Puri, November 14: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Saturday directed the Puri district administration to ensure that all schools, colleges, offices and other institutions in the district constitute Internal Committees in accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, commonly known as the POSH Act, within a month.

“I have directed the district administration to ensure that schools, colleges, other institutions and offices and workplace with 10 or more employees must constitute an internal committee and strictly adhere to the provisions of the POSH Act. The directive should be complied with within a month,” Rahatkar told media persons here.

Also Read: “Outstanding day for Indian cricket”: PM Modi congratulates Men in Blue on U19 Asia Cup triumph

Rahatkar issued the direction during a review meeting with senior district administrative and police officials in Puri to assess key issues concerning women's safety, protection and empowerment.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting, which focused on strengthening measures to ensure the safety and security of women in the district.

During the meeting, senior officials briefed the NCW chairperson on the initiatives undertaken by the district administration and police to protect women, along with plans to further strengthen the existing mechanisms.

Various issues concerning women's welfare and security were discussed, with particular emphasis on improving coordination between the NCW and the district administration for the effective implementation of women-centric government schemes and initiatives.

Rahatkar stressed the need to ensure that welfare schemes reach their intended beneficiaries and that complaints relating to women are addressed promptly and effectively. She also underscored the importance of a responsive administrative and law enforcement mechanism to safeguard women's rights and ensure timely redressal of grievances.

“The NCW is committed to working in close coordination with state and district administrations to strengthen institutional mechanisms for women's protection and promote their empowerment,” said Rahatkar.