NEW DELHI: Even as the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) remains without a full-time chairperson and several key members, the body has quietly reopened its office after months of closure, functioning in a limited capacity, underscoring the administrative vacuum it still faces.
More than two years after Swati Maliwal demitted office in January 2024 following her nomination to the Rajya Sabha, the DCW is still headless, with interim charge being given to Rashmi Singh, secretary, Women and Child Development. Five key posts remain vacant, raising serious concerns on its ability to function as the statutory body for women’s rights.
A visit by the reporter to the DCW office at Vikas Bhawan revealed the extent of the scaled-down operations. A handful of members were seen working out of a single room, arranging the complaint documents for the concerned heads. The phone numbers displayed on the notice board, meant for people, were found to be non-functional when dialed.
The notice board still carries an old newspaper clipping of Maliwal conducting raids at shelter homes. There have been no fresh updates since 2023.
Yet, in a partial revival, the DCW office has recently resumed operations. A handful of members are receiving complaints through newly set up help desks, supported by just two counsellors.
Sources said complaints have begun to pour in since the reopening in January, often overwhelming the limited staff. “We are receiving a lot of complaints daily. We have started afresh. Not many people even know the office has reopened, but those who do are coming in directly,” a source said.
While walk-in complaints are being entertained, the lack of operational helplines and outreach mechanisms has restricted the Commission’s reach, especially for women in urgent distress.
RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY AFTER HC REBUKE
A source said the appointment process for the DCW staff is underway and operations have seen some improvement under interim chairperson Rashmi Singh. In February this year, the Delhi High Court had sought an explanation from the Delhi government over the prolonged vacancies, highlighting the critical role of the commission.