Dr Shailesh calls for more women in workforce
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 03 2025: Commissioner (Power) Dr Shailesh Kumar Chourasia has underscored the need to empower women by encouraging their participation in the workforce, advocating for economic contribution over being confined to domestic roles and disguised unemployment.

The commissioner was speaking at the sensitisation programme on "Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013" organised by Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) at the conference hall of SLDC, Yurembam, Imphal on Thursday.

Dr Shailesh calls for more women in workforce

Dr Shailesh asserted that sexual harassment remains a significant barrier preventing women from entering the workforce, openly participating in workplaces, and pursuing employment opportunities.

He noted that the participation rate of women in jobs and economic activities in Manipur remains considerably lower compared to other regions.

He highlighted the importance of Vishaka Guidelines, established by the Supreme Court to address sexual harassment at the workplace and urged everyone to familiarise themselves with the guidelines.

Stressing the need to raise awareness, he emphasised that knowing one's rights is crucial.

Speaking at the programme, Centre for Women Development, Elangbam Leikai president Ningthoujam Jeevanmala Devi highlighted the pivotal roles played by women's NGOs in addressing issues such as crimes, violence and atrocities against women, and also child welfare.

She shed light on the violations of women's rights in various regions, including remote areas, and the challenges they faced in ensuring justice due to the lack of authoritative power.

She stressed the vital role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), mandated under the Act, in workplaces and exuded belief that its establishment would not only ensure effective grievance redressal but also help in empowering women.

Taking part in the event, special secretary (Power) Yumnam Robita asserted that victims should not wait until a situation escalates before reporting incident and stated that harassment must be addressed at the earliest instance.

With women forming the majority of the workforce, she urged that complaints be made responsibly and without fear of judgment.

She opined that holding back due to fear of societal perception will only allow harassment to persist and worsen, and encouraged victims to speak up.

She further cautioned against misuse of the Act, stating that while it empowers victims, false complaints can undermine its purpose.

Acknowledging the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in ensuring a fair and thorough inquiry process to prevent injustice to any party involved, she extolled the external members of the ICC, for reinforcing the committee's credibility as impartial observers.

Dhanamanjuri University Assistant Professor of Law N Brajakanta Singh also gave a presentation on "Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace".

Additionally, MSPCL has reconstituted its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 comprising five members.

MSPCL executive director (G&C) N Jasobanta Singh, executive director (F&A) M Rubina Devi, executive director (HR) Orjubala Haorungbam, deputy general manager (HR) Khundrakpam Margaret, and manager (IT), HR Laishram Richard Singh, along with many staff of MSPCL attended the programme.