New Delhi, Feb 16: The All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC) has introduced its ‘Safe Environment Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (SEP-POSH)’, making it the first department within a major political party in India to establish a formal mechanism to address sexual harassment complaints.
Announcing the policy, Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of AIPC, stated, “At AIPC, we believe in ‘walking the talk.’ If we are going to take up issues of sexual harassment, unhealthy workplaces, and such on behalf of the millions of working professionals in the country, it is first important for AIPC as an organisation to demonstrate its intolerance to such practices internally.”
Under SEP-POSH, individuals can file complaints about sexual harassment by an AIPC member at any location. The policy ensures a transparent and independent redressal mechanism, with an internal committee responsible for assessing complaints, conducting inquiries, and recommending disciplinary action. “We must create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment—one where every individual, regardless of gender identity or professional standing, is protected,” Chakravarty emphasized.
All complaints will be 100% confidential, and while malicious or false complaints will be taken seriously, those made in good faith will always be protected.
AIPC’s initiative is a first-of-its-kind within Indian politics. “AIPC is the first department in any major political party in India to launch an official POSH policy. Even globally, only the Labour Party in the UK has a policy to deal with sexual harassment complaints,” Chakravarty highlighted.
The launch of SEP-POSH is being seen as a progressive step in making political spaces safer and setting a precedent for other organizations. Observers believe that this could encourage other political parties and professional bodies to implement similar policies for a safer work environment.
For further details, AIPC has provided an official link for accessing the policy framework.
(KNS)
