Empowering Women in India: Your Guide to the National Commission for Women's Complaint Portal

In the 21st century, while women are often seen as equal counterparts at work and home, from a woman's perspective, true equality remains an elusive goal. Women continue to face numerous issues and must fight for their rights at every stage of life. While many men may not fully agree or understand these struggles, the law does. In recognition of this, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched a crucial online portal designed to support women in India in filing and seeking redressal for various complaints. This includes significant issues such as sexual harassment, denial of maternity benefits to women, and gender discrimination, including the equal right to education and work. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NCW's Complaints Registration and Monitoring System, ensuring you can effectively leverage this vital resource to seek justice and assert your rights.

What is the National Commission for Women's Complaints System?

The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body of the Government of India dedicated to safeguarding women's rights. Its Complaints Registration and Monitoring System is an essential tool allowing individuals to report various issues faced by women across the country. The Commission's Complaints and Investigation Cell processes all complaints, whether received in writing or suo-motu, under Section 10 of the NCW Act.

Who Can File a Complaint?

Any case involving the deprivation of women's rights or harassment of women in India can be registered with the National Commission for Women. It is crucial that your complaint provides complete details of the matter and clearly states the specific relief or intervention sought from the NCW.

What Types of Complaints Does NCW Entertain?

The NCW entertains complaints related to 23 broad categories that address a wide spectrum of issues affecting women:

• Rape / Attempt to rape

• Acid Attack

• Sexual Assault

• Sexual harassment

• Stalking / Voyeurism

• Trafficking / prostitution of women

• Outraging modesty of women / Molestation

• Cyber crimes against women

• Police Apathy against women

• Harassment of married women / Dowry Harassment

• Dowry Death

• Bigamy / Polygamy

• Protection of women against Domestic Violence

• Women’s right of custody of children / Divorce

• Right to exercise choice in marriage / Honour Crimes

• Right to live with dignity

• Sexual Harassment of women at workplace

• Denial of maternity benefits to women

• Gender discrimination including equal right to education and work

• Indecent representation of women

• Sex Selective Abortions; Female Foeticide / Amniocentesis

• Traditional practices derogatory to women rights like Sati Pratha, Devdasi Pratha and Witch Hunting

• Free legal aid for women

  
  

Specific examples where the NCW can assist include situations of sexual harassment at the workplace, where the Commission will engage with your employer or organisation to monitor proceedings as per the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013. Similarly, if you are being denied maternity benefits as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, you can file a complaint with the NCW. For marital discord with your husband and in-laws, you can seek assistance from the NCW or State Women Commission for mediation, counseling, or to expedite police investigation.

What Complaints are NOT Entertained?

It is important to be aware that certain categories of complaints are liable to be summarily dismissed by the NCW:

• Complaints that are illegible, vague, anonymous, or pseudonymous.

• Issues relating to civil disputes between parties.

• Matters concerning service issues.

• Cases that are already sub judice before a Court or Tribunal.

• Complaints already pending before a State Commission or any other Commission.

• Complaints that are only endorsed to the Commission.

• Complaints that involve no deprivation of women's rights.

  
  

How to File a Complaint with the NCW

You have several convenient options for filing a complaint:

• Online: Visit the official website of the Commission at https://ncw.gov.in or https://ncwapps.nic.in and navigate to the 'register online complaints' section.

• By Post: Send a written application containing all important details, along with any supporting documents, through postal services.

• By Hand: Deliver a written application with all necessary details and supporting documents personally to the Commission.

  
  

When filing your complaint, ensure you provide the following information:

• Contact details of the complainant (mandatory).

• Contact details of the respondent (if available).

• A brief description of the incident.

• Details of any remedies already exhausted.

• Supporting documents (if any).

  
  

How is Your Complaint Processed?

Upon receiving your complaint, the NCW follows a structured process:

1. Scrutiny: The complaint is scrutinised according to the NCW's mandate.

2.  Registration: Mandated complaints are registered, and a case number is allotted. Non-mandated complaints are summarily dismissed, and the complainant is intimated.

3. Action: Depending on the nature of the complaint, the mandated cases are taken up with the concerned authorities. The main actions taken to address grievances include:

   • Expediting and monitoring police investigation.

   • Monitoring proper implementation of statutory provisions.

   • Resolving issues through mediation/counseling.

   • For serious crimes, the NCW forms an Inquiry Committee to further examine various aspects of the case.

     
     

How to Check Your Complaint Status

If your complaint is accepted, you will receive an acknowledgment along with a complaint number, login ID, and password. This information can be used to track the status of your complaint on the Commission's website. If your complaint is rejected, this will be communicated to you as soon as possible. You can also inquire about your complaint status telephonically or by personally visiting the National Commission for Women.

Contact the NCW

For complaint-related queries, you can dial the helpline numbers: 011-26944880, 26944883. The Commission can be contacted between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. You can also send details via email at any time to complaintcell-ncw@nic.in.

The National Commission for Women is located at Plot no. 21 Jasola Institutional Area, New Delhi - 110025.

The NCW's Complaints Registration and Monitoring System is a vital resource for women across India. By understanding its procedures and scope, you can effectively utilise this platform to seek justice and assert your rights.