Monthly report sought on sexual harassment at workplace

In a major initiative to ensure speedy justice to working women, all the offices under the Central government have been directed to submit monthly progress report on each and every case pending under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace. The ministries of the Central government shall have to include a separate chapter on sexual harassment at workplace in their annual report as well.

“The inquiry regarding the complaint of sexual harassment at workplace must be completed within 30 days and under any circumstances within 90 days from the date of the complaint,” said the new guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. 

“We will hold further consultations to see if there are any other areas which need to be looked into. The WCD Ministry will be coming out with a comprehensive plan to train the heads of Internal Complaint Committee under the ministries and department of the Central government,” said Maneka Gandhi. 

As per the new guidelines, brief details of the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013 including the number of cases received and disposed shall form a part of the Annual Report of all the ministries, departments and authorities. 

“If a woman feels victimisation, she has a right to send representation directly to the secretary or head of the organisation. The concerned authority will be required to dispose of her complaint within 15 days,” she added.