Bengal Horror: A reminiscent of security lapses at workplaces
Letter to the Editor
Dear Sir,
The gruesome rape and murder of a trainee doctor on the premises of a reputed government medical college of West Bengal has sent shock waves across the nation. The incident has once again raised several questions regarding the safety of women in their respective workplaces.
Even though the Sexual Harassment of Women At Workplace Act (POSH Act) has been in existence since 2013, there is not much relief. The data released by the National Crime Records Bureau is staggering.
According to it, the victim count for workplace sexual harassment against women was 422 in the year 2022. This is a cause of concern because it is well established that women actually under-report crimes against them due to fear of repercussions, inadequate awareness and societal biases.
Atrocities against women in the places of work result in the violation of basic fundamental rights of the women especially the right to equality under Article 14 and Article 15 and her right to life and to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Therefore, it is obligatory for the institutions to follow every norms and guidelines mandated by the government for securing a healthy environment for women at work. A breach of these norms must be dealt with iron hands.
Tushar Anand, Patna
