Why this matters now
NCW is tested for: 1990 Act, 31 Jan 1992 commencement, composition (Chair + 5 members), 3-year term, powers of civil court, ex-officio membership of NHRC, the Indira Jaising/Lalitha Kumaramangalam/Rekha Sharma chairs, and the Suo Motu cognisance of recent crimes (Hathras, Bilkis Bano, Manipur, Sandeshkhali).
Composition
Chairperson + 5 members + 1 Member Secretary — all appointed by the Central Government. Eligibility: persons of ability, integrity, standing who have rendered outstanding service to women’s causes; at least 1 from SC + 1 from ST. Term: 3 years for Chair + members. Removal: by Central Government on specified grounds (insolvency, conviction, infirmity, misbehaviour). Member-Secretary is an officer of the Government of India.
Functions
- Investigate and examine all matters relating to safeguards for women under the Constitution and other laws.
- Present reports to the Central Government on the working of these safeguards.
- Recommend legislative measures and amendments.
- Take up cases of violation of women’s rights with appropriate authorities.
- Inspect or cause to be inspected jails, remand homes, women’s institutions.
- Funding litigation involving issues affecting large body of women.
- Participation and advice on planning process of socio-economic development of women.
- Special studies and investigations into specific problems.
NCW has powers of a civil court when investigating: summoning witnesses, requisitioning records, receiving evidence on affidavit. Recommendations are NOT binding on Govt.
Recent
Past Chairs:
- Jayanti Patnaik (1st Chair, 1992-95)
- V. Mohini Giri (1995-98)
- Vibha Parthasarathi (1998-2002)
- Poornima Advani (2002-05)
- Girija Vyas (2005-08)
- Yasmeen Abrar (2008)
- Girija Vyas (2008-11)
- Mamta Sharma (2011-14)
- Lalitha Kumaramangalam (2014-18)
- Rekha Sharma (2018-24) — longest tenure; Bilkis Bano + Manipur
- Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar (28 October 2024 - present)
Note: SHRCs at State level under PHRA 1993, separately. Bills awaiting: Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 106th Amendment 2023) — 33% LS/SLA seats for women after delimitation post-2026 census.
UPSC angle
Know NCW — National Commission for Women, NCW ACT 1990, commenced 31 JANUARY 1992; HQ Plot No 21 Jasola Institutional Area Delhi; Chairperson + 5 Members + 1 Member Secretary, all appointed by CENTRAL GOVERNMENT (not President); eligibility 1 SC + 1 ST mandatory; TERM 3 YEARS; powers of CIVIL COURT (summons+records+evidence); recommendations NOT BINDING on Govt; ex-officio NHRC member; FUNCTIONS: investigate safeguards, report Centre, recommend laws, take up rights violation cases, inspect jails/remand homes/women institutions, fund litigation, advice planning, special studies; 1st Chair JAYANTI PATNAIK 1992-95; REKHA SHARMA 2018-24 longest (Bilkis Bano + Manipur); VIJAYA KISHORE RAHATKAR 28 Oct 2024+; SHRCs at State level PHRA 1993; WOMEN’S RESERVATION 106th Amendment 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 33% LS/SLA post-2026-census delimitation.
Frequently asked questions
When was NCW established?
Under the NCW Act 1990; commenced operations on 31 January 1992.
Who appoints NCW Chairperson?
The Central Government — NOT the President. Term is 3 years.
Are NCW recommendations binding?
No — NCW has powers of a civil court for investigation but its recommendations to Central Government are not legally binding.
Who is the current NCW Chairperson?
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar — took office on 28 October 2024.