Committee on Empowerment of Women – Composition, Functions, Role, Importance & UPSC PYQs Explained

The Committee on Empowerment of Women is an important Parliamentary Committee that works towards examining matters related to women’s welfare, development, and empowerment in India. It reviews government policies, programmes, and legislative measures aimed at improving the social, economic, and political status of women.

The committee also studies reports presented by different ministries and departments to ensure that women-centric schemes and constitutional safeguards are properly implemented. Through parliamentary oversight, the committee contributes to strengthening gender justice and inclusive governance in the country.

This topic of ‘Committee on Empowerment of Women’ is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, falling under General Studies Paper II (Polity and Governance), General Studies Paper I (Indian Society), and Prelims.

UPSC Online Classes

UPSC Previous Year Questions and Practice Questions

UPSC frequently asks questions related to women empowerment, gender justice, and parliamentary mechanisms that support social equality and inclusive governance in India.

Que. Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (150 words, 10 marks)

Q. Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Que. “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.”- Jawaharlal Nehru. (150 words, 10 Marks)

What is the Committee on Empowerment of Women?

The Committee on Empowerment of Women is a Parliamentary Committee constituted to examine issues related to the welfare, development, and empowerment of women in India. It functions as an important mechanism of parliamentary oversight and evaluates how effectively government policies and programmes are addressing women-related concerns.

The committee studies reports submitted by various ministries and departments, reviews the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for women, and suggests measures for improving gender equality and social justice. It also examines representations and issues connected with women’s rights and empowerment.

Explore UPSC Foundation Courses

Explore UPSC Foundation Courses

Composition of Committee on Empowerment of Women

The composition of the Committee on Empowerment of Women is designed to ensure parliamentary representation from both Houses of Parliament.

Key Features of Composition

• The committee consists of 30 members in total
• 20 members are elected from Lok Sabha
• 10 members are elected from Rajya Sabha
• Members are elected every year according to the principle of proportional representation
• A Minister is not eligible to become a member of the committee
• The Chairperson of the committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha

The committee functions for a term of one year and plays an important role in reviewing women-related policies and welfare measures in India.

Functions of Committee on Empowerment of Women

The Committee on Empowerment of Women performs several important functions related to women’s welfare and governance.

• Examines measures taken by the government for women empowerment
• Reviews implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards for women
• Studies reports of the National Commission for Women
• Evaluates welfare programmes and schemes related to women
• Suggests policy improvements for gender equality and social justice
• Reviews action taken by ministries on women-related issues
• Ensures parliamentary accountability regarding women welfare measures

Through these functions, the committee strengthens parliamentary supervision over gender-related governance.

UPSC Coaching Classes

Role of Committee on Empowerment of Women in Parliament

The Committee on Empowerment of Women plays an important role in ensuring that women-related issues receive proper attention within the parliamentary system. It acts as a bridge between Parliament, government ministries, and public concerns related to women’s welfare, rights, and empowerment.

• Reviews the implementation of women welfare schemes and policies
• Monitors whether ministries are effectively addressing women-related issues
• Examines constitutional and legal safeguards available for women
• Studies reports submitted by the National Commission for Women
• Recommends measures for improving gender equality and women empowerment
• Highlights issues related to social justice, safety, and women’s rights in Parliament
• Strengthens parliamentary oversight on women-centric governance

The committee also helps Parliament evaluate whether government initiatives are effectively promoting gender equality and protecting women’s interests across different sectors of society.

Importance of Committee on Empowerment of Women

The Committee on Empowerment of Women is important because it promotes gender-sensitive governance and strengthens democratic accountability in India.

• Promotes women empowerment and gender justice
• Strengthens parliamentary oversight on social welfare issues
• Ensures accountability of ministries regarding women-centric schemes
• Encourages implementation of constitutional safeguards for women
• Supports inclusive governance and social equality
• Highlights issues related to women’s rights and welfare

The committee plays an important role in improving policy effectiveness and ensuring that women’s issues remain a priority in governance.

Click to Explore UPSC Offline Coaching

Challenges Faced by the Committee on Empowerment of Women

Despite its importance, the committee faces several operational and structural challenges.

• Recommendations are advisory and not legally binding
• Limited enforcement powers
• Dependence on ministries for information and action taken reports
• Delays in implementation of recommendations
• Wide scope of women-related issues with limited time and resources

These challenges sometimes reduce the overall impact of parliamentary recommendations related to women empowerment.

The Committee on Empowerment of Women is an important Parliamentary Committee that strengthens women-centric governance and parliamentary accountability in India. By reviewing policies, welfare schemes, and legal safeguards related to women, the committee contributes significantly to gender justice, social equality, and inclusive development.

For UPSC aspirants, the topic is important from the perspectives of polity, governance, social justice, and women empowerment.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

DOWNLOAD PDF