NCW Pushes for Dedicated Offices in Union Territories, Awaits MHA Approval
NCW Chairperson assures continued support for women in Jammu and Kashmir through regular public hearings
SRINAGAR, May 19: The National Commission for Women has proposed opening dedicated offices in Union Territories across the country and is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs for the initiative, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to Srinagar, Rahatkar said the proposal was recently submitted to the ministry with the aim of improving access to women-related grievance redressal mechanisms in Union Territories.
“We recently sent a proposal to the ministry to open commission offices in the UTs. We are waiting for the necessary approval and permission in this regard,” she said.
Responding to questions regarding the establishment of a separate women’s commission in Jammu and Kashmir, the NCW chairperson clarified that under the present administrative framework, Union Territories fall directly under the jurisdiction of the National Commission for Women.
“Jammu and Kashmir is a UT, and in the current setup, there will not be a state commission for women. The NCW will continue to look after the issues and complaints from here,” Rahatkar stated.
She acknowledged that a local commission could help women access support more easily, but added that all Union Territories are presently monitored by the national body.
Rahatkar, who is in Srinagar to conduct public hearings on women-related complaints, said the commission remains committed to addressing grievances from Jammu and Kashmir through regular outreach visits and hearings.
“I want to assure the sisters of Jammu and Kashmir that the NCW will continue working actively in the UT. We will keep visiting to listen to their concerns and ensure complaints are addressed,” she said.
According to officials, the commission has been in Srinagar for the past four days and reviewed around 14 registered complaints during the hearings. Rahatkar said several walk-in complaints were also received and would be taken up for further action.
The NCW chief also commented on the recent Morbi sexual exploitation case in Gujarat, saying the commission had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and was treating the allegations with seriousness.
The case involves allegations of sexual exploitation and rape of a woman and her minor daughter by their landlord in Gujarat’s Morbi district. Rahatkar said the commission was closely monitoring developments and would ensure appropriate action in accordance with the law.
