The Honourable Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Government of India, Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, undertook a day-long visit to Tezpur on December 13, 2025, engaging in a series of programmes focused on women’s empowerment, leadership and welfare.
The visit began at the Sonitpur District Commissioner’s Office, where Smt. Rahatkar interacted with women beneficiaries of various central and state government schemes at Conference Hall-II. Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, Orunodoi, Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan, PMFME, members of Self-Help Groups under the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and Lakhpati Baideu shared their experiences and achievements.
Addressing the gathering, the NCW Chairperson said that collective participation of women in development initiatives inspires society and strengthens inclusive growth. She stated that the Commission closely monitors the implementation of women-oriented schemes and evaluates how these initiatives help women become socially, economically and politically self-reliant. She also congratulated the beneficiaries for effectively utilising government support to improve their livelihoods and confidence.
The programme was attended by senior officials, including Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Government of Assam; Smt. Radhika Chakravarthy, Additional Secretary, NCW; Smt. Angoorlata Deka, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women; Shri Munindra Sharma, Special Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department; Smt. Barnali Saikia Bora, Vice-Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women; and Shri Ananda Kumar Das, District Commissioner, Sonitpur, along with other officials.
Later in the day, Smt. Rahatkar inaugurated a one-day awareness workshop titled “She Is a Change Maker” at the auditorium of Darrang College, Tezpur. The workshop, jointly organised by the NCW and the Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development (SIPRD), Assam, aimed to strengthen leadership skills, awareness and capacity among elected women representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The programme was attended by women representatives from Zilla Parishads, Anchalik Panchayats, Gaon Panchayats and Municipal Boards, highlighting the focus on grassroots governance.
As part of her official engagements, the NCW Chairperson also held a review meeting at the Sonitpur District Commissioner’s Office to assess the status of women welfare initiatives across departments, including Panchayat and Rural Development, Social Welfare, Health, and the implementation of the POSH Act, as well as the functioning of One Stop Centres. The meeting was chaired by District Commissioner Shri Ananda Kumar Das.
Subsequently, Smt. Rahatkar met senior police officials, led by the Senior Superintendent of Police, to review measures taken to ensure women’s safety and security in the district. She also visited the Sakhi One Stop Centre in Tezpur to review its services and support mechanisms for women in distress.
