Sexual harassment of women at workplace not being reported, handled inappropriately: DSEK

Srinagar, Apr 17: Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has pulled up the subordinate officers for inappropriately handling the cases of sexual harassment of women in offices saying that the cases were not being reported to the competent authorities. In this regard, the DSEK has issued circular instructions that all cases of sexual harassment at the workplace must be promptly reported and referred to the appropriate District Level Committee constituted under the Act.

"Cases falling under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act shall be reported and handled in accordance with the legal provisions applicable under the said Act," the circular reads. As per the circular, DSEK has issued instructions that no inquiry shall be initiated or conducted by any officer or authority into such matters who is not duly empowered under the provisions of the relevant Acts.

The instructions have been issued after it came to fore that incidents of sexual harassment of women at the workplace were either not being reported at all or were being inappropriately handled by officers at District level without referring to the duly constituted District Level Sexual Harassment Complaint Committees. "This has led to procedural lapses and incomplete inquiry reports, undermining the seriousness and sanctity of the redressal of such cases," the circular reads.

In wake of this, the DSEK has reiterated and "strictly advised" that all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and the District Level Committees constituted under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, shall strictly adhere to the guidelines in place. "Ensure due process, confidentiality, and timelines in handling such complaints is of utmost importance. The instructions shall be observed without any breach," the circular reads. A copy of the circular has been sent to Chief Accounts Officer DSEK who is the Presiding Officer of the Divisional Level Committee on Sexual Harassment at Workplace. A copy has been also sent to the District Level Committees on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace "for information and necessary action."