Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: Odisha govt directed heads of all higher educational institutions (HEIs) to ensure a safe and secure environment for their employees and students, following complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.

The Higher Education Department directed to form the Internal Complaint Committee (IIC) and  submit compliance report by 30 September.

In a letter to the registrar, principals of all state public, private and deemed to be universities, government, non government degree colleges and government teacher education institutions, the Higher Education Department directed to form the Internal Complaint Committee (IIC) and  submit compliance report by 30 September.

“Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, it is imperative for all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to ensure a safe and secure environment for their employees and students,” read the notification.

“To meet the statutory obligations under this Act, each institution is required to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) as per Section 4 of the above Act. The ICC is crucial for addressing grievances related to sexual harassment and fostering a positive and respectful workplace. Therefore, you are requested to form the Internal Complaint Committee at the HEI Level and submit compliance to this Department by 30.9.2024 positively,” read the notification issued by the Higher Education Department.

This decision taken after a girl student of Utkal University lodged a complaint against sexual harrassment at college premises.

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