Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Feb 9: District labour officer Kumar said has stressed that creation of an internal complaint committee and submission of the annual report to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces should be done as per the orders of the Supreme Court.

He was speaking after presiding over a programme held at the district panchayat auditorium on Tuesday in connection with Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2019.

"An internal complaint committee is mandatory in offices or industries where more than 10 staff members are employed. Women should be allowed to work in a free environment. Rs 50,000 fine will be charged in case of failures," he said.

"The labour officers should be informed during their visits to private offices and factories about the internal complaint committee. Every year in December, sexual harassment complaints should be submitted to the women and children welfare department and the labour department n the stipulated format," said Kumar.

"Workers in the unorganized sector also are coming under its purview. The committee should have at least 50 per cent of members as women. A complaint in writing should be submitted by the victim within three months after the incident. A meeting should be held in case of complaints. The accused will receive rigorous punishment between one to three years of jail time in case the guilt is proved," he said.

Women and children welfare department deputy director Sheshappa, labour inspector Pravin Kumar, Prasanna Kumar and Udupi taluk private offices representatives were present.