Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar appointed new Chairperson of National Commission for Women

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been officially appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) by the central government. Her appointment, made under Section 3 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, is for a tenure of three years or until she turns 65, whichever comes first. Rahatkar’s term begins immediately, with the formal announcement set to be published in the Gazette of India.

Rahatkar replaces Rekha Sharma, whose term as NCW Chairperson ended on August 6, 2024. Sharma had been associated with the NCW since 2015, initially as a member, before being elevated to the role of chairperson in 2018. Sharma’s nine-year tenure was marked by both significant achievements and controversies. Under her leadership, the NCW launched various initiatives to safeguard women’s rights, but she also faced accusations of inaction in cases such as the violence in Manipur, which she denied. Despite these challenges, Sharma reflected on her time at NCW, sharing emotional experiences of interacting with women across India.

Along with Rahatkar’s appointment, Dr. Archana Majumdar has been named a new member of the NCW. Majumdar’s three-year term has been confirmed by a notification from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. These changes in the leadership are expected to bring renewed focus and energy to the NCW’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of women across the country. The NCW, established in 1992, plays a key role in reviewing and addressing women’s issues, recommending amendments to laws, and advising the government on policy matters.