Odisha Government Orders Colleges to Form Safety Committees by September 2024
The state government of Odisha has directed all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to establish Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) to ensure a safe and secure environment for both employees and students. The government has asked all institutions to complete the formation of these committees by September 30, 2024, and submit a compliance report to the Department.
This move is in line with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. In an official communication, the Higher Education Department stressed the importance of complying with the provisions of the Act. The government notice stated that every institution must form an ICC as per Section 4 of the law. These committees are essential for handling grievances related to sexual harassment and for fostering a positive and respectful environment in the workplace.
The notice read, “In light of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, it is imperative for all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to ensure a safe and secure environment for their employees and students. To meet the statutory obligations under this Act, each institution is required to constitute an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) as per Section 4 of the above Act.”
The memo has been forwarded to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Vice Chancellors of various educational institutes in the state, and other regional directors of education for further action.
Doubts Revealed
Odisha -: Odisha is a state in eastern India, known for its rich culture and history.
Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) -: Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are colleges and universities where students go after finishing school to get advanced education.
Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) -: Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) are groups set up within colleges to handle complaints, especially about sexual harassment, to make sure everyone feels safe.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 -: This is a law in India made in 2013 to protect women from being treated badly or unfairly at their workplace.
Higher Education Department -: This is a part of the government that looks after colleges and universities, making sure they run properly and safely.
Compliance reports -: These are documents that colleges must send to the government to show they are following the rules and have set up the safety committees.