National Commission for Women: 20 Tireless Years of Women Empowerment

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Constituted on 31st January 1992, the apex national organisation NCW was formed with the purpose of safeguarding the interests of women in India.

Structure and function

The NCW comprises of one chairperson, one member secretary and five non official members in the commission. The function is divided into four cells, which are Complaint & Investigation Cell, Legal Cell, NRI Cell, and Research & Study Cell. Among these, the Complaints & Investigation Cell is the core unit of the commission. It taken into account oral / written / newspaper reports and initiates suo-moto cognizance of cases.

The Chairperson, Members and other officials visit various places such as jails, hospitals etc to know the plight of women prisoners and patients and then recommend to the concerned authority for the redressal of the same.

The commission was given the status of national level Agency in 2009 to receive and process all complaints from India and abroad. Its NRI cell was established on September 24, 2009 because of the increase in cases related to Indian women deserted by NRI husbands.

20 Years - Landmark Achievements

In the past 20 years, NCW has been continuously working towards empowering women and assisting them to achieve equality in all spheres of life. It is helping women in securing her due rights and entitlements through various policy formations and suggesting various amendments in the law.

Some of them can be listed as follows:

Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act 2005.
Indecent Representation
Workplace Bill 2010, for prohibition of harassment at workplaces.
Domestic Workers Welfare and Social Security Act 2010.
Amendments Proposed on 125 Cr PC regarding Maintenance.
Introduction of "Save Home, Save Family" project with Delhi Police to provide counseling to women in distress.
MoU has been signed with UNIFEM in January 2010 for prevention of human trafficking.
Prevention of Crimes in the Name of Honor and Traditional Bill, 2010.
Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation to Victims of Acid Attack.
Proposal Central Sponsored Scheme for providing matching assistance to State Governments to appoint independent Protection Officers with supporting staff for effective implementation of "Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, 2005.

Importance from Examination point of view:

Essay
Short Notes - NCW
Functions of NCW in Women Empowerment
2009 Paper - I (Q. 6 - a): What are your views on the features & implementation of the Domestic Violence Act 2005.

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