Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 4: It is mandatory for workplaces with more than 10 employees to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address sexual harassment of women, a top government official said.

Deputy director Usman of the Department of Women and Child Development clarified that the directive applies to government and private offices, factories and garment units, universities, and offices of organisations and institutions, and warned that failure to constitute the committee would be a violation of the law.

He said that each Internal Complaints Committee must be headed by a senior woman employee of the organisation as chairperson.

Additionally, two members who are committed to women’s development and social issues and possess legal knowledge should be appointed. At least half of the members must be women to ensure fair and sensitive handling of complaints.

Usman also emphasised that installation of a complaint box at every workplace is compulsory, allowing employees to report grievances confidentially and without fear.

He urged all institutions to implement these provisions immediately and ensure a safe and dignified working environment for women.