Changing the Terms of the Discourse

Discussion on National Commission for Women Bill

6 June, 1990

Suggested Amendments

1. In the Bill, the Commission on Women is clearly subordinated to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which is undesirable;
2. Periodic reports should be made straight to Parliament, not to the Central Government;
3. Nowhere does the Bill mention that the Commission will monitor and participate in policy making and implementation. The Commission steps in only to review;
4. The State machinery should be involved at some stage, as most Bills on women are state subjects;
5. The right to demand and to get information is not mentioned in the Bill. Neither is the right to be consulted, particularly in the planning process;
6. The Commission should be autonomous and enjoy the ...