Mon Mar 10 05:46:13 UTC 2025: **Karnataka Official Urges Mandatory Workplace Harassment Committees**
Bidar, Karnataka – March 10, 2025 – The Chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, Nagalakshmi Choudhary, has issued a strong call for the mandatory formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all workplaces across the state to address sexual harassment. Speaking at a review meeting in Bidar on March 6th, Ms. Choudhary emphasized the legal obligation under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), stating that ICCs are mandatory for offices with more than 10 employees. She highlighted existing Supreme Court and High Court orders supporting this mandate.
Ms. Choudhary stressed the importance of awareness campaigns to prevent workplace harassment and urged officials in the women and child development department to play a leading role in these efforts. She reprimanded two absent social welfare officers for neglecting the plight of nomadic tribes in Aurad, demanding immediate action to improve their living conditions, healthcare access, and children’s education. The cleaning of a water tank at the Aurad government hospital was also ordered.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma and the Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti. Ms. Choudhary directed the relevant health officers to submit an action plan within a week.
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