The correct answer is 1992. Key Points • The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in 1992 in India. This body was created to address issues related to women's rights and ensure gender equality in accordance with the principles of the Indian Constitution. • The establishment of the NCW was recommended by the Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) in 1974, which highlighted the need for a statutory body to safeguard women's rights. • The National Commission for Women Act, 1990, provided the legislative framework for the formation of the NCW. Hence, it was officially inaugurated in January 1992. • The primary aim of the NCW is to review legal and constitutional safeguards for women, recommend amendments, and address grievances related to gender discrimination and violence against women. • It acts as a watchdog for the implementation of laws and policies related to women and ensures their effective application to benefit women across the country. • The first Chairperson of the NCW was Jayanti Patnaik, who played a significant role in shaping the commission's activities and initiatives. • Hence, the correct answer is 1992. Additional Information • Functions of the National Commission for Women: • The NCW acts to review constitutional and legal safeguards for women and suggests measures for their effective implementation. • It takes up cases of violation of women’s rights and ensures their redressal by working with various authorities. • The commission initiates research and studies on issues affecting women, such as domestic violence, trafficking, and workplace harassment. • It organizes awareness programs, workshops, and campaigns to highlight issues like gender equality and the importance of women's education. • Important Features: • The NCW is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, ensuring its independent functioning. • It has the power to suo motu take up cases of human rights violations of women and recommend action to the government or concerned authorities. • The NCW collaborates with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to address women's issues effectively. • Significant Initiatives by the NCW: • The NCW has been instrumental in drafting and amending important laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. • It conducts studies and publishes reports on topics such as gender disparity, female literacy, and crimes against women. Important Points • Key Legal Framework: • The National Commission for Women Act, 1990, was enacted to create a dedicated body to address women's rights and issues. • The NCW works in line with the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, such as Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of gender) and Article 39 (equal pay for equal work). • Notable Achievements: • The NCW has played a key role in advocating for gender-sensitive laws and ensuring the effective implementation of these laws across the country. • The commission has been a strong voice in addressing systemic issues like domestic violence, dowry harassment, and trafficking.