Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Maharashtra State Women's Commission Expansion Delayed Nine Years
Imagine a group that helps women with problems.
A court told the government to make more of these groups in different areas, but it hasn't happened in nine years.
Now, women have to go to one office in Mumbai for help, which is hard for those far away.
People are upset because this makes it harder for women to get help with violence and discrimination.
The government has not set up the new offices and has not appointed the people needed to run them.
The Bombay High Court ordered the Maharashtra government to establish six regional branches for the State Women's Commission nine years ago.
The aim of the branches was to improve accessibility for women, especially in rural areas.
The commission's operations are limited to the Mumbai office, hindering outreach.
Women's rights activists and legal experts have voiced concerns over the delay.
RTI activist Vihar Durve plans to pursue the issue with the state government and in court.
- Who
- The Maharashtra State Commission for Women, women's rights activists, the state government, and the Bombay High Court are the key players.
- What
- The Maharashtra government has failed to implement a Bombay High Court order from nine years ago to establish regional branches of the State Women's Commission.
- When
- The court order was issued nine years ago. The issue is still ongoing.
- Where
- Maharashtra, with the main office in Mumbai and the need for regional branches across the state.
- Why
- The lack of regional branches limits the commission's ability to help women in rural and remote areas who need assistance with violence and discrimination.
- Organization
- Maharashtra State Commission for Women
- Headquarters
- Mumbai
- Time Since Order
- Nine years
- Issuing Body
- Bombay High Court
- Purpose of Expansion
- Regional branches