34th Foundation Day of National Commission for Women | 31 Jan 2026

Source: PIB  

Why in News?  

The National Commission for Women (NCW) observed its 34th Foundation Day on 31^st January, reaffirming its role as India’s apex statutory body for protecting women’s rights. 

• The event highlighted women’s health as a core pillar of empowerment and nation-building under the theme Swasthya hi Sashaktikaran.

What are the Key Facts About the National Commission for Women (NCW)? 

• About: The NCW is a statutory body established on 31st January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.  
  • Its primary mandate is to review constitutional safeguards for women, recommend legislative measures, and facilitate the redressal of grievances. 
• Background: The establishment of the NCW was the result of recommendations by the Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) and the National Perspective Plan for Women (1988-2000).  
• Constitution of the Commission: The Central Government nominates the body. The structure ensures representation from various fields relevant to women's welfare. 
  • A Chairperson: Committed to the cause of women. 
  • Five Members: Persons of ability and integrity with experience in law, trade unionism, management, women’s voluntary organizations, administration, or social welfare. 
    • At least one member must belong to the Scheduled Castes and one to the Scheduled Tribes. 
  • A Member-Secretary: An expert in management/sociology or a civil servant with appropriate experience. 
  • All hold office for three years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. 
• Functions and Mandate 
  • Investigation: Examining matters relating to safeguards provided for women under the Constitution. 
  • Reporting: Presenting annual reports to the Central Government on the working of safeguards and recommending effective implementation. 
  • Legislative Review: Reviewing existing laws affecting women and suggesting amendments to fix lacunae or shortcomings. 
  • Suo Moto Notice: Taking initiative to look into matters of deprivation of rights, non-implementation of laws, and non-compliance with policy guidelines. 
  • Research and Studies: Undertaking research to identify factors impeding women's advancement (e.g., housing, health hazards) and funding litigation for issues affecting a large body of women. 
  • Inspections: Inspecting jails, remand homes, and women's institutions to ensure proper custody conditions. 
• Powers of the Commission: The NCW enjoys powers of a civil court, including summoning individuals, examining witnesses on oath, calling for documents, requisitioning public records, and receiving evidence on affidavits.  
  • These powers strengthen its role as a quasi-judicial body. 
  • Despite its mandate, it is frequently characterized as a "toothless tiger" because it is a recommendatory body with limited enforcement powers. 
• Initiatives: 
  • Helplines: Launched a WhatsApp helpline and a 24x7 Women Helpline to provide online support, psychological counseling, and links to police/hospitals. 
  • Mahila Jan Sunwai: A pilot project to facilitate speedy disposal of complaints via in-person and online hearings. 
  • Capacity Building: Collaborated with LBSNAA to train Protection Officers under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 for gender sensitization of police personnel. 
  • “She is a Changemaker” – Women in Politics: NCW’s programme supports women’s leadership and political participation. 
    • It offers training on public policy, gender-responsive governance, communication, and leadership. 
  • Cyber Safety: Conducted research on cyber threats against women and launched awareness campaigns regarding "Misogyny Online" and social media responsibility.