NCW says ‘no information’ on the political affiliation of its Chairperson, Members

• Replying to a query under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has said it has no information on whether its Chairperson and Members are members of any political party.

Highlights:

• The query stated that NCW had the responsibility to evaluate the progress of the development of women under the Union and State governments.
  • It further said that this being the mandate, the Chairperson or Member should not be a member of any political party, at least for the term of office to uphold the principle of neutrality and serving without any fear or favour.
• No information available would only lead to larger questions on transparency and accountability directly, casting aspersions on the decisions and whether they were serving without political bias.

NCW:

• NCW is a statutory body set up under the NCW Act, 1990, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• The Chairperson and Members of the Commission are nominated by the government of India.
• Functions of the commission include:
  • Reviewing the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women;
  • Recommending remedial legislative measures;
  • Facilitating redressal of grievances and
  • Advising the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
• NCW also make periodical reports to the Government on any matter pertaining to women and in particular various difficulties under which women toil
• Furthermore, the Commission shall, while investigating any matter referred to in the Act, have all the powers of a civil court.

Prelims takeaway

• NCW
• RTI