New Delhi: Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, BJP leader and former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has been appointed as the ninth chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), replacing Rekha Sharma, according to an official order.

Rahatkar's appointment, made under Section 3 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, will last for a period of three years or until she reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first, the government notification issued on Saturday stated.

Her tenure will take effect immediately, with the announcement also set to be published in the Gazette of India.

Expressing her gratitude following the appointment, Rahatkar shared a message on X, saying, "I sincerely thank the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi, National President @JPNadda, and Union Home Minister @AmitShah for entrusting me with the role of Chairperson of a constitutional and legislative body like the National Commission for Women (NCW)."

"I am committed to fulfilling this significant responsibility and will work towards women-led development, aiming to enhance women's capacity, opportunities, and quality of life across areas like education, health, employment, and social participation," she added.

Along with Rahatkar’s appointment, Archana Majumdar has also been named a member of the NCW for a term of three years, according to a notification from the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

The NCW, as a statutory body, is tasked with advancing women's rights and reviewing the constitutional and legal safeguards provided for women.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development noted Rahatkar's extensive leadership experience in both political and social roles.

During her time as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women from 2016 to 2021, Rahatkar led several key initiatives, including 'Sakshama', a programme supporting acid attack survivors, 'Prajwala', which connected self-help groups with Central government schemes, and 'Suhita', a 24x7 helpline service for women.

She also played a role in legal reforms, focusing on issues like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), anti-triple talaq efforts, and the establishment of anti-human trafficking units.

Additionally, Rahatkar promoted digital literacy programs and launched a publication titled 'Saad', dedicated to addressing women's issues.

As the mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar from 2007 to 2010, Rahatkar oversaw various significant developmental projects, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure.

She holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in history from the University of Pune.

Rahatkar is also an accomplished author, having written several books, including 'Vidhilikhit' and 'Aurangabad: Leading to Wide Roads'.

Her contributions to women's empowerment have garnered her numerous accolades, including the National Law Award and the Savitribai Phule Award from a national literary council. 

Agencies