Why in the News?
Recently, a 20-year-old student in Odisha died after setting herself ablaze over ignored sexual harassment complaints, spotlighting the failure of redressal systems like Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs).
Why are crimes against women still rising despite strict laws?
- Inadequate Implementation of Legal Mechanisms: Institutions may not establish ICCs, or form them without independent or trained members, rendering them ineffective. Eg: The University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2022 reported that over 150 colleges across India had not constituted ICCs despite mandatory provisions under the 2013 POSH Act.
- Institutional Apathy and Lack of Accountability: Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs), mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, are either non-functional or reactive rather than preventive. Eg: Following the Odisha incident, the State government had to direct all colleges to form ICCs within 24 hours, a reactionary step rather than proactive enforcement.
- Underreporting and Social Stigma: Many women do not report crimes due to fear of social backlash, victim-blaming, or lack of faith in the justice system. Eg: According to NCRB 2022, 4,45,256 crimes against women were registered, a 4% increase over 2021, with experts noting that many cases still go unreported, masking the real extent of violence.
- Lack of Awareness and Sensitisation: Many students and staff are unaware of their rights or how to report harassment, leading to silence and inaction. Eg: A 2023 survey by the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) found that over 60% of women students in rural colleges were unaware of the existence of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs).
How effective are Internal Complaint Committees?
- Effectiveness Varies Across Institutions: While ICCs are mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, their effectiveness depends on proper constitution, independence, and stakeholder awareness. In many cases, ICCs exist only on paper.
- Lack of Training and Sensitisation Hampers Functioning: ICC members often lack training, legal knowledge, and sensitivity in handling cases, leading to mistrust and poor case resolution.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Legal Reforms: Enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 post-Nirbhaya case, which introduced stricter punishments for rape, stalking, acid attacks, and voyeurism.
- Institutional Mechanisms: Made it mandatory to form Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in all workplaces and educational institutions.
- Technology and Support Initiatives: Launched measures like the One Stop Centres, Women Helpline (181), and Nirbhaya Fund for setting up CCTV, panic buttons in public transport, and support for survivors of violence.
What steps can improve institutional accountability? (Way forward)
- Strict Enforcement of ICC Guidelines: Ensure timely formation, training, and functioning of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) with regular audits and penalties for non-compliance.
- Transparent Grievance Redressal Systems: Establish time-bound complaint resolution mechanisms, publicly accessible reporting channels, and third-party oversight to reduce bias.
- Protection and Support for Victims: Guarantee anonymity, non-retaliation, and access to counselling/legal aid for complainants to build trust in the system.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2017] Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Linkage: The articles highlights the worrying trend of sexual violence occurring in spaces often considered safe, such as school and college campuses or workplaces. This PYQ directly addresses the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms by asking about the ability of the National Commission for Women (NCW) to tackle “problems that women face at both public and private spheres.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
