New Delhi:
Member of BJP's national executive Lalitha Kumarmangalam was on Wednesday appointed the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
"Ms Kumarmangalam has been appointed as the NCW chairperson and we would like to welcome her," Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said, days after she had disapproved the practice of "political appointees" in the Commission.
Giving more details, Gandhi said that Kumarmangalam is from Tamil Nadu and runs an NGO called Prakriti. "She comes from Tamil Nadu. She has a very illustrious lineage, she is Mohan Kumamarmangalam's daughter," she added.
The Minister was asked if Ms Kumarmangalam had any BJP affiliations. "Miss Mangalam does have affiliations but not... in the sense that she has stood for elections twice, but that's about it," Gandhi said.
Asked about the reasons for the choice, Ms Gandhi replied that "This has been decided by the government and the Prime Minister. I know her, I have met her and she is very strong, very forceful in her advocacy of women's needs. I am sure she will be a great asset to the NCW."
When asked about her idea to appoint a judge as the chairperson of NCW, Gandhi replied, "It is in a state of limbo."
The proposal which is aimed at enhancing the powers of the Commission, is awaiting approval from the Law Ministry. However she did not not elaborate on any specific reason because of which it is pending.
She also dismissed suggestions that there was a communication gap between WCD and Law ministries. "I don't think there is a communication gap. I think they have their views on it and perhaps we should at some point work through those views," the Minister said.
Ms Gandhi after taking charge had said that her Ministry wants to bring NCW on par with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to effectively deal with cases of violence and harassment against women.
The WCD has proposed more powers for the NCW including giving it powers to investigate, search, seize, issue warrant and arrest in matters of domestic violence, police apathy and sexual harassment at work place.