NTA reiterates sexual harassment prevention guidelines amid Kolkata rape-murder case protests

NEW DELHI: Amid protests against Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, the National Testing Agency has reiterated the guidelines for the prevention of sexual harassment of women at workplace along with the information about the internal complaint committee. NTA also shared the role of the committee.

As shared by the testing agency for the public interest, the main provisions of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 (Act 14, 2023) are as follows:

1. Sexual harassment

1.1 “Sexual harassment” includes one or more of the following unbecoming acts or conduct (whether direct or indirect), such as:

(a) physical contact and molestation, or

(b) demand or solicitation for sexual favors: or

(c) making obscene remarks; or

(d) showing obscene pictures/literature; or

(e) Any other indecent physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of obscene sexual nature.

1.2 It should be noted here that the appropriate definition of 'sexual harassment' is not comprehensive. Depending on the context and circumstances, any other act may amount to sexual harassment.

1.3 Any of the following circumstances, along with others, may constitute sexual harassment depending on the context and circumstances, if any of the following acts or behavior are connected to or related to sexual conduct:

(a) directly or indirectly promising favorable treatment in the course of employment or work; or

(b) directly or indirectly promising harmful treatment in the course of employment or work, or

(c) to cause direct or indirect intimidation as to present or future conditions of employment or work; or

(d) creating interference or threatening women in their employment or work or creating a humiliating or hostile work environment,

(e) Unlawful conduct affecting the health or safety of women.

Also read Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: Health ministry to form panel on safety measures for healthcare professionals

Internal complaints committee members, role

The members of the internal complaints committee at the headquarters include Sadhna Parashar as the chairman; Shuchi Roy, Moushumi Sarkar, Sunita Kaundal as members; and Mohit Shamo as the member secretary; as well as NGO members.

The provisions of the ICC are as follows:

• Any woman who is a victim of sexual harassment can make a written complaint to the internal complaints committee within a period of three months from the date of incident.
• In case of special circumstances such as physical or mental disability or death of the victimized woman, her legal heir or any other authorized person can file a complaint on behalf of the victimized woman.
• On the request of the aggrieved woman, the complaint committee may take steps to settle the matter by mutual agreement. In such a case, further investigation may be initiated.
• However, in cases where the terms and conditions of the settlement are not being complied with by the respondent, investigation proceedings may be initiated.
• The internal complaints committee can also conduct investigation in those cases in which the terms and conditions of the settlement through conciliation have not been complied with by the respondent.