MSCW calls for tackling workplace harassment
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 30 2025: Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and Thoubal district administration organised a one-day Orientation and Capacity/Skill Building Programme on 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013' at the Counting Hall of the Thoubal DC Office on Wednesday.

The programme was attended by MSCW chairperson Tiningpham Monsang as chief guest, and Thoubal additional district magistrate (ADM) Brahmacharimayum Lokeswor Sharma as president, while MSCW member secretary & additional director (IPR) W Phajatombi and member SK Sophiya Monsang were the guests of honour.

Speaking at the programme, W Phajatombi informed that the event was held as part of MSCW's ongoing awareness campaign on women harassment, being conducted across various offices.

She noted that all workplaces, whether in the public, private, or even household sectors, comprise both male and female employees, and emphasised that cases of harassment of women in the state are comparatively fewer than in other parts of the country.

Phajatombi further underscored the importance of establishing and empowering Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) in all offices to effectively address and prevent issues related to the harassment of women.

She stressed that any instance of harassment would be dealt with under the provisions of the Act which lays out clear mechanisms for redressal and penalties for such offences.

Chipping in, B Lokeshore pointed out that despite the enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, few complaints have been received through the She-Box portal from Thoubal district.

He raised concern on whether the low number of complaints is due to fewer cases of harassment or if it stems from a lack of awareness among women employees about the provisions of the Act and the mechanisms available to report such incidents.

He further stressed the need for constituting ICCs in every department to ensure effective handling of harassment cases in accordance with the provisions laid out under the Act.

On the other hand, Thumlip Tiningpham, in her speech, highlighted the commission's role in ensuring the welfare of women and addressing issues concerning their rights and safety.

She maintained that a workplace should be a safe and secure environment for women employees, and urged them to familiarise with the Act, which empowers them and to prevent and address harassment at the workplace.

A technical session on the topic 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013' was conducted by MSCW legal advisor advocate Thiyam Rajkishore, as part of the programme.

The event was also attended by MSCW member Chuongsin Koireng, members of Internal and Local Complaint Committees (ICC & LCC), officials of Thoubal district administration and others.

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