NCW Chief Flags Sexist OTT Content, Calls For Responsible Portrayal Of Women

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has said that freedom of expression cannot be used as an excuse to demean women, stressing that their dignity and respect must be upheld across OTT and other entertainment platforms. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Rahatkar said freedom of expression was important but did not give anyone the liberty to hurt others or violate their rights.

"Anyone who wants to express an opinion or communicate something must always keep women's dignity and respect in mind. If that does not happen, it is wrong. Such behaviour should not be allowed on any platform," she said.

Highlighting concerns over the portrayal of violence, domestic violence and drug use on streaming platforms, Rahatkar said the NCW recently organised a two-day consultation in Dehradun to discuss the issue.

The October 30-31 programme, titled 'Yuva Samwaad – Mock NCW Advisory Committee', was organised in association with Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), with participation from over 20 states. Young representatives from more than 100 organisations shared their views on the portrayal of women in digital media.

Participants called for a strong regulatory mechanism for OTT platforms, including clear definitions of vulgarity and obscenity under IT Rules, content screening and swift removal of objectionable material.

Other recommendations included annual platform ratings, heavy penalties for exploitative content, mandatory trigger warnings, stronger parental controls and restrictions on unnecessary explicit scenes. Delegates also sought transparent contracts for female actors and safeguards against casting couch practices.

The NCW has previously intervened over allegedly objectionable content, taking suo motu cognisance of songs 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' and 'Tateeree' in March. In June, it summoned comedian Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra over alleged remarks during a Gurugram show.

Rahatkar said entertainment should never come at the cost of women's dignity, adding that the commission was working to create awareness and encourage responsible content.