Dimapur officials push for stronger implementation of workplace harassment law

Litsenthung Kikon, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Dimapur, acknowledged that workplace sexual harassment cases in Naga society often go unreported due to discomfort and lack of awareness. However, he noted that significant progress has been made in implementing the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 at the district level.

He was speaking at a sensitization programme held by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, on Monday, discussing the implementation of the Act.

Kikon informed that letters have been sent to departments urging them to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to monitor and address cases of sexual harassment in the workplace.

He explained that the ICC must be headed by a woman, with at least half of its three additional members being women. The committee members will serve a tenure of three years from the date of their nomination.

While the Act was passed in 2013, its implementation in the region is still in its early stages, Kikon stated. However, efforts such as this sensitization programme mark an important step in enforcing the law and educating employees about their rights.

Speaking on the issue, Moanenla Yaden, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Dimapur, Elizabeth Humtsoe, Lecturer at City Law College, Dimapur, and Alomi Sumi, Child Helpline project coordinator, pointed out that many women remain unaware of their rights under the Act.

“Unless we educate them about their rights, they will not know how to seek justice,” they stated, stressing the need for greater awareness and education to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.

The speakers elaborated that the Act defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexually defined behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. It applies to both organized and unorganized sectors, covering government offices, private and public sector organizations, NGOs, and other institutions. The Act addresses a broad range of misconduct, including physical contact, sexually suggestive remarks, demands for sexual favors, and displaying pornography.

They called for strict enforcement of the law and regular awareness programs to empower women to report cases of harassment without fear.

MT