National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Monday, 13 July visited Nanded District Jail in Maharashtra, inspecting facilities for women inmates and holding direct conversations with them to document their concerns, needs, and rehabilitation prospects. The visit underscores the NCW's ongoing push to ensure that incarcerated women retain their fundamental rights and dignity.

Conversations Inside the Jail

Rahatkar engaged with women prisoners to understand the conditions they face behind bars. In posts shared on X, she said she had 'conversed with the women prisoners in Nanded District Jail to understand their problems and needs,' adding: 'The law can limit freedom, but not human rights! Every woman should get the opportunity for respect and rehabilitation.'

In a second post, she elaborated: 'The law may restrict a person's freedom, but it cannot restrict their human rights, dignity, and dreams. Every woman should be given the opportunity for dignity, sensitivity, and reform, so that she can confidently reclaim her place in the mainstream of society.' The NCW chief's remarks signal a rights-based approach to prison reform — one that places rehabilitation alongside punitive function.

Visit to Shri Hazur Sahib Gurudwara

Earlier in the day, Rahatkar offered prayers at Shri Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism and among the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in the country. Sharing her experience on X, she described the shrine as 'a sacred pilgrimage site embodying the eternal inspiration of faith, sacrifice, courage, and humanity.'

She noted that this is 'the very hallowed ground where the Tenth Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, attained joti-jot and left his mortal body, bestowing upon Shri Guru Granth Sahib the honour of the eternal Guru.' She said she felt 'profoundly overwhelmed' while bowing at the shrine.

Award for Women's Empowerment Work

Rahatkar also received the 'Late Smt. Kusumtai Chavan Memorial Award 2026' from the Marathi daily Satyaprabha, presented on the birth anniversary of Late Shankarrao Chavan, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and former Union Home Minister. She described the recognition as 'a matter of great pride' for her work in the field of women's empowerment.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Rahatkar highlighted the dual reality facing Indian women today — unprecedented achievement alongside persistent threats. 'Today Indian women are reaching new heights. Whether as fighter pilots, space scientists, entrepreneurs, or athletes who enhance the glory of the Tricolor in international sports competitions — women are raising the flag of their talent in every field,' she said.

Challenges Facing Women Today

Alongside celebrating women's progress, Rahatkar flagged serious structural concerns: cybercrime, violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking continue to endanger women across India. She also pointed to rising stress and instability in family relationships driven by changing social circumstances.

Invoking historical figures including Mother Jijau, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and Rani Laxmibai, she argued that 'the power of motherhood must once again come to the forefront' to guide society through these challenges. 'History bears witness that whenever the nation faced a crisis, valiant women led society. I am fully confident that today's maternal power will also successfully overcome this challenge,' she added.

The Nanded visit is part of the NCW's broader mandate to conduct field inspections of facilities for women across India, with the commission expected to file a report on the jail's conditions and recommend remedial measures.