Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.

Constitutionalisation means embedding a body in the Constitution itself, so that its existence, composition and powers no longer depend on ordinary law. The National Commission for Women (NCW) is currently only a statutory body under the NCW Act, 1990.

Steps required for constitutionalisation

• A Constitution Amendment Bill under Article 368, introduced in either House of Parliament.
• Passage in each House by special majority — a majority of the total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting; there is no joint sitting for constitutional amendments.
• Ratification by half the state legislatures is needed only where the amendment touches the federal features listed in the proviso to Article 368(2); inserting a commission ordinarily does not, as the 89th Amendment (2003) creating the NCST under Article 338A and the 102nd Amendment (2018) creating the NCBC under Article 338B showed.
• Presidential assent, followed by consequential provisions on composition, tenure and service conditions.

Would a constitutional NCW ensure greater gender justice?

• Arguments in favour: permanence beyond legislative repeal; security of tenure and financial autonomy; the standing to be consulted on major policy affecting women, on par with the NCSC and NCST; and reports laid before Parliament that compel a formal government response.
• Grounds for caution: the NCSC's constitutional status has not by itself curbed atrocities — its powers remain largely recommendatory; the NCW's real constraints are weak investigative capacity, dependence on government staffing and politicised appointments; and gender justice ultimately turns on enforcement of the POSH Act, the Domestic Violence Act and socio-economic empowerment through education, work participation and property rights.

Constitutional status would raise the NCW's stature and insulation, but it must be paired with binding enforcement powers, an independent cadre and transparent appointments if status is to translate into justice.