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.