Mains Paper 2
Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launched “Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0,” a program aimed at providing over 500 women representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions nationwide with insights into the Constitution and parliamentary processes.
About “Panchayat Se Parliament”
• The second edition of the program was organized by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in partnership with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It brought together 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes, representing 22 states and Union Territories across India.
Objectives of Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0:
– Empower women representatives by deepening their knowledge of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance structures.
– Acknowledge the contributions of women leaders in fields like education, rural development, and community welfare.
• The first edition, Panchayat Se Parliament 1.0, took place in January 2024, with over 500 women sarpanches participating. This edition was also organized by the NCW in collaboration with the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
| About National Commission for Women (NCW)The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body established on January 31, 1992, under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, to focus on issues related to women. First Chairperson: Jayanti Patnaik.Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15(3), 14, and 21 ensure gender-neutral protections. Objectives:• The NCW represents women’s rights in India and serves as a platform to address their concerns. • Campaign Topics: Dowry, political participation, labor exploitation, police abuse, and ensuring equal job representation. Composition:• Chairperson: Appointed by the Central Government. • Five Members: Specialists from areas such as law, education, health, and women’s welfare. • Special Representation: One member each from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Powers:• Offer policy recommendations. • Issue summons and request public records. • Collect evidence via affidavits and ensure attendance enforcement.Functions:• Annual Reports: Present reports on the protection of women’s rights. • Investigation: Analyze laws and constitutional protections for women. • Scrutiny: Assess laws and suggest necessary amendments. • Complaint Handling: Address violations of rights and welfare regulations. • Development Assessment: Evaluate progress at both national and state levels. • Systemic Improvements: Identify and rectify issues in women’s welfare systems. |
