In an attempt to bring the state-run primary schools in West Bengal under the standard operating procedures to prevent sexual harassment in workplaces, the state education department has taken a few steps. The department has sent specific instructions to all district primary education councils to take steps to form internal complaints committees (ICC) in all the state-run primary schools under their jurisdictions, as stated in a report by IANS.

Speaking about this, a state education department official said, “Our aim is to ensure that any probable complaint by anyone associated with any state-run primary school, their grievances are addressed on an emergency and urgent basis." Further, he said that the steps are being taken for the state-run primary schools as per the Vishaka Guidelines, which is a compilation of the nationally practised set of procedural guidelines to prevent events of sexual harassment at workplaces.

Instructions given

The district primary education councils have also been advised to regularly update the state education department about the progress made on this count in the different state-run primary schools under their jurisdictions. The state education department official said, “The officials of the district councils should be in regular touch with the headmasters or headmistresses of the primary schools concerned to have a clear idea on whether the specified norms in the matter are followed true to their spirits."

According to the norms, the Vishaka Guidelines have to be implemented in any organisation with ten or more employees. The creation of internal complaints committees (ICCs) is mandatory in such organisations. It will cover all women employees, permanent, temporary or contractual, in such organisations, as stated in a report by IANS.