Chief secy directs implementation of POSH Act
The move comes in the wake of the tragic death of a college student in Balasore. In a letter addressed to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, commissioner-cum-secretaries, regional development commissioners and collectors, Ahuja stressed the critical importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for women in educational institutions and workplaces.
The key directives include the mandatory constitution of internal committees (IC)s in institutions with 10 or more employees, monthly IC meetings for the next six months, followed by quarterly meetings, and the prominent display of grievance redressal mechanisms, including the She-Box portal.
Besides, the directives of the chief secretary also stressed regular awareness and capacity-building sessions for staff and students in the institutions and departments, along with strict monitoring and accountability measures for institutional heads.
All departments are required to submit a compliance report to the women and child development department within 15 days, the directive said.
The chief secretary made it clear that heads of institutions will be held personally responsible for implementing the POSH Act and protecting complainants from retaliation. District administrations have been instructed to conduct regular inspections and ensure compliance through status reports.
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