Mysore/Mysuru: Stating that those who sexually abuse women and perpetrators of crimes against women will be punished under relevant laws, Additional SP Dr. B.N. Nandini said it is mandatory for all establishments that have over 10 women employees to have a Sexual Harassment Enquiry Committee.

She was speaking after inaugurating a day-long State-level seminar on ‘Prevention of sexual harassment of women at workplace,’ organised by KSOU at Cauvery auditorium in Mukthagangothri  campus here on Friday.

Pointing out that all Government Departments, private companies and other establishments that have over 10 women employees to mandatorily have an Enquiry Committee, Nandini said that the committee members should thoroughly and quickly investigate any complaints on sexual harassment of women.

Highlighting the salient features of Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act, 2013, she said the Government of India enacted the legislation in 2013 to address the issue of sexual harassment faced by women in workplace. The Act aims to create a safe and conducive work environment for women and provide protection against sexual harassment, she added.

Pointing out that indecent behaviour towards women and verbal abuse too are covered under this Act, she said that at the same time, there are chances that the Act may be misused. As such, it is the responsibility of the investigation authorities to scrutinise the complaints with caution and at the same time gather evidence of sexual abuse.

Stressing on the need for every establishment to create a safe and conducive environment for women at workplaces, she called upon women to be wary of online fraudsters who target gullible women. She also asked women to be more cautious while dealing with social media posts and always be alert against online frauds.

Dr. Nandini even expressed concern over women becoming easy targets for online fraudsters who want to make a quick buck.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halse presided.

Srirangapatna Taluk Field Resource Co-ordinator Dr. N. Prabha, University of Mysore KIKS faculty Prof. Lolakshi, KSOU Registrar Prof. K.L.N. Murthy, Registrar (Evaluation) K.B. Praveen, Dean (Academic) Prof. N. Lakshmi and others were present.