State Women’s Commission Vigilant for Women’s Rights – Deputy Chairperson of Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe

Mumbai : The Maharashtra State Women’s Commission remains sensitive to women’s issues, working not only to protect and empower women but also to secure justice for victims. Speaking at a program organized jointly by the Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council’s office and the State Women’s Commission, Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe emphasized that the Commission must engage in strategic planning to set future directions, working methods, and policy frameworks.

The dialogue program on the Commission’s procedures and effectiveness was held at the Legislative Council complex, with many dignitaries in attendance. Those present included Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare; State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar; MLAs Chitra Wagh and Pragya Satav; Additional Commissioner of Women and Child Development Rahul More; social activist Anjali Damania; former Commission Chairperson Sushiben Shah; commissioners Nirmala Samant Prabhalkar, Rajlakshmi Bhosale, Nita Kelkar, Utkarsha Rupavate, and Mumtaz Sheikh; among others, who shared their perspectives.

Dr. Neelam Gorhe remarked that the State Women’s Commission is actively addressing women’s concerns. To enhance its efficiency, she said, the Commission should involve social organizations and seek legal consultations. With an independent and adequate budget, the Commission can work effectively on women’s legal, personal, and social issues. She urged the establishment of counseling centers at the taluka level and called for a coordinated mechanism to hear all victim cases together to spare them from navigating multiple judicial processes. Dr. Gorhe also appealed for close coordination among the Women’s Commission, the Home Department, the Women and Child Welfare Department, and the Justice Department regarding conviction rates in cases of violence against women.

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare announced that under the Central government’s revised guidelines for One-Stop Centers, the state government will now operate these centers—previously run by NGOs. As a result, the number of One-Stop Centers will increase. She stressed the need for public awareness to prevent crimes against women and encouraged greater participation by men—especially young men—in the Commission’s initiatives.

At the dialogue program, women participants posed important questions and suggestions regarding women and child development. They were assured that their inputs would be forwarded to the Home Department and the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Commission’s budget has seen a significant increase. Whereas it was ₹3.11 crore in 2018–19, it was raised to ₹10.60 crore in 2024–25, Minister Tatkare reported. To boost the Commission’s effectiveness, several key decisions have been taken: for the first time, a permanent IAS-ranked Women Member Secretary has been appointed, and all vacant posts for District Women and Child Development Officers across the state have been filled.

State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar outlined the Commission’s ongoing initiatives, noting that 150 social organizations collaborate with the Commission. She affirmed that the Commission promptly addresses complaints to ensure justice for women.

Among those present were Sangita Chavan, Kala Shinde, Pratibha Jagtap, Sarika Pawar, Sunita More, Koyna Vitekar, Neerja Bhatnagar, Sudarshana Trigunait, Sangita Khodna, and Varsha More. The program concluded with presentations on the Commission’s various initiatives.