The Delhi Government has taken action against a vice principal of a government school involved in sexual harassment allegations. After receiving several complaints from female teachers from the school, the Directorate of Education has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the vice principal.
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) was approached with these complaints, revealing that the vice principal had allegedly sexually and mentally harassed teachers in the school. The complaints were looked into by the school’s Staff Level Grievance Redressal Committee, who found the allegations to be true and recommended his transfer or suspension. Furthermore, a First Information Report under sections 354(A), 354(C), 354(D) and 506 of the Indian Penal Code was filed against the man in 2022.
In response, the DCW issued a summons to the Director of Education for an action report. The Director of Education subsequently declared that the accused had been transferred out of the school, and the matter has been forwarded to the Local Complaint Committee of the District under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013.
DCW Chief Swati Maliwal was not satisfied with this outcome, which led to the Education Director taking the decision to commence Disciplinary Proceedings for Major Penalty under Section 14 of the CCS Conduct Rules 1964 against the accused.
Detailing this situation, Maliwal emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for sexual harassment accountable. Stressing the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, she declared her support for the women who are fighting for justice.
In order to address such occurrences, measures must be taken to ensure a safe and secure workplace. This includes strict implementation of anti-sexual harassment policies, and also a clear set of protocols showcasing the steps to be taken in such cases. Victims must be heard and protection must be offered to ensure that justice is provided.
