National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called for strict implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act across all government offices in Tripura. During her three-day visit, she stressed institutional accountability, stronger workplace safety, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms for women.
Key Takeaways
- NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged strict implementation of the POSH Act across Tripura.
- She called for Internal Committees in every workplace and regular awareness programmes.
- NCW discussed women’s safety and anti-trafficking measures with senior state and BSF officials.
- Rahatkar highlighted the need to strengthen workplace safety for women, including those in the police force.
- She said creating respectful workplaces requires legal compliance as well as institutional commitment.
Agartala: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the Tripura Government and public institutions to strengthen the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to create safer workplaces for women.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar made the appeal during a press conference at Sonartari State Guest House in Agartala after completing her three-day visit to the state. She said every workplace must ensure a secure, respectful and dignified environment for women employees.
Her remarks come at a time when workplace safety and gender-sensitive governance have become key priorities under the Central Government’s women empowerment initiatives.
Strict POSH Implementation Essential
Rahatkar said the POSH Act should not remain only a legal requirement. Every government office and institution must implement it effectively.
She stressed that the law protects women from sexual harassment at the workplace and helps build confidence among employees.
According to her, institutions should establish Internal Committees (ICs) under the POSH Act without delay. These committees must function independently and handle complaints fairly.
She also urged departments to organise regular awareness sessions so that employees understand both their rights and responsibilities.
“The objective is not merely to comply with the law but to create workplaces where women feel respected and secure,” she said.
Speedy and Fair Complaint Resolution
The NCW Chairperson said institutions must resolve complaints quickly while maintaining complete confidentiality.
She stressed that complainants should never face discrimination or retaliation after reporting harassment.
She also called for impartial investigations and accountability at every level.
According to Rahatkar, workplace safety depends not only on legal provisions but also on organisational culture.
She said employers should promote sensitivity, mutual respect and zero tolerance towards harassment.
Safety of Women Police Personnel Also a Priority
Rahatkar said special attention should be given to women serving in the police force.
She noted that women police personnel often work under challenging circumstances and therefore deserve a safe and supportive work environment.
She urged authorities to strengthen institutional mechanisms that address their concerns promptly.
Anti-Trafficking Measures Discussed
Apart from workplace safety, Rahatkar reviewed efforts to prevent trafficking of women.
She held discussions with Tripura Chief Secretary, senior state officials and top Border Security Force (BSF) officers during her visit.
The meetings focused on improving coordination among agencies and strengthening preventive measures against trafficking.
Given Tripura’s international border with Bangladesh, she said cooperation among security agencies and civil administration remains crucial.
Review of Women Welfare Schemes
During her visit, the NCW Chairperson met Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha.
The two discussed several welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of women across the state.
Rahatkar appreciated the progress made by women in Tripura in different sectors. She said women from the state have earned recognition across the country through their achievements.
She expressed confidence that they would continue to excel in the coming years.
Interaction with Lakhpati Didis
The NCW Chairperson also travelled to Gomati district where she interacted with members of the Lakhpati Didi initiative.
She listened to their experiences, understood their challenges and reviewed products developed by women entrepreneurs.
She said economic empowerment plays an equally important role in ensuring women’s dignity and independence.
Rahatkar also attended a review meeting with elected women representatives.
The participants discussed women’s participation in governance, education, livelihoods and community leadership.
She offered suggestions to strengthen women’s role in public life.
Campaign Against Child Marriage
During her tour, Rahatkar attended a programme on child marriage at Rajarshi Hall in Udaipur.
Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy and schoolgirls from different educational institutions participated in the programme.
She later attended another programme organised by the Tripura State Commission for Women.
Addressing the gathering, she said the Central Government has set a target to eliminate child marriage in India by 2030.
She appealed to state governments, educational institutions and communities to work together to achieve the goal.
POSH Workshop Held at Sukanta Academy
The National Commission for Women organised a dedicated POSH workshop at Sukanta Academy in Agartala.
Rahatkar attended the event as the chief guest.
She reiterated that every institution must establish Internal Committees, conduct regular training programmes and ensure transparent grievance redressal.
She said awareness is the first step towards prevention.
The workshop also emphasised the importance of creating workplaces where dignity, equality and accountability become part of everyday institutional culture.
Tripura State Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, Special Secretary of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department Tapan Kumar Das, the Deputy Director of the National Commission for Women and several senior officials attended the programme.
Workplace Safety Beyond Compliance
The NCW Chairperson concluded that legal provisions alone cannot eliminate workplace harassment.
She urged organisations to build a culture of respect, trust and accountability.
According to her, true compliance with the POSH Act begins when every employee understands that workplace safety is a shared responsibility.
As Tripura continues to promote women’s participation in governance, entrepreneurship and public service, stronger implementation of the POSH Act could become a key pillar in ensuring inclusive and safe workplaces across the state.
