TV
Following complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace coming to the fore in some universities recently, the Higher Education Department on Monday asked heads of all higher educational institutions (HEIs) to ensure a safe and secure environment for their employees and students.
In a letter to the registrar, principals of all state public, private and deemed to be universities, government, non government degree colleges and government teacher education institutions, the Higher Education Department directed to form the Internal Complaint Committee (IIC) and submit compliance report by 30 September.
“...Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, it is imperative for all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to ensure a safe and secure environment for their employees and students,” read the notification issued by the Higher Education Department.
“To meet the statutory obligations under this Act, each institution is required to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) as per Section 4 of the above Act. The ICC is crucial for addressing grievances related to sexual harassment and fostering a positive and respectful workplace. Therefore, you are requested to form the Internal Complaint Committee at the HEI Level and submit compliance to this Department by 30.9.2024 positively,” the notification further read.
Notably, some universities and colleges in the state do not have Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) regarding the sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
