Imphal: No complaints regarding violations of “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” have been registered with the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), it was announced during a one-day sensitization program held on Tuesday.
The event, organized by the MSCW in collaboration with the District Administration, Bishnupur, took place at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur.
The program was chaired by Th. Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of the MSCW. Notable attendees included W. Phajatombi, Member Secretary of the MSCW and Additional Director of DIPR; Sk. Sophia, Member of the MSCW; Sh. Gunamani, AC to DC Bishnupur; S. Tryphena Reikhenamai, SDPO Bishnupur, along with district-level officers and members of Internal and Local Committees from various departments.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Th. Tiningpham Monsang highlighted that the MSCW was constituted to work for the welfare and empowerment of women, address grievances, and ensure the enforcement of legal safeguards.
She noted that the program’s main objective was to make presiding officers and members of Internal and Local Committees fully aware of their roles and responsibilities under the 2013 Act, emphasizing that proper awareness is critical for effective implementation.
Clarifying common misconceptions, the Chairperson stated that the Act is not aimed against men but is designed to ensure women’s safety and create a dignified working environment. She also informed attendees that the Social Welfare Department operates a 24×7 Women’s Helpline (toll-free number 181) to provide support.
Member Secretary W. Phajatombi, Additional Director of DIPR, in her keynote address, stated that the law provides a robust system to handle complaints and empowers committees to act effectively.
She confirmed that the Commission has conducted similar sensitization programs in all hill and valley districts of the state, aiming to strengthen the implementation of the law and foster a safe, respectful workplace for women.
Shri Thiyam Rajkishore, advocate and resource person, detailed the complaint procedures under the Act. He clarified that complaints must be filed within three months from the date of the incident, or within three months from the last incident in a series.
He explained that the Internal Committee must conduct inquiries fairly and impartially, providing both parties with an opportunity to present evidence. He strongly emphasized that the Act mandates strict confidentiality regarding inquiry proceedings and the identities of those involved.
The event concluded with an interaction session where committee members sought clarifications on various aspects of the Act.