To prevent aggrieved women from being victimised in cases of sexual
harassment at work places, the Centre has taken strong measures. It has
asked all the ministries and departments to ensure that they are not
posted under the accused or any other person where she may be subjected
to harassment.
In proven cases of sexual harassment, for a period of five years, a
watch should be kept to ensure that the victim is not subjected to
vendetta, directs Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
“It should be ensured that the aggrieved women are not victimised in
connection with the complaints filed by them. In case of any
victimisation, the complainant may submit a representation to the
Secretary in the case of Ministries or Departments and Head of the
Organisation in other cases,” the DoPT order said.
The order also mentioned that representations should be dealt with
sensitivity, in consultation with the complaints committees, ministries
or departments and heads of the departments. It also says that a
decision should be taken within 15 days of the submission.
The order came following a meeting of Minister of Women and Child
Development with the DoPT where concerns were raised over undue delay in
completion of inquiries in such cases.
“Any inquiry in cases of sexual harassment of women at the work place
should be completed within one month and no probe should take more than
90 days, the permissible time limit prescribed under the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Act, 2013” it said.
The Ministries and Departments have been directed to include
information related to the number of such cases and their disposal in
their annual reports.
They have also been directed to furnish the details of number of
complaints received, disposed and action taken in a monthly report to
the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Sources @ http://everylifecounts.ndtv.com/ensure-aggrieved-women-not-victimised-government-takes-steps-curb-sexual-harassment-workplace-8326?fb
