Government of Odisha has announced a comprehensive plan to conduct orientation programmes on women’s safety at workplaces across various government offices.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act) and foster a culture of mutual respect, dignity, and zero tolerance toward harassment.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida spoke at a recent orientation session at the state secretariat in Bhubaneswar.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to building safe and inclusive workplaces.
Parvati addressed over 600 government employees and urged women to speak out against any form of harassment.
She also encouraged all employees, irrespective of gender, to understand and follow the provisions of the PoSH Act.
Odisha Orientation Programmes and Legal Awareness
The government will conduct orientation sessions across institutions, colleges, and offices.
These will focus on educating employees about their rights, responsibilities, and available redressal mechanisms under the PoSH Act.
Legal expert Manasi Padhi conducted two in-depth sessions during the secretariat programme, explaining the procedural aspects of filing complaints, the role of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), and the importance of timely and fair investigations.
The sessions also highlighted the need for gender sensitization, especially in workplaces where both men and women may be vulnerable to harassment.
The government reiterated that false allegations will be dealt with as per legal provisions, ensuring fairness and accountability in the implementation of the law.
Institutional Compliance and Monitoring
To ensure effective enforcement, the state has issued strict instructions for the formation of Internal Complaints Committees in all institutions and colleges.
These committees are mandated under the PoSH Act and play a critical role in addressing grievances and maintaining workplace safety.
The Directorate of Women and Child Development, represented by Monisha Banerjee, will oversee the rollout and monitoring of these programmes.
The department will also support capacity-building efforts and ensure that institutions comply with reporting and documentation norms.
Odisha Women Safety Initiatives: Implications for Workforce Participation
Women’s participation in the workforce in India is gradually increasing. However, safety concerns continue to limit broader inclusion and sustained employment.
In early 2024, urban female workforce participation in India stood at 20.3%. For urban men, the participation rate was significantly higher at 58%.
Unsafe work environments are among the top reasons cited for this disparity.
The Odisha government is proactively addressing workplace safety to make work environments safer for women.
It aims to promote increased participation of women in the workforce. The focus is especially on improving retention in public sector roles.
The move also aligns with national efforts under schemes like Mission Shakti, which promote women-led development and gender equality.
Next Steps and Stakeholder Engagement
Officials have called for regular sensitization workshops, inclusion of women in safety audits, and better grievance redressal infrastructure.
The government is exploring partnerships with civil society organizations. It is also engaging legal experts to broaden the programme’s reach and deepen its impact.
Deputy CM Parida concluded by stating, “Mutual respect and understanding are essential to ensure not only safe workplaces but also a progressive society.”
The orientation programme will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other states.
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