THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

The National Commission for Women Bill, 1990 was passed by both the Houses of Parliament
and received assent of the President on 30th August, 1990. It came into force on 31st January,
1992 as The National Commission for Women Act, 1990. 

For long, it has been felt that women need to be rendered justice as they have never been treated
well either at home or at work place. Several incidents of crime against women has necessitated
the setting-up of a statutory body to look into the welfare issues of women. The inequality
suffered by women on all fronts has called for the redress of women related issues. Various
women’s groups and activists have been making persistent demands to address these issues and as
a result, the National Commission for Women Bill, 1990 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on
22nd May, 1990.
The main function of the Commission shall be ‘to study and monitor all matters relating to the
constitutional and legal safeguards provided for women, to review the existing legislations and
suggest amendments, wherever necessary. It will also look into the complaints and take suo moto
notice of the cases involving deprivation of the rights of women in order to provide support, legal
or otherwise, to helpless women. 

The Commission shall monitor the proper implementation of all the legislations made to protect
the rights of women so as to enable them to achieve equality in all spheres of life and equal
participation in the development of the nation’ (The National Commission Acts).

Some of the prime functions of the Commission include the following:  Investigate and examine measures relating to the safeguards provided for women.

 Present reports upon the working of those safeguards and to make recommendations
for the effective implementation thereof.

 Review, from time to time, the existing provisions of the Constitution and of other
laws affecting women.

 Take up the cases of violation of the provisions of the Constitution and of other laws
relating to women with the appropriate authorities.

 Look into complaints and take notice of matters relating to the deprivation of women’s rights,
non-implementation of laws, non-compliance of policy decisions and take up the issues with
appropriate authorities.

 Investigate into specific problems or situations arising out of discrimination and atrocities
against women.

 Suggest ways of ensuring due representation of women in all spheres by undertaking
promotional and educational research.

 Advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of women.

 Evaluate the progress of the development of women under the Union Government and any
State Government.

 Inspect any jail, remand home, women’s institution or other place of custody where women are
kept as prisoners or otherwise and take up with the concerned authorities for remedial action.

 Fund litigation involving issues affecting a large body of women.

 Make reports on any matter pertaining to women and their difficulties thereof.

The Commission’s Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government and five members are
recommended by the Central Government who have expertise in different fields. The Chairperson
usually holds office for a period of three years. Its expenses are taken care of by the government.
The Commission shall maintain proper accounts and records related to its work; it comes under
the purview of Comptroller and Auditor General of India for its auditing; it shall prepare annual
reports regarding its activities and submit it to the Central Government.