NATIONAL Commission for Women (NCW)

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman to take action against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

• This follows a complaint by BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, alleging that Mr. Gandhi “misbehaved” with her during a protest on Parliament premises.

About National Commission for Women (NCW)

• The NCW is an autonomous and statutory body established in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
• It was created to protect and promote women’s rights in India.
• The idea was recommended by the Committee on the Status of Women in India (1974) and the National Perspective Plan for Women (1988).
• Nodal Ministry: The NCW operates under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Composition: The commission consists of a Chairperson and five Members, one of whom must belong to the SC or ST category and  a member-Secretary.
• Eligibility Criteria
• Chairperson: Must be committed to the cause of women.
• Five Members: Must be experts in fields such as law, legislation, women’s employment, social welfare, and health.
• Member-Secretary: Must either be an expert in management or an officer from the Civil Services.

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• Functions of NCW:
  • Review Constitutional and Legal Safeguards for women.
  • Recommend remedial legislative measures to address gaps in women’s rights.
  • Facilitate redressal of grievances related to women.
  • Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
  • Inspect jails, remand homes, and women’s institutions to ensure compliance with women’s rights and welfare standards.
• Tenure: Members, including the Chairperson, serve a term of three years.
• Grounds for Removal: The Central Government can remove the Chairperson or any Member under the following conditions:
  • If the individual is declared insolvent.
  • If they engage in paid employment outside their official duties during their term.
  • If they refuse to act or become incapable of performing their duties.
  • If they are declared of unsound mind by a competent court.
  • If they have abused their office, making their continuation detrimental to the public interest.
  • If they are convicted and sentenced for an offense involving moral turpitude.

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