Latest news with #Vishaka
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Internal probe panels missing in several TN government colleges amid rise in harassment complaints across country
MADURAI: Amid increasing complaints of sexual harassment of women in workplaces and educational institutions across the country, at least 46 of the 180 government arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu have failed to set up an 'Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)', which is mandatory under the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace) Act of 2013. As per the law designed to protect women from sexual harassment, all workplaces, both public and private, must establish ICCs to address complaints and take steps to prevent sexual harassment of women. Of the 193 institutes (13 state-run universities and 180 government colleges) to which RTI queries were sent on the working of 'Vishaka Committees', only 80 colleges have sent their replies. Thirty-four colleges said they have ICC panels, but only nine of them shared details about these committees. None of the government universities responded to the RTI query. The state government, in September 2024, had directed all higher education institutions to ensure compliance with the POSH Act, and take proactive measures to tackle drug menace on campuses, but the RTI reply revealed that colleges have failed to comply with the order. When contacted by TNIE, P Shankar, Principal Secretary of Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department, said that it is mandatory to form ICC in educational institutions, and promised to take necessary steps to ensure compliance.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- The Hindu
Judiciary and the police urged to protect identities of sexual assault victims
Judges and police officers should protect the identities of sexual assault victims and provide them with the support they need, said Madras High Court Judge M. Dhandapani in Coimbatore city on Saturday. Speaking at an awareness programme on gender sensitisation and the elimination of violence against women, organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DSLA), Coimbatore, Justice Dhandapani said the judiciary and law enforcement must ensure the confidentiality of victims, calling it a social responsibility. He said leaking of victims' identities often makes their future uncertain. Only about 10% of women-related problems reach the courts in India, as fear of stigma and concerns over their daughters' future discourage many parents from reporting the cases. Highlighting gaps in justice delivery, he said that only well-established factories, industries, and companies have internal complaints committees under the Vishaka guidelines, leaving domestic workers and others without proper mechanisms. It is the duty of courts and police to ensure that every victim receives justice. The speakers discussed at the event cyber crimes against women under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act), types of workplace harassment and grievance mechanisms, challenges faced by junior advocates and interns, and the duties of Bar Associations under the Act. They also spoke on the role of men and women in creating a healthy work environment. An awareness short film produced by the Coimbatore district court staff was released.
