1. Maharashtra State Commission For Women January 25, 1993

2. Composition of the Commission : Chairperson Six non-official members Member Secretary Ex- Officio Member

3. Main Objectives : To improve the status and dignity of women in the society. To investigate into practices unfavorable to women and suggest suitable remedial measures to them. To effectively monitor implementation of laws affecting women. To advise the Government on all matters related to the improvement and upliftment of the status and dignity of women in society.

4. Powers of the Commission Powers as applicable to the civil court in respect of requisitioning of any public record from any office. Issuing orders for the examination of witness & documents. Enforce the attendance of a person to give witness before the commission for holding any enquiry in any matter. To appoint any officer for holding a detailed enquiry into any question affecting women.

5. Activities of the commission Legal Literacy Seminars Networking with NGOs Jail Inspections Inspections of Remand Home & Women’s Institutions Camps For Women, Police, Officials & NGOs. Workshops Publicity & Awareness Campaigns for police, officials, & NGOs.

6. Counseling & Free Legal Aid Cell of the Commission A Counseling and Legal Advice Cell, which offers professional help to women who are victims of family violence and atrocities has been established in the Commission premises at Mumbai on 18 th March, 1995.

7. Recommendations made by the commission to the government. On commissions suggestion Government has made it obligatory for women leaders at local bodies to be doing the flag hosting on 15th Aug & 26th Jan. Commission studied the tribulations faced by the women prisoners & suggested some majors to provide the basic amenities to them. This has resulted in formation of women’s jail at Byculla. Government is also planning few more such jails in the state. Under Maharashtra State Women Policy 1994 free counseling centers are formed at local level all over the state under which the commission has started 298 such centers are sectioned at present.

8. Our Vision Recommendations & Amendments to the existing Laws. Decentralize the commission by establishing sub centers at regional level. Strengthening counseling & redressal system in the state. Sensitize men by informing them about the Rights & Laws for women through workshops in school, collages, offices etc. Advocate Gender Budgeting in the system.

9. Addressing issues like female foeticide, violence & atrocities against women on priority. Expanding our network with NGOs (Currently 295 NGOs registered) and reach at the grass root level of the state.

10. Thank you