Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the 9th Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).

Rahatkar was former Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021). Under her leadership, the commission introduced initiatives like “Sakshama” (support for acid attack survivors), “Prajwala” (linking self-help groups to central government schemes), and “Suhita” (24×7 helpline service for women).

She also worked on legal reforms focusing on issues like POCSO, anti-triple talaq cells, and anti-human trafficking units. She introduced digital literacy programs and launched a publication named “Saad” dedicated to women’s issues.

As the Mayor of Chatrapati Sambhajinagar from 2007 to 2010, Rahatkar implemented significant developmental projects related to healthcare and infrastructure.

Rahatkar holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics and a master’s degree in History from University of Pune. She has authored several books, including ‘Vidhilikhit’ (on women’s legal issues) and ‘Aurangabad: Leading to Wide Roads’. Her contributions to women’s empowerment have earned her recognition, including the National Law Award and the Savitribai Phule Award from a national literary council.

Dr Archana Majumdar has also been appointed as the Member of the National Commission for Women.