THE National Commission for Women (NCW) which has been functioning for decades has done precious little for women and has outlived its utility. True, the Union Minister for Women and Children has said that the NCW should be invested with the same kind of powers as the National Human Rights Commission. The intention is unexceptionable. But all depends on how members are selected. It has so far been a sinecure for politicians or fellow-travellers of the ruling party at the time. Very few women who have distinguished themselves in various fields have headed the organization. At present, the body is headed by Mamta Sharma whose contribution to the women’s cause is generally considered negligible. She has said or done nothing about such rampant social evils as rape and dowry murders. It is generally felt that the NCW should be wound up. The government has several arms and there are many NGOs dealing with women’s problems. Laws supporting their rights are numerous. But women themselves are in large numbers lacking awareness of their own rights and do not seek legal redress of their complaints. Besides, implementation of laws leaves much to be desired.
There are some who indeed regard the establishment of the NCW as a recognition of women’s status. Admittedly, various NCWs have made sensible recommendations to governments which have however shown lukewarm response. It is the job of the government to ensure that crime against women does not go unpunished. Official support should raise no cavils. The judiciary should be proactive and its rulings should be based on the wisdom of experts. All this arguably renders the NCW redundant.
