Sunday, 08 October 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
In light of the escalating incidents of eve teasing and alleged crimes against women, the chairperson of Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW), Kusum Kandwal has directed the departments to establish Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs). Various local residents have opined that having an ICC in their respective offices and departments would enable them to work with a greater sense of freedom.
Commenting on the establishment of ICC, Kandwal said, “The number of cases involving crimes and eve teasing has shown a significant increase in the State. In view of this, I have recently instructed all departments to establish ICCs. Further, I would recommend that both government and private offices should form ICCs. The establishment of such committees will provide a valuable support system for women working in the respective offices.”
She further said that women have the freedom to raise their concerns and report any issue they face while working to the ICC. She emphasised the importance of having a lawyer and a member from a non-governmental organisation on the committee when establishing an ICC. Kandwal also stated that strict action will be taken against offices or departments that do not have an ICC.
A local resident working in a software company Manisha Nagpal said that the presence of an ICC at the office will provide moral support to women and create a work environment where they can work freely and without any tension. Additionally, it will facilitate easy access for women to file complaints regarding any misconduct during office hours, she added.
Another local resident Sanjana Pal said, “The directive issued by the USCW is a step in the right direction and it is important for private offices to also establish ICC. It is hoped that having ICC in every office will help reduce cases of eve teasing, bullying and sexual harassment faced by women in the workplace.”
