Authorities told to form Internal Complaint Committees to tackle sexual harassment at workplace in Karnataka

State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary speaking at a review meeting in the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bidar.
| Photo Credit: GOPICHAND T.

State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary has called upon the government of Karnataka and authorities to form internal complaints committees (ICCs) to look into complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace, and take constructive measures to spread awareness about them.

Speaking at a review meeting in the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bidar on March 6, she made it clear that formation of such committees is mandatory as per provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).

“For offices having more than 10 employees, it is mandatory to form an ICC. The Supreme Court and High Court have already passed orders in this respect. By forming the committee, we can reduce instances of harassment of women considerably at workplaces. The officials need to undertake constructive campaigns to spread awareness about it. The officials in the department of women and child development have a greater role to play,” she said.

Taking two Social Welfare and Minority Welfare officers to task for being absent during her visit to Aurad, Ms. Choudhary directed them to take measures to address the serious problems that nomadic tribes are facing.

“The nomadic tribes are living in miserable conditions for the last 40 years in Aurad. Their issues should be addressed on priority basis. The Deputy Commissioner should take measures to ensure that the tribal community members get heath facilities and their children get education. The drinking water tank at Aurad government hospital needs to be cleaned,” she said and directed the health officers concerned to submit an action-taken report within a week.

Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Badole, Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti, Deputy Director of Social Welfare  Sindhu S., Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Sridhar, District Child Protection Officer Gururaj, Director of Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences Shivakumar Shetagar, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Jnaneshwar Nirugade and other senior officers were present.