Shimla: Himachal Pradesh director general of police (DGP) Ashok Tewari on Monday ordered a comprehensive audit to ensure strict implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) across the state.The directive mandates completion of the review within 15 days across all police units and establishments in the state, in a step to ensure a safe, dignified, and harassment-free workplace for women.Last week, an alleged sexual harassment case surfaced at the Himachal Pradesh Police Training College, Daroh, in Kangra district. A newly recruited woman constable accused an instructor of sending her objectionable messages. Deputy inspector general of police (DIG, Northern Range) Soumya Sambasivan, also the college principal, suspended the instructor immediately and ordered an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) inquiry.Now, the audit ordered by the DGP will examine whether ICCs are properly constituted in all eligible offices and whether they are functioning effectively. Authorities will also assess adherence to mandatory procedures, maintenance of complaint records, timely completion of inquiries, awareness initiatives for personnel, and compliance with statutory reporting obligations.Superintendents of police (SPs) and circle officers (COs) were instructed to personally oversee the process and submit detailed compliance reports to police headquarters within the stipulated period. Any deficiencies in the constitution or functioning of ICCs must be rectified immediately. The department warned of strict action in cases of negligence, concealment of information, or failure to implement corrective measures. MSID:: 128945592 413 |
