Jammu, Nov 16, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has reviewed the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, directing all District Magistrates to ensure full compliance with the law across government and private establishments.
According to the document circulated to district administrations, Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to verify the constitution, functioning and visibility of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in every department, educational institution, autonomous body, public sector unit and privately registered organisation operating within their jurisdiction.
The guidelines emphasise that every office must display the names and contact details of ICC members prominently, ensure that complaint mechanisms are accessible to all women employees and maintain confidentiality in all proceedings. District Officers have also been told to conduct awareness drives, training sessions and orientation programmes to educate employees about their rights and responsibilities under the Act.
The instructions, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust further stress that quarterly reports on the working of ICCs should be compiled and submitted, outlining the number of complaints received, disposed of, pending and the nature of action taken. The role of District Magistrates includes monitoring compliance, identifying lapses and ensuring corrective measures wherever committees are missing or inactive.
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Officials said the renewed emphasis on implementation follows concerns that many organisations had not fully operationalised ICCs despite statutory requirements. The administration has clarified that non-compliance with the Act attracts penalties, including fines and possible cancellation of licences for private entities.
They said the directives aim to strengthen workplace safety for women and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to providing a harassment-free environment across Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
