To safeguard women’s rights and ensure safer workplaces, the Jammu and Kashmir government has designated all Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) as District Officers under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
According to an official order issued by M. Raju, Commissioner/Secretary of the General Administration Department, ADCs will now exercise authority under Section 5 of Chapter III of the Act, enabling them to oversee complaints, initiate investigations, and ensure timely redressal for women facing harassment across all districts. This decentralized approach aims to make grievance mechanisms more accessible, responsive, and effective for women in urban and rural areas alike.
The 2013 Act mandates all workplaces to establish mechanisms for preventing harassment, providing redressal, and penalizing offenders. By appointing ADCs as nodal officers, Jammu and Kashmir not only aligns with national efforts to combat workplace discrimination but also signals its commitment to creating inclusive, equitable environments where women can thrive without fear.
Meanwhile, Civil society groups and women’s rights advocates have welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer” that prioritizes accountability and accessibility. “Having ADCs as designated officers will streamline processes and send a strong message that harassment will not be tolerated,” said a representative from a local women’s collective.
