media, and was subsequently removed from the fact-finding committee, though she remains a member of the commission.[11] The following week, NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma made comments suggesting that women "be careful how you dress", which invited criticism that she was guilty of victim blaming. The controversy led activists to call for a restructuring of the commission.[12][13]
Badaun rape and murder controversy[edit | edit source]
In 2021, the NCW was once again criticized for engaging in victim blaming following the gang rape and murder of a woman in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. A two-member delegation from the NCW was sent to the site of the incident to meet with the victim's family and prepare a fact-finding report. NCW member Chandramukhi Devi, who was part of the delegation, stated to the press that part of the blame for the incident lay with the victim, as she had chosen to visit the temple late in the evening. Devi stated, "A woman should not go out at odd hours under the influence of somebody. I think if she had not gone out in the evening, or had some child along with her, this could have been prevented."[14][15] The comments attracted wide criticism on social media, as well as from celebrities.[16][17] Following public criticism, Devi withdrew her remarks.[18]
LGBTQ members[edit | edit source]
The NCW has been criticized for limited action in matters involving LGBTQ individuals, particularly lesbian and queer women. Despite the decriminalization of homosexuality and the striking down of Section 377, LGBTQ members, mostly lesbians, have faced threats to life, social ostracism, and in some cases, forced marriages.[19][20] While legal protections exist for transgender women, similar protections have not consistently been extended to lesbian and queer adult women.[21] As a result, some lesbian couples have sought protection from the judiciary due to threats from family members, and in some cases, have been subjected to conversion therapy, as law enforcement authorities and NCW members have reportedly been slow to act on complaints filed by queer couples.[22][23][24][25]
Inaction against Political leaders[edit | edit source]
The NCW has faced criticism for inaction against political leaders for comments against women, particularly on serious matters like rape. Despite complaints, no formal action is taken, especially during election periods. In March 2010, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav reportedly made several controversial comments regarding the Women's Reservation Bill.[26]
At an election rally during the 2014 elections, Yadav stated that "Boys are boys, they make mistakes, why hand them for rape."[27] On 19 August 2015, Yadav remarked that gang-rapes are impractical and that victims in such cases tend to lie,[28] for which he was summoned by the Judicial Magistrate of Mahoba district court in Uttar Pradesh.[29] His remarks were widely criticized, and despite complaints to the Election Commission and the NCW, no formal action was taken; he was subsequently elected from the constituency of Mainpuri in the 2014 elections.[30] As a result of these statements, some media outlets described Yadav and the Samajwadi Party as "Supporters and Defenders of Rape and Rapists."[31]
Chairwomen[edit | edit source]
| No. | Name | Portrait | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jayanti Patnaik | File:J Patnaik.tif | 3 February 1992 | 30 January 1995 |
| 2 | V. Mohini Giri | _V._Mohini_Giri_(Social_Activist),_at_an_Investiture_Ceremony_at_Rashtrapati_Bhavan_in_New_Delhi_on_March_23,_2007.jpg)
|
21 July 1995 | 20 July 1998 |
| 3 | Vibha Parthasarathy |
18 January 1999 |
17 January 2002 | |
| 4 | Poornima Advani | .jpg)
|
25 January 2002 | 24 January 2005 |
| 5 | Girija Vyas | 
|
16 February 2005 | 15 February 2008 |
| (5) | Girija Vyas |
9 April 2008 |
8 April 2011 | |
| 6 | Mamta Sharma[32] |
2 August 2011 |
1 August 2014 | |
| 7 | Lalitha Kumaramangalam | ,_Smt._Lalitha_Kumaramangalam_delivering_the_valedictory_address_at_the_5th_National_Conference_of_Heads_of_Prisons_of_States_and_UTs_on_Prison_Reforms,_in_New_Delhi.jpg)
|
29 September 2014 | 28 September 2017 |
| 8 | Rekha Sharma | 
|
7 August 2018[33] | 7 August 2024 |
| 9 | Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar | 
|
19 October 2024[34] | Incumbent |
State Level Women Commission[edit | edit source]
Following is the list of state level women commissions[35]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Domestic violence in India
- Dowry system in India
- Female foeticide in India
- Feminism in India
- Gender inequality in India
- Gender pay gap in India
- Men's rights movement in India
- Rape in India
- Welfare schemes for women in India
- Women in India
- Women in Indian Armed Forces
- Women's Reservation Bill
- Women's suffrage in India
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "NCW :: About NCW". ncw.nic.in. National Commission for Women. Archived from the original on 16 October 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
- ↑ Act No. 20 of 1990 of Govt. of India
- ↑ "India Together: A gallery of failures – 19 May 2006". 19 May 2006.
- ↑ "National Commission for Women :: Publications". Archived from the original on 18 January 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2007.
- ↑ "NCW rejects proposal to punish women for adultery". The Hindu. 26 December 2006. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "One World.net". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 7 January 2007.
- ↑ Prakash, Satya. "What constitutes adultery?" (archived). Hindustan Times. 25 December 2006.
- ↑ "Mangalore: Attack on Pub now a National Concern!". Archived from the original on 30 January 2009. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
- ↑ Roche, Florine (30 January 2009). "Mangalore Pub Attack – National Commission for Women Recommends Punishment Under Article 307". Retrieved 6 February 2009.
- ↑ "NCW rejects report, blames security lapse for pub attacks". 6 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
- ↑ "Guwahati molestation case: Chief Minister's office accidentally names victim, then retracts". ndtv.com. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
- ↑ "Guwahati molestation: NCW chief Mamta Sharma advises women to dress 'carefully'". 18 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ↑ "Guwahati molestation: Activists demand NCW restructure". Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ↑ "NCW Member's Shocker: Badaun Gangrape-Murder Victim Shouldn't Have Gone Out in Evening". News18. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ↑ "Incident could have been avoided had woman not gone out in evening: NCW member on UP gangrape". Deccan Herald. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ↑ "Taapsee Pannu, Urmila Matondkar, Pooja Bhatt slam NCW member's victim-blaming comments about Budaun gang-rape". Hindustan Times. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ↑ "Budaun Gangrape: NCW Member Blames Victim For Going Out In Evening, Irks Controversy". news.abplive.com. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ↑ "NCW member shames Budaun gangrape victim for going out alone in evening, withdraws statement later". Scroll.in. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ↑ "Lesbian woman married against her will in India given police protection over 'conversion therapy' threats". 11 March 2021.
- ↑ "Hundreds of gay rights activists join pride march in Delhi". ABC. 12 November 2017. Archived from the original on 12 November 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
- ↑ "Transgender Person Becoming Woman After Surgery Can Seek Relief Under Domestic Violence Act". News18. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ↑ "Bombay HC Orders Police To Provide Protection To Same-Sex Couple". The Free Press Journal. 5 July 2023.
- ↑ "Madras HC judge asks parents of lesbian couple to undergo counselling from LGBTQ-specialist". April 2021.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namednews.sky.com - ↑ "'Cure therapy' ban to training for police: Madras HC reaches out to LGBTQ". The Indian Express. 8 June 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
- ↑ "Mulayam draws flak for his 'sexist' remark on women". 24 March 2010.
- ↑ "Mulayam Singh Yadav backs rapists for votes". The Economic Times. 11 April 2014.
- ↑ "Activists , leaders slam Mulayam Singh for saying 'gang rape is impractical'". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
- ↑ Ali, Mohammad. "UP court summons Mulayam Singh over rape remark". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
- ↑ "Indian media criticise Mulayam Singh Yadav's 'anti-women' remarks". BBC News. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ↑ "Boys Make Mistakes: Mulayam Defends Rape". 10 April 2014.
- ↑ "Mamta Sharma is NCW chief". The Hindu. New Delhi. 3 August 2011. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ↑ "Rekha Sharma Is New National Commission for Women Chairperson". NDTV.com. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ↑ "Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar takes over as 9th chairperson of National Commission for Women". The Times of India. 19 October 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ↑ "List of State Women Commissions - National Commission for Women". National Commission for Women. Archived from the original on 8 August 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2026.