The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), in collaboration with the District Administration Bishnupur, organised a one-day sensitisation programme on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur.
The programme was chaired by MSCW Chairperson Th. Tiningpham Monsang and attended by Member Secretary W. Phajatombi, who is also Additional Director of DIPR, Member Sk. Sophia, AC to DC Bishnupur Sh. Gunamani, SDPO Bishnupur S. Tryphena Reikhenamai, district-level officers, and members of Internal and Local Committees from various offices.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson stated that the Commission has been constituted to work for the welfare and empowerment of women, address grievances, and ensure enforcement of legal safeguards meant for their protection. She said the main objective of the programme was to make Presiding Officers and members of Internal and Local Committees aware of their roles and responsibilities under the Act, stressing that proper awareness is essential for effective implementation.
She further noted that the Act aims to safeguard women at workplaces and create a safe and dignified working environment.
Clarifying misconceptions, she said the law is not against men but is intended to ensure women’s safety and protection. She also informed that the Social Welfare Department operates a 24×7 Women’s Helpline (toll-free number 181) to provide assistance and support.
In her keynote address, Member Secretary W. Phajatombi (MCS) said the Act upholds the dignity of women at the workplace and provides a structured mechanism for addressing complaints. She stated that the law empowers Committees to function effectively in safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring a secure working environment.
She added that the Commission has already conducted similar sensitisation programmes in all hill and valley districts of the state to strengthen understanding and proper implementation of the law. She appealed for collective support in creating safer and more respectful workplaces.
Advocate Thiyam Rajkishore attended the programme as resource person and elaborated on complaint procedures under the Act. He informed that complaints should be filed within three months from the date of the incident, or within three months from the last incident in case of a series of occurrences.
He also explained that the Internal Committee must conduct inquiries in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring both the complainant and respondent are given opportunities to present their cases and evidence. He emphasised that the Act mandates strict confidentiality regarding inquiry proceedings and the identities of the parties involved.
The programme concluded with an interactive session where committee members sought clarifications on various aspects of the Act.
District-level officers, officials of the District Administration Bishnupur, and members of Local and Internal Committees from various departments attended the event.
