A delegation from Sikkim attended a two-day interactive and capacity-building meeting organised by the National Commission for Women in New Delhi, aimed at strengthening systems for the protection and welfare of women across the country.
The meeting, titled “Shakti Samvaad,” was held on January 29 and 30, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam. It brought together Chairpersons and Member Secretaries of State Women Commissions from all parts of India for detailed discussions on improving the functioning of women-related institutions.
The inaugural session was chaired by Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi. The session was also attended by Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women. The Sikkim delegation was led by Tan Doma Bhutia, along with the Member Secretary of the Sikkim State Women Commission.
During the two-day programme, participants held wide-ranging discussions on ways to strengthen the registration and resolution of complaints related to women. Special attention was given to improving investigation procedures so that cases can be handled in a timely and sensitive manner. The need for better management information systems (MIS) and more efficient women’s helpline services was also highlighted.
Officials discussed a common framework for complaint and investigation cells across states. The focus was on keeping the victim at the centre of the system, ensuring coordination between departments, using data to improve decision-making, and adopting technology-based solutions. Transparency and accountability were underlined as key elements to build public trust in women’s support systems.
The National Commission for Women urged State Women Commissions to closely review state-specific laws related to women and children. States were asked to step up activities under the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” campaign, with the aim of intensifying efforts against child marriage by March 2026. The Commission also called for the preparation of a clear strategy to hold district-level Jansunwai (public hearings) across the country, starting from March 8, 2026.
The meeting also marked the 34th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Women on January 29. The occasion highlighted the Commission’s journey of over three decades in working for women’s rights, dignity and empowerment in India.
The Foundation Day celebrations were attended by Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, who was the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he said that the health and well-being of women play a crucial role in building a healthy generation and, in turn, a strong and prosperous nation.
Annapurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. She was joined by Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development. Also present were Rekha Sharma, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and current Member of Parliament, and Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Participants from different states shared their experiences, challenges and best practices in handling cases related to women. The discussions reflected a shared understanding that strong coordination between central and state bodies is essential for effective implementation of women-centric policies and programmes.
The participation of the Sikkim delegation in the meeting was seen as an important step in aligning the state’s efforts with national priorities on women’s safety and empowerment. Officials from Sikkim took part in the deliberations and engaged with counterparts from other states to learn from successful models and approaches.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by all State Women Commissions to work together to strengthen institutional systems for women’s welfare. The National Commission for Women emphasised that continuous dialogue, capacity building and cooperation among states are key to ensuring that women across the country have access to justice, support and equal opportunities.
The two-day “Shakti Samvaad” meeting thus served as a platform for learning, coordination and collective resolve, with the shared goal of improving the lives of women and strengthening support mechanisms at every level.