Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the ninth chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) succeeding Rekha Sharma, according to an official order.

The appointment made under section 3 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 will be for a period of three years or until she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, said a government notification issued on Saturday.

Rahatkar’s tenure will begin with immediate effect. The advertisement will also be published in the Gazette of India.

Along with Rahatkar’s appointment, Archana Majumdar was formally appointed as a member of the NCW for a term of three years, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

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The NCW, a statutory body, is empowered to work for the advancement of women’s rights. Its mandate includes reviewing the constitutional and legal guarantees granted to women.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Rahatkar has demonstrated leadership skills in various political and social responsibilities.

During her tenure as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021), she spearheaded initiatives such as ‘Sakshama’ (support for acid attack survivors), ‘Prajwala ” (linking self-help groups to central government programs) and “Suhita” (a 24/7 helpline for women).

She also worked on legal reforms focusing on issues such as protection of children from sexual offenses (POCSO), anti-triple talaq cells and anti-human trafficking units.

Rahatkar also introduced digital literacy programs and launched a publication called ‘Saad’ dedicated to women’s issues.

As mayor of Chatrapati Sambhajinagar from 2007 to 2010, Rahatkar implemented major development projects related to healthcare and infrastructure.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in history from the University of Pune.

Rahatkar has also authored several books, including ‘Vidhilikhit’ and ‘Aurangabad: Leading to Wide Roads’.

Her contributions to women’s empowerment have earned her several accolades, including the National Law Award and the Savitribai Phule Award from a national literary council.

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