Sexual harassment cases on the rise at workplaces

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Women Commission member K Srivani stressed the need for effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in the state.

In the wake of sexual harassment cases being increased day-by-day, it is high time to implement the act strictly at all workplaces in the state, she added.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Srivani said according to the constitution, the women are having several fundamental rights, but while implementing the rights and acts, there are several issues being raised in the society.

The sexual harassment cases are increasing at all the workplaces, particularly in IT companies. Due to poor implementation of the Act, the number of cases have been increased in IT sector, she pointed out.

As per the Act, at every workplace where 10 and more women are working, an internal complaint cell should be set up and the cell must register all the complaints. But, majority of IT companies are not following the act, she lamented. One of the senior woman employee, two women employees and a woman social worker must be deputed in the cell, she added.

If, less than 10 women employees working at a workplace, they must file their complaints to local complaint cell set up by district collector of concerned district. The Women Commission is directing all the companies to immediately set up those committees without further delay, Srivani said.

District Legal Services Authority member C Umadevi and One Stop Centre Administrator Padmavathi and District Child Protection Officer Satyanarayana were present.