The long-pending Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill provides for an effective complaints and redressal mechanism. Under the proposed Bill, every employer is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee. Since a large number of the establishments (41.2 million out of 41.83 million) in the country have less than 10 workers for whom it may not be feasible to set up an Internal Complaints Committee, the Bill provides for setting up of Local Complaints Committee to be constituted by the designated District Officer at the district or sub-district levels.
This twin mechanism would ensure that women in any workplace, irrespective of its size or nature, have access to a redressal mechanism. The local committees will enquire into the complaints of sexual harassment and recommend action to the employer or district officer.
Employers who fail to comply with the provisions of the proposed Bill will be punishable with a fine, which may extend to Rs 50,000. The quantum of punishment, however, will be decided by the committees in accordance with the service rules.