Will NCW Chief Vijaya Rahatkar Discuss Women Prisoners’ Rights Tomorrow?
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Synopsis
Join us as NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar leads a pivotal discussion on the rights of incarcerated women in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This national consultation aims to address critical reforms for female inmates' welfare and dignity, ensuring their voices are heard in the legal system. Stay tuned for insights and recommendations!
Key Takeaways
- National Consultation on women's rights in prisons.
- Focus on urgent reforms for female inmates.
- Participation from experts and policymakers.
- Gender-sensitive correctional systems emphasized.
- NCW's efforts to uplift women's welfare in prisons.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) In a bid to uphold the rights of women behind bars, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Vijaya Rahatkar, will initiate a national dialogue in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this Saturday, according to officials.
Focused on “Laws Relating to Women in Prison”, this consultation is part of NCW’s comprehensive review for 2025-26, designed to pinpoint essential reforms that fortify the rights, welfare, and dignity of female inmates throughout India.
The NCW reports that women make up 4.3 percent of the prison population; however, they frequently encounter substantial systemic challenges, such as overcrowding, insufficient medical and mental health services, lack of gender-sensitive facilities, inadequate hygiene, and increased safety risks.
This national consultation will convene experts, prison officials, and policy makers to discuss vital reforms.
To ensure a broad spectrum of voices are included, the NCW has already conducted eight Regional Consultations in locations like Noida, Panaji, Aizawl, Patna, Bhopal, Patiala, Hyderabad, and Dehradun, generating over 300 expert recommendations, with 205 significant proposals to be addressed in the upcoming national consultation.
Key legislative discussions will revolve around the Model Prison Act 2023, Prison Act 1894, Model Prison Manual 2016, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, and the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 2003.
The consultation aims to tackle critical themes such as gender-sensitive correctional systems, enhanced medical and mental health support, rights of incarcerated mothers and their children, safe housing for transgender inmates, and humane treatment of foreign national prisoners.
The outcomes of these discussions will significantly contribute to the NCW’s final report to the Government of India.
During her visit to the Union Territory beginning November 20, Rahatkar also spearheaded various initiatives aimed at bolstering women’s safety and empowerment at the grassroots level.
Her agenda included a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd) at Raj Bhavan to review ongoing projects and outline future strategies for enhancing women’s welfare across the UT.
Additionally, she participated in a review meeting with DGP Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal and police leadership to evaluate current safety protocols, improve policing responses, and enhance institutional coordination for women’s safety.
Rahatkar also took part in a Gender Sensitization Workshop for police personnel in Sri Vijaya Puram to elevate police awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness in addressing women-related cases.
Point of View
We must ensure that the rights and welfare of all prisoners, particularly women, are prioritized. This initiative reflects a commitment to upholding justice and dignity for every individual within our legal framework.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the national consultation led by Vijaya Rahatkar?
The consultation aims to identify necessary reforms for the rights and welfare of women prisoners in India.
Where is the consultation taking place?
The national consultation is taking place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
How many recommendations were generated from the regional consultations?
Over 300 expert recommendations were generated, with 205 key proposals being discussed in the national consultation.
What themes will be focused on during the consultation?
Themes include gender-sensitive correctional systems, enhanced medical support, and rights of incarcerated mothers.
Who will be participating in the national consultation?
The consultation will involve experts, prison administrators, and policymakers.
