How Have You Successfully Implemented Vishaka Guidelines in Your Workplace?

Implementing Vishaka Guidelines in the Workplace

Hello, People! Has anyone implemented the Vishaka guidelines in their office? How does one go about putting this into practice? I believe the following are some of the steps; please do provide your inputs, comments, or suggestions:

• Setting up an internal complaints committee (equal ratio of male and female members with one presiding female head).

• Organize timely workshops for sensitization and prominently display the penal consequences of indulging in such acts at the workplace.

• Involve an NGO or a person who is knowledgeable about these issues.

• Receive written complaints and keep the local complaints committee in the loop.

I'm totally confused about points 3 and 4. Can somebody share their experiences of implementing the Vishaka Guidelines in their office?

Thanks,

Vineeta

Implementation of Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy

Many of our clients have implemented the Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy in their factories and offices. The compliance committee is a small part, though most visible to people. In addition, you need clear policies and changes in your standing orders (if applicable) to define misconduct to include sexual harassment, a clear procedure for handling cases, and communication of the policy and procedure to all employees.

I hope you are aware that the Vishaka guidelines have been superseded by the new Act passed by the parliament in 2013. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has to be formed as provided in the new act.

So what is your actual problem with items 3 and 4? They seem simple enough to me.

Regards

Dear Saswata, Thanks for the response. Items 3 & 4 are clear to me, but I'm confused about the following:

a) How do I go about involving someone from an NGO or a person who works/is aware of issues of Sexual Harassment? How do I impanel such a person?

b) Who/what is the LCC (Local Complaints Committee), and what is the procedure for keeping them in the loop or informing them about these incidents?

The rest of the implementation bit is very understandable to me. Can you help me with this? :)

Thanks,
Vineeta

Finding an NGO for Sexual Harassment Prevention

You need to find an NGO that is working on sexual harassment (prevention of sexual harassment). You can Google for them; I am sure you will find one. Otherwise, you can get information from the charity commissioner's office. You then need to speak to them and see who is available. I hope you realize that you will need to pay them for attending the meetings.

Understanding the Local Complaints Committee (LCC)

LCC is defined in the act. It will be formed by the government. You need to check what is notified for your area, or you will have to contact the office of the district magistrate for the information. You need to keep them informed of any complaints that have been filed and how they are resolved. However, to the best of my knowledge, only those who do not have an ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) have to do that. I am not sure if the rules under the act are also notified by each state.

Regards

Sure, Dear Vini, just Google it and you will find many NGOs that are working on sexual harassment. Approach them for a meeting; these meetings are held once every three months, and attendance is compulsory. They will explain the VISHAKA Guidelines during the meeting.

Regarding LLC, you can contact the DC office for guidance.

When it comes to the ratio, it should be 80:20 (if there are 10 females in the committee, there should be at least 2 males).

I