J&K COMMISSION FOR WOMEN: NEED FOR SOCIETAL PROGRESS

The empowerment of women and the protection of their rights are crucial for any society to progress. Unfortunately, women are still vulnerable to various domestic issues, including violence, denial of fundamental rights, physical and mental abuse, household disputes, monetary issues, and other problems. Governments around the world have recognized the importance of protecting women’s rights and have set up various organizations to address these issues. In India, for example, the National Women’s Commission, State Women Commissions, Women Police Stations, “One Stop Centers,” and “Mahila Shakti Kendras” have been established to protect the rights of women and provide them with justice. The State Women Commission in Jammu and Kashmir was established with a chairman and members who were responsible for resolving minor and major problems brought to their notice. The commission was successful in resolving almost five thousand cases in a year, demonstrating the effectiveness of such organizations. However, after the abrogation of Article 370 and the formation of two UTs, the State Women Commission and six other commissions were disbanded. The absence of the State Women Commission has created practical difficulties for women seeking justice. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh each have their own NCW cell, however, because the cell is run from the central office, it is challenging for rural women to submit online complaints. Moreover, complaints are passed on to respective SSPs to investigate, causing much delay and botheration in following up with multiple agencies. Victims are also reluctant to approach Women’s Police Stations due to inordinate delays. The other two options, “One Stop Centres” and “Mahila Shakti Kendras,” lack judicial powers to resolve issues, leading to further delays. The absence of the State Women Commission has left a void in the justice system, making it difficult for victims to obtain the justice they deserve.

The government must set up a system for the prompt resolution of complaints, and the Women’s Commission has a stellar track record in this area. The commission puts forth a lot of effort to investigate complaints from harassed women by holding in-depth counseling sessions with both parties. Apart from this, the commission tries to create legal awareness among women by organizing Camp Courts, seminars, and workshops on various women’s issues. The absence of all these activities has left the sufferers with a significant emptiness. The cause of women’s empowerment and the defense of their rights has suffered greatly as a result of the J&K Commission for Women’s absence over the past four years. In order to get the justice that has escaped them for years, victims must now go from pillar to post. With the infrastructure’s readiness and the fact that the chairman and members are not present, it is inexplicable why there has been a four-year wait in all of this. The presence of numerous parallel organizations serves no purpose, as explained by various victims themselves the drawbacks of the various other organizations as such issues not getting resolved in a time-bound manner.

The problem of delayed justice for women in Jammu and Kashmir is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Unresolved disputes are causing social disturbances due to the cascading effects. The reconstitution of the J&K Commission for Women has been ordered, but the recommendation of the chairman and members is still awaited. The delay is causing immense harm to the victims who are seeking justice. The UT administration must act immediately to resolve this issue, and the Social Welfare Department should recommend the names of the chairman and members without delay. Any government’s top priority should be empowering women and defending their rights. The absence of the State Women Commission in Jammu and Kashmir has created practical difficulties for women seeking justice. The Women’s Commission has an outstanding track record when it comes to giving the government a platform for the prompt redress of grievances. This is a very significant matter that has to be addressed right away. Unresolved conflicts are leading to numerous societal disturbances in the absence of the J&K Commission for Women because of their cascade repercussions.