Discuss briefly the basic purpose, composition and mandate of National Commission for Women.

National Commission for Women (NCW) — Purpose, Composition & Mandate:

Established in January 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 to safeguard women's constitutional and legal rights:

• Basic Purpose: Protecting women against discrimination, reviewing protective legislation, facilitating redressal of grievances, and advising government on women-centric policies.
• Composition (Section 3):
  • Chairperson (committed to the cause of women).
  • 5 Members (from law, trade unionism, management, women's voluntary organizations; at least one each from SC and ST).
  • Member-Secretary (senior civil servant or expert in management).
• Mandate & Powers (Section 10):
  • Investigates and examines all matters relating to constitutional/legal safeguards for women.
  • Inspects jails, remand homes, and women's shelters, recommending remedial action.
  • Exercises powers of a Civil Court during inquiries (summoning witnesses, discovering documents).