MSCW conducts sensitisation on Sexual Harassment Act in Kakching
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO-IPR

Kakching, February 13 2026: The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in collaboration with the District Administration Kakching, organised a sensitization program on "The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013" at the Conference Hall of Kakching Municipal council today.

The programme was attended by Th Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of MSCW; Priyadarshini Laishram, SP Kakching; W Phajatombi, Member Secretary, MSCW and Additional Director (IPR); SK Sophia Moyon, Member MSCW; and P Shantikumar, MCS; among others as dignitaries.

MSCW conducts sensitisation on Sexual Harassment Act in Kakching

Speaking on the occasion, Th Tiningpham Monsang stated that the Commission has been constituted to work for the welfare of women, address complaints and ensure enforcement of legal safeguards meant for their protection.

She said the primary objective of the programme was to sensitise the Presiding Officers and members about their roles and responsibilities under the Act and stressed the need for proper awareness to ensure effective implementation.

She further stated that the Act has been enacted to safeguard women at workplaces and to create an environment where they could carry out their professional duties with a sense of security and dignity.

SP Priyadarshini Laishram underlined the significance of the Act as a comprehensive legal mechanism for both prevention and redressal of workplace sexual harassment.

She observed that while some sections of society are aware of the complaint procedures, many remain uninformed, and lauded MSCW for organising awareness programmes.

ADM P Shantikumar Singh urged Presiding Officers and Committee members to utilise the programme to better understand their statutory duties.

Stressing the importance of gender equality, he noted that the Act ensures women can work without fear or intimidation.

Member Secretary, Waikhom Phajatombi said that, in line with Supreme Court directions, every office must constitute an Internal Committee to address complaints of sexual harassment.

She added that MSCW has been conducting awareness programmes across both hill and valley districts to strengthen implementation of the law.

Resource person Soraisam Devajani, Advocate, elaborated on the complaint and inquiry procedures under the Act.

She informed that complaints must be filed within three months of the incident, and that the Internal Committee or Local Committee must conduct a fair and impartial inquiry, ensuring confidentiality of proceedings.

She further stated that the inquiry must be completed within 90 days, with provisions for limited extension.

The respondent is required to submit a reply within 10 working days of receiving notice.

Upon completion of the inquiry, the committee shall submit its findings and recommendations to the employer, who must implement them within 60 days.

Provision for appeal within 90 days is also available to either party.

A Q&A session was also held during the programme, allowing participants to seek clarifications.

The programme was attended by District Level Officers, officials of the District Administration Kakching, among others.