State's Women Commission to strengthen Women Commission Act as per modern requirements
The Commission has decided to come up with a detailed proposal to make the act more effective, accountable and more women friendly
In a significant step to control the rising crime against women in the state, the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women has decided to strengthen the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Act, 1996 as per the current requirements. For this, the Commission has decided to come up with a detailed proposal to make the act more effective, accountable and more women friendly, which will then be submitted to the relevant authorities for consideration.
The decision was taken during a state-level consultation workshop organised here by the commission in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW). The workshop was held under the theme "Review of State-Specific Laws" in which discussions were held to strengthen the act for the first time since its implementation.
Vidya Negi, Chairperson, HP State Commission for Women, while addressing the meeting said that periodic review of laws is essential to safeguard women’s rights, ensure access to justice and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms.
She said that while the act — which was implemented in 1996 — has played an important role in protecting women’s rights, emerging social challenges necessitate further reforms. She added that recommendations for amendments and improvements would be prepared based on the suggestions received during the workshop.
During the workshop, Legal Officer Yashpal delivered a detailed presentation on various provisions of the act. He highlighted the Commission’s current powers, functioning, challenges and the need for reforms through a comparative analysis of provisions adopted in other states. The presentation covered women’s rights protection, grievance redressal mechanisms, investigative powers of the Commission and measures to strengthen institutional frameworks.
Representatives from various government departments, police, CID, legal experts, academicians, researchers and social organisations also shared their views on practical challenges related to women’s issues and possible solutions. Participants suggested the formation of district-level committees in every district to ensure effective monitoring and prompt resolution of women-related cases. It was also suggested that monthly meetings between the Commission and the Police Department should be held regularly to review complaints, monitor pending cases and improve coordination in resolving women’s issues.
Additionally, legal experts Dr Mandeep Verma, Dr Aditi Didwal and Dr Deepshikha Sharma from the Department of Laws of Bahra University presented their views and recommendations. Participants offered important suggestions regarding the protection of women’s rights, strengthening grievance redressal systems, improving inter-departmental coordination, and enhancing the institutional capacity of the Women’s Commission.
Participants came to a mutual agreement that all suggestions and recommendations presented during the workshop will be considered and will be turned into a proposal.
