Bishnupur: The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in collaboration with the District Administration Bishnupur, today organised a one day sensitization programme on “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur.
The programme chaired by Th. Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson, MSCW was attended by W. Phajatombi, Member Secretary, MSCW and Additional Director, DIPR; Sk. Sophia, Member, MSCW; Sh. Gunamani, AC to DC Bishnupur; S. Tryphena Reikhenamai, SDPO Bishnupur; along with District Level Officers and members of the Internal Committees of various offices and Local Committee.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Th. Tiningpham Monsang stated that the Manipur State Commission for Women has been constituted to work for the welfare and empowerment of women, address complaints, and ensure enforcement of legal safeguards meant for protection. She said the main objective of the programme is to make Presiding Officers and members of Internal and Local Committees aware of their roles and responsibilities under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and stressed the importance of proper awareness for effective implementation.
She further stated that the Act aims to safeguard women at workplaces and create a safe and dignified working environment. Clarifying misconceptions, she said the Act is not against men but is meant to ensure women’s safety and protection. She also informed that the Social Welfare Department runs a 24×7 Women’s Helpline (toll-free number 181) to provide assistance and support.
Member Secretary. Waikhom Phajatombi (MCS), Additional Director of DIPR, in her keynote address stated that the Act aims to protect women and uphold their dignity at the workplace. She said the law provides a proper system to address complaints and empowers the Committee to function effectively in safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring a safe working environment.
She further informed that the Manipur State Commission for Women has conducted sensitization programme in all the hill and valley districts of the state. The sensitisation programme aims to strengthen understanding and ensure proper implementation of the law. She appealed to all to support the Commission in creating a safer and more respectful workplace for women and wished a peaceful working environment for everyone.
Thiyam Rajkishore, Advocate, attended the programme as resource person and elaborated on the complaint procedures under the Act. He informed that a complaint should be filed within three months from the date of the incident of sexual harassment, or within three months from the date of the last incident in case of a series of incidents.
He also explained that the Internal Committee shall conduct an inquiry in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring that both the complainant and the respondent are given an opportunity to present their case and provide evidence. He emphasised that the Act mandates strict confidentiality regarding the proceedings of the inquiry and the identity of the parties involved.
Later, the members of the committees also interacted with the resource person and sought clarification on various aspects of the Act.
The programme was also attended by District Level Officers, officials of the District Administration Bishnupur, and members of Local Committee and Internal Committees from various departments.
