National Commission for Women is also one of the significant statutory bodies established by the Government of India. It was established in 1992 under the provisions of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.

The Central Government took the initiative to establish this Commission by keeping in view the provisions of India’s constitution to strengthen the women in country through addressing plights, suppressions and other types of violence they use to face.

National Commission for Women also takes the initiatives for overall development of women community in whole country.

Main aim of National Commission for Women is to raise the concern for the women and to represent itself for their rights. This Commission takes into account the issues and concerns of women community and advises for the authentic solution of all the problems they face.

This Commission takes into consideration many common issues associated with women and their repression from dowry to religious or political factors and most importantly their equal representation in job market and other exploitations.

Working of National Commission for Women

National Commission for Women became statutory body and kept taking many steps for the protection of women. It also makes a point to work under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 which is the key guideline for this Commission to suggest and explore initiatives meant for women and their overall growth.

Composition of National Commission for Women

The Commission shall consist of

(a) A Chairperson, committed to the cause of women, to be nominated by the Central Government.

(b) five Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry potential of women, women’s voluntary organizations ( including women activist ), administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare;

Provided that at least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively;

Functions of National Commission for Women

1. Work as the coordinating agency to receive and process all the complaints related to Indian Women deserted by their Overseas Indian husbands.
2. Shall render all possible assistance to the complaints including conciliation, mediation between the parties and advising the complainant on related issues.
3. Associating, networking with NGOs, community organizations in India and overseas and State women Commissions for wider area coverage, so as to assist easy access and provide support services.
4. Shall endeavour towards a coordinated response amongst various Government agencies/organizations such as State Governments, The National Human Rights Commission, Indian Embassies and Mission, concerned Ministries etc.
5. Provide assistance to the distressed woman in litigation and other issues pertaining to the complainant/case.
6. Shall maintain a data bank record of cases registered.
7. Seek reports from the State Government and other authorities on the complaints filed and action taken thereon.
8. Shall advice and recommend the government on any policy or issue relating to the NRI marriages.
9. Investigate various legal treaties on the issue and advice the Government on the subject, wherever required.
10. Shall constitute an advisory committee panel of reputed advocates/NGOs, both in India as well as abroad, which shall intermittently review the functioning of the cell, cases filed and policy issues.
11. Shall constitute a panel of experts (All India) to support the aggrieved wife and rendering legal services and other assistance, including mediation and conciliation
12. Planning of training modules and conducting training on sensitisation on the subject to the various agencies entrusted with the task of providing justice, vig. Judiciary, police, administration, etc.
13. Shall organize awareness campaigns for the masses on the issue.
14. This commission has responsibility to encourage /support research and study in the related field like issues of grievances associated with dual citizenship, enactment of new legislation or signing of international treaties, marriage laws of other countries, etc.
15. NCW must look into complaints and take suo-moto notice on any issue brought to the notice of the NRI Cell in accordance with Section 10 (1)(f) of the National Commission for Women Act , 1990 read with sub-section 4 of Section 10 and Section 8 of the Act.
16. The cell shall control its own procedures in accordance with the National Commission for Women Act 1990.
17. NCW must perform any other function as assigned to it by the Commission/Central Government.