As enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India, “equality of status and opportunity“ must be secured for all its citizens; equality of every person under the law is guaranteed by Article 14 of the Constitution. A safe workplace is therefore a women’s legal right. Sexual harassment constitutes a gross violation of women’s right to equality and dignity.

“Sexual Harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) namely:-

1. Physical contact and advances; or
2. a demand or request for sexual favours; or

• making sexually coloured remarks; or

1. showing pornography; or
2. any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

Sexual harassment at the workplace not only violates fundamental rights, but also stands  as a significant barrier to gender equality and professional advancement of women. It diminishes both individuals dignity, and the integrity of the workplace. It affects everyone. It creates an atmosphere that impedes employee’s ability to perform.

The Government of India has enacted the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 with the objective to create a safe and secure workplace for women free from sexual harassment.

It is our collective responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces for all.

Internal Committee (IC) for Sexual Harassments

Composition of Internal Committee (IC)

Complaint Procedure:

i)  Complaint regarding sexual harassment of women at workplace can be submitted either in written form to the Presiding Officer or any member of Internal Committee (IC) in the following address or by sending email at    E-mail: [email protected]

               Address  :   The Presiding Officer ,

                      Internal Committee (IC),

                      Parala  Maharaja Engineering College,

                      Sitalapalli, Berhampur - 761003

                      Dist - Ganjam

       The complaint should be submitted within three months from the date of the incident or, in case of series of incidents, within a period of three months from the date of last incident. If the aggrieved women is unable to make a complaint on account of her physical and mental incapacity, a complaint can be lodged by complainant‘s friend, complainant‘s relative, co-worker, officer of National Commission for Women (NCW) or State Commission for Women (SCW), or any person who has knowledge of the incident with the written consent of the complainant.  In case complainant’s death any person having knowledge of the incident with written consent of her legal heir can file a complaint.  In case complainant is unable to file the complaint for any other reason, any person who has knowledge of the incident may also file a complaint with the written consent of the aggrieved party.

ii)   SHe-Box : Complaints can be filed in the SHe-Box Portal. SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment electronic Box) Portal of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India facilitates the registration of complaints related to sexual harassment at the workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Online Sexual Harassment Complaint System (SHe-Box) (www.shebox.wcd.gov.in)

Materials:

Activities: