Urges for Internal Complaints Committees for grievance redressal
Kohima, March 31 (MExN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) has strongly condemned the alleged molestation of a 21-year-old salesperson by an employee of a gas station in Kohima on March 27.
Terming the incident appalling, the Commission stated that it underscores the persistent threats to women's safety in workplaces, including in the private sector.
“This incident exposes serious lapses in security and the failure to ensure a safe working environment for women across the State,” the NSCW asserted in a statement issued by its Chairperson, W Nginyeih Konyak.
The Commission also highlighted that despite repeated reminders regarding the Supreme Court's directives on implementing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, such cases remain prevalent in Nagaland.
In this regard, the NSCW issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, both in the government and private sectors, to strictly adhere to the Act’s directives, particularly in establishing Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) and appointing Grievance Redressal Officers to address such issues promptly.
The Commission emphasised that the absence of proper redressal mechanisms contributes to the continued vulnerability of women at workplaces and reiterated that every organisation must set up an ICC to handle complaints efficiently and sensitively.
“It is unacceptable that women and girls continue to face such dangers while pursuing their education and careers,” the NSCW asserted.
Accordingly, it demanded a swift and thorough investigation, strict punishment for the perpetrator, and immediate measures to enhance workplace safety in both the government and private sectors.
“Women’s safety must be prioritised, and such crimes must not go unpunished,” it added.
Meanwhile, the NSCW urged State-Level and District Local Committees to ensure the formation of ICCs under the supervision of the District Administration, particularly for the unorganised sector, to ensure compliance with the law and provide a safe working environment for women.
It further stressed the need for regular monitoring and training to ensure that grievance redressal mechanisms function effectively.
