Who Is Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar? The New NCW Chief

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), according to a government notification issued on Saturday.

The NCW shared the news on X, stating, "In pursuance of Section 3 of the NCW Act, 1990, the Central Government has nominated Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women."

Who is Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar?
Rahatkar brings an extensive background in public service and women's empowerment. She holds a bachelor's degree in Physics and a master's in History from the University of Pune and is the author of books like Vidhilikhit (on women's legal issues) and Aurangabad: Leading to Wide Roads. Her work has earned her several awards, including the National Law Award and the Savitribai Phule Award.

Rahatkar's leadership credentials are well established. She served as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women from 2016 to 2021, during which she launched impactful initiatives such as "Sakshama" for acid attack survivors, "Prajwala" to connect self-help groups with central government schemes, and "Suhita," a 24x7 helpline for women.

Her tenure also focused on legal reforms related to POCSO, anti-triple talaq initiatives, and anti-human trafficking efforts. She introduced digital literacy programs and launched a publication titled Saad focused on women's issues.

Additionally, Rahatkar held the position of Mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) from 2007 to 2010, where she oversaw several development projects, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure. She also served as the Vice-President of the National Mayors' Council and President of the Maharashtra Mayors' Council during her tenure.

In the political arena, Rahatkar is currently a National Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Co-Incharge of the party's Rajasthan unit. She began her political journey as a booth worker in 1995 and steadily rose through the ranks, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the party's base. She has also been the National General Secretary and later National President of the BJP Mahila Morcha from 2010 to 2014.

Originally from the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, Rahatkar has built an impressive career in public service despite not coming from a political family. She served as an elected member of the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation from 2000 to 2010 before becoming Mayor.

With her deep experience in women's issues and governance, Rahatkar's leadership at the NCW is expected to drive forward new initiatives for the protection and empowerment of women across India.