Framing of rules under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF  WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

RAJYA SABHA

ANSWERED ON-16.12.2013

(a) whether Government has delayed the framing of the rules for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) the steps proposed to be taken by Government for the effective implementation of the Act; and

(d) the reasonable time period within which the rules would be enacted?

ANSWER

(a) to (d): The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 came into force with effect from 9th December 2013. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules, 2013 has also notified on 9th December, 2013. The Act seeks to cover all women, irrespective of their age or employment status and protect them against sexual harassment at all workplaces both in public and private sector, whether organized or unorganized.

The Act envisages mechanism in the form of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and Local Complaints Committee (LCC). All workplaces employing 10 or more than 10 workers are mandated under the Act to constitute an ICC. Complaints from workplaces employing less than 10 workers or when the complaint is against the employer will be looked into by the LCC. The Act casts a responsibility on every employer to create an environment which is free from sexual harassment. Under it employers are required to organize workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals for sensitizing the employees about the provision of this legislation.