Latest news with #VishakhaCommittee
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
Nashik ZP initiates POSH training in district
Nashik: After multiple complaints of sexual harassment against senior zilla parishad (ZP) officials, the administration has initiated prevention of sexual harassment (POSH) training of employees at the taluka level across Nashik district. Under this, ZP employees will be sensitized and educated about what constitutes sexual harassment, its prevention and reporting procedure within the workplace. The idea is to provide for a better and safer environment. Chief executive officer Ashima Mittal, stated that the training is to ensure women come forward and register complaints. "The POSH Act is very strong and provides opportunities to women to present their cases if they feel they are being harassed and abused at the workplace. Many still don't find the courage to speak up against the injustice, and hence the sensitisation workshops are being conducted across all the offices of the zilla parishad," said the CEO. Three cases were filed in the Nashik ZP where senior officials were accused of sexually harassing their subordinates. Following these accusations, state govt suspended one official and the other two were sent on forced leave. The Vishakha Committee had already initiated an investigation which is now complete. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This New AC Cooler Cools the Room In Seconds Coldeez Cooling Ace Undo "The training will give them the necessary information and also the courage to ensure they or their colleagues are heard and do not face any injustice at the workplace for raising their voice. This is not a crime," the CEO added. There are instances when women have no idea about the POSH Act, or even the Vishakha Committee mandated by state govt, where they are heard with identities concealed. "The men and women both need to understand what the POSH Act means and what is defined as harassment. The Vishakha Committee that receives the complaints has to go through each of the complaints and present the report to the govt. The exercise will help bring out the cases of harassment, if any, to the fore," a senior official said.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Time of India
NCW seeks report on alleged exploitation of women staffers by senior Nashik ZP officer
Nashik: The National Commission for Women (NCW), in a suo motu action, has sought a detailed report regarding allegations of exploitation of female employees by a senior officer in Nashik Zilla Parishad. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NCW took note of complaints filed with Nashik ZP CEO Ashima Mittal, who had set up a Vishakha Committee to investigate the allegations against the senior officer heading one of the departments. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has directed the principal secretary, rural development department and state Panchayat Raj to take immediate action against the accused, initiate legal proceedings under the POSH Act, and ensure protection for the women. She also asked for an action-taken report within three days, stated a post put out on the official NCW handle on X. ZP CEO Ashima Mittal said, "NCW has sought the report from the state, and Nashik ZP will provide all the details sought by state govt." The ZP CEO received an anonymous complaint stating that 30 women were allegedly physically and mentally harassed by the officer concerned who would keep them waiting for hours together. "We received the complaint and formed the Vishakha Committee in Nashik ZP to start the inquiry into the incident. The committee has a period of 90 days to complete the inquiry and submit its detailed report. We will give time to the women to make their statements, claims and provide evidence as required before the committee, which will look into all aspects before taking any decision. We will take into account the committee's report before initiating any action," the officer said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The officer claimed of receiving a pen drive and a letter indicating the harassment of 30 women in the ZP. The pen drive allegedly contained some material to substantiate the claim, and all this is now being investigated by the Vishakha Committee. The officer concerned has been sent on compulsory leave, the officer added.
