National Commission for Women Act, 1990

INTRODUCTION 

The National Commission for Women Act, 1990 is an Indian legislation that established the National Commission for Women (NCW) in India. The NCW is a statutory body responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of women in the country. The Act outlines the functions and powers of the NCW and its role in addressing issues related to the status of women and ensuring their well-being. It has been amended several times to enhance the commission's effectiveness in advocating for women's rights and gender equality.

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

The National Commission for Women was formed in 1992 under the National Commission Act 1990. It is a commission having the authority to review constitutional safeguards for women in the country. The main recommendation of the commission is to facilitate redressal mechanisms and also to take legislative measures to curb the disparity.

HISTORY

The Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) made suggestions 20 years ago. The CSWI qualified the vital for working to make a platform for grievances redressal. It increases the growth in the social-economic sphere of women development. After this, the Successive Commission ( National Perspective Plan for women) in 1988-2000 made certain recommendations for the formulation of the authoritative apex entity for governing the rights of women. The Bill was passed and received the assent of the President on 30th August 1990. The 1st Commission was formed on 31st January 1992 presided by Mrs Jayanti Patnaik as the Chair-person. The 2nd Commission was in July 1995 headed by Dr Mohini Giri. The 3rd Commission was in January 1999 and was under Mrs Vibha Prathasarathy. The 4th and the 5th Commissions was presided by Dr Poornima Advani in 2002 January and Dr Girija Vyas in 2005 respectively. This was followed by a chain of successful meetings and emancipation on the rights of women.

IMPORTANCE OF THE NCW

Women as an entity neither belong to a minority group nor are they considered a backward class. India from its inception has been a patriarchal society. Therefore women have always been subdued in society thus it became necessary to need certain strategic steps to enhance and improve the condition or status of women under male-dominated society.

CASE: Through various landmark judgments in cases like Bodhisattwa Gautam v. Subra Chakraborty ( AIR 1996 SC 922) and thus the Chairman Rly Board v. Chandrima Das (AIR 2000 SC 988). case, where rape was declared a heinous crime, also due to the landmark judgment in Visakha v. the State of Rajasthan, (AIR 1997 SC 3011). These verdicts enshrined the need for recognising the rights of women at large.

OBJECTIVE

They evaluated and reviewed laws concerning  Indian Penal Code 1860,  Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994, The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 and so on. To take more effective actions against violations under the National Commission for Women Act 1990. Set up and organise awareness workshops and consultations outlets.

POWER OF NCW

1.Provide consultation on all major policy matters that affect women.

2.Issuing summons for the examination of documents and the witnesses.

3.It has the power to make any public record.

4.Receiving evidence on affidavits

5.Discovery and production of documents

6.Summoning and enforcement

CONCLUSION

The Commission must be granted the facility of choosing its members. The members should be chosen with no prejudice and will have a good knowledge of the law and understand society and human behaviour. There is a need for an increase of awareness and enlightenment especially required among uneducated women mainly in the rural areas that such a commission exists to address their rights.