No separate panel for J-K as UT; NCW to handle all cases directly: Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar
Srinagar, May 19
The National Commission for Women on Tuesday organised a 'Mahila Jansunwai' in Srinagar, where women raised grievances, and officials from the police and administration were present for on-the-spot resolution of complaints.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishor Rahatkar chaired the public hearing and said the Commission would now be responsible for addressing women-related issues in Jammu and Kashmir following its transition into a Union Territory.
Speaking to ANI, Rahatkar said that after Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory, a separate women's commission could not function independently, and the NCW was now responsible for handling women-related issues in the region.
"Now that Jammu and Kashmir has become a Union Territory, there cannot be a separate commission; the National Commission for Women will only take care of it," she
Highlighting the purpose of the event, she added, "Today, on behalf of the National Commission for Women, we have organised this public hearing here. Women who are victims, who face difficulties at home, or who face obstacles can come and talk to us. We already had 14 complaints from Kashmir, or Srinagar and have now brought those complaints here."
She further said that 14 pre-registered complaints from Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir were already being taken up at the hearing, along with additional walk-in grievances.
"All the officials, such as the police department and administrative officials, sit together and resolve women's concerns immediately, on the spot. Some other complaints, walk-in complaints, have also come in, which we will hear," she told reporters.
On Monday, National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, along with chairpersons of several State Women Commissions, met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the intent seems positive, I hope the NCW actually understands the ground realities of Kashmir. Women here face unique challenges—conflict, displacement, and cultural barriers. A national body sitting in Delhi might not always get the local nuances. But yes, the on-spot resolution model is promising. Let's see how it works in practice 🤞
As an outsider looking in, it's interesting to see how the UT status changes administrative setups. The NCW stepping in makes sense legally, but I do wonder if the local women feel heard without a J&K-specific commission. The 'Mahila Jansunwai' name itself is a nice touch—very inclusive.
Why can't J&K have its own women's commission when other UTs like Delhi have one? Seems like another instance of centralisation. The NCW is already overworked with national-level cases. Local issues need local bodies. But I'll give credit where it's due—Rahatkar ji personally coming to Srinagar and holding a public hearing is commendable. At least they're not just sitting in Delhi and issuing press releases.
This is a good step for women in J&K! 👏 The NCW taking direct charge means cases won't get lost between state and national levels. The 14 pre-registered complaints plus walk-ins being resolved on the spot is exactly what we need. More accountability. Hope women from all districts feel encouraged to come forward.
I'm from Srinagar and let me tell you, women here have been waiting for something like this. The local police and
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