| Why in the news? | Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW). |
| Tenure | Effective immediately; tenure for 3 years or until age 65, whichever comes first. |
| Previous Roles | - Chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021) - Led initiatives: "Sakshama" (acid attack survivors), "Prajwala" (self-help groups), "Suhita" (24×7 helpline). - Focused on legal reforms: POCSO, anti-triple talaq, anti-human trafficking. |
| Digital Literacy & Publications | - Introduced digital literacy programs. - Launched publication "Saad" focusing on women's issues. |
| Political Background | - Mayor of Chatrapati Sambhajinagar (2007-2010) - Implemented healthcare and infrastructure projects. |
| Educational Qualifications | - Bachelor's degree in Physics - Master's degree in History (University of Pune). |
| Authorship and Recognition | - Authored books: 'Vidhilikhit' (women's legal issues) and 'Aurangabad: Leading to Wide Roads'. - Received National Law Award and Savitribai Phule Award. |
| New Member Appointment | Dr. Archana Majumdar appointed as a member of the NCW. |
| About NCW | - Autonomous and statutory body established in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. - Focuses on promoting and protecting women's rights in India. |
| NCW Composition | - Chairperson, 5 Members, and a Member-Secretary nominated by the Central Government. - Members must have experience in law, legislation, trade unions, voluntary organizations, etc. - At least one Member from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. |
| Term & Removal | - Chairperson and Members serve for 3 years. - Removal possible on grounds: insolvency, conflict of interest, incapacity, or moral turpitude. |
| NCW Powers | - Powers of a civil court: summoning witnesses, discovering documents, receiving evidence, requisitioning public records, issuing commissions. |
