Team Herald
MARGAO: South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus on Wednesday instructed all concerned educational institutions in the district, including government-aided schools, higher secondary institutions and colleges in to immediately constitute internal complaint committees to address complaints regarding sexual harassment at the workplace.
The directive follows reports that several organisations and departments in the district have failed to establish such committees, which is mandatory to address complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The failure to do so has led to concerns that women may be left without a proper forum for reporting and addressing instances of sexual harassment at their workplaces.
Reacting to the District Collector’s orders, local citizens have urged the authorities to take the matter seriously and ensure strict compliance with the directive.
“We are hearing about several cases of sexual harassment at the workplace. However, without the necessary committees in place, justice is often denied to the victims,” said Premanand Gaonkar, a concerned local resident.
He emphasised that not just educational institutions, but also several government departments are yet to establish the required committees.
Suvarna Naik, a resident of Margao, highlighted that many victims of sexual harassment hesitate to come forward with complaints due to fears of losing their jobs.
“It is high time that the directions issued by the District Collector are implemented with seriousness,” she said.
Citizens have called on the District Collector to take appropriate action if the institutions fail to adhere to the orders, ensuring that women can work in a safe and secure environment.