In a huge step forward for women's empowerment, the Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the formation of the 'Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Women,' which would investigate and analyse all topics relating to women's rights under the Constitution and other legislation.
The Women Commission will review existing provisions of the Constitution and take suo-moto notice of various issues related to women's rights, according to a formal order issued by the Social Welfare Department of the Jammu and Kashmir government, a copy of which was reviewed by Rising Kashmir.
According to the ruling, the Commission is to study and review all matters relating to women's protections under the Constitution and other legislation. It will make recommendations for how to put safeguards in place that will enhance the situation of women in the UT.
“From time to time, the Commission will review existing provisions of the Constitution and other laws affecting women and recommend amendments for remedial legislative measures to meet any lacunae, inadequacies or shortcomings in the legislation,” the order said.
According to the order, the Commission will be led by a Chairperson who is a woman committed to the cause of women, with five members nominated by the government and having at least 10 years of experience in the fields of women's welfare, administration, economic development, health, education, or social welfare.
“At least one member of the Commission will be from Scheduled castes or Scheduled Tribes while the Member Secretary shall be a member of Civil Service of the Union or an All India Service holding rank of Special Secretary to Government or an expert in the field of management, organizational structure of sociological movement”, reads the order.
The Commission has been given the authority to investigate complaints and take suo-moto notice of matters involving deprivation of women's rights, non-application of laws enacted to protect women and achieve the goal of equality and development, and non-compliance with policy decisions, guidelines, or instructions aimed at mitigating hardships, ensuring welfare, and providing relief to women; and to take up issues arising out of such matters with appropriate authorities.
According to the directive, the Commission can also request special studies or investigations into specific problems or situations deriving from discrimination or atrocities against women, as well as identify constraints and offer solutions for overcoming them.
The Women's Panel will conduct promotional and educational studies to recommend strategies to ensure that women are properly represented in all domains.
According to the decision, the Commission will report cases of violations of the Constitution and other laws affecting women to the proper authorities.
It will inspect a jail, remand home, women's institution, or other place of confinement where women are held as prisoners or otherwise and, if necessary, will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities for corrective action.
The Commission will report to the government on a regular basis on any issue concerning women, including the different challenges that women face.
