The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body established in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Its primary objective is to safeguard the rights and legal entitlements of women in India and to promote their empowerment. It acts as a watchdog body, ensuring that the constitutional and legal provisions for women are effectively implemented.

Structure of the NCW:

1. Chairperson: A person committed to the cause of women, nominated by the Central Government.
2. Five Members: Nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity, and standing who have experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry or organization committed to increasing the employment potential of women, women's voluntary organizations (including women activists), administration, economic development, health, education, or social welfare.
3. Member Secretary: An officer of the Central Government or an officer of an All India Service or Union Civil Service, holding an appropriate post, nominated by the Central Government. He/she is responsible for the administration of the Commission.

The Chairperson and members hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Functions of the NCW:

1. Investigation and Examination: Investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws.
2. Review of Laws: Review existing laws concerning women and recommend amendments to make them more effective.
3. Remedial Legislative Measures: Suggest remedial legislative measures to address any lacunae, inadequacies, or shortcomings in existing laws.
4. Complaints and Suo Motu Inquiry: Take up cases of violation of women's rights, either on its own initiative (suo motu) or on receipt of complaints, and recommend appropriate action.
5. Special Studies/Investigations: Conduct special studies or investigations into specific problems or situations arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women and identify the constraints that impede their development.
6. Research: Undertake promotional and educational research to suggest ways of ensuring due representation of women in all spheres and identify factors responsible for impeding their advancement.
7. Inspection of Jails/Custodial Homes: Inspect jails, remand homes, women's institutions, or other places of custody where women are kept, and recommend reforms for their rehabilitation.
8. Funding and Litigation: Advise the Central Government on the planning process of socio-economic development of women and evaluate the progress of their development. It can also fund litigation involving issues affecting a large body of women.
9. Reporting: Present reports to the Central Government annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, on the working of those safeguards.

In essence, the NCW serves as a crucial institutional mechanism for advocating for women's rights, monitoring the implementation of women-centric laws, and recommending policy changes to ensure gender equality and justice in India.