The guidelines contained in the judgment dt. 13.8.97 of the
Supreme Court in Vishaka & others versus State of Rajasthan envisaged
creation of an appropriate complaint mechanism in the employer’s organization
including a Complaint Committee of the composition stipulated therein for speedy
redress of the complaint made by the victim.
Now, as per the order dt.
26.4.2004 passed by Supreme Court in the case of Medha Kotwal Lele & Ors.
Versus UOI & Ors., the Complaint Committee referred to above will be deemed
to be an inquiry authority for the purpose of the Central Civil Services
(Conduct) Rules, 1964 and its report shall be deemed to be an inquiry report
under these rules.
2. As per the guidelines the President of the Complaints Committee should be a Lady Officer of DS Rank and 50% of its members should be female. In order to prevent the possibility of any undue pressure or influence from senior levels, such, complaints committee should involve a third party, either NGO or other body who is familiar with the issue of sexual harassment.
3. Based on the
guidelines issued by the Supreme Court earlier, a Complaint Committee headed by
a lady officer of the rank of Deputy Secretary and two members one being male
has already been re-constituted in the office of the UPSC. Smt. Neeta Prasad, DS
has been nominated as President of the Committee The other two members of the
committee are Smt. Bharati Sridhar, US (RR) and Shri NPS Rawat, US (Exam).
4.
As far as the involvement of third party is concerned, it has been
decided that the Complaints Committee will take the assistance from a
representative of an NGO who will be involved to participate in the proceedings of the
Committee as & when required.
Report.
The requisite annual report regarding number of complaints received in a calendar year and the action taken thereon are regularly submitted to D/o W&CD. The last such report for the period 1.1.2004 to 31.12.2004 was sent to D/o W&CD . Since constitution of the Complaints Committee, no sexual harassment case has been received so far by the Committee.