Section 7 of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
7. Composition, tenure and other terms and conditions of 1 [Local Committee].—(1) The 1 [Local Committee] shall consist of the following members to be nominated by the District Officer, namely: —
- (a)a Chairperson to be nominated from amongst the eminent women in the field of social work and committed to the cause of women;
- (b)one Member to be nominated from amongst the women working in block, taluka or tehsil or ward or municipality in the district;
- (c)two Members, of whom at least one shall be a woman, to be nominated from amongst such non-governmental organisations or associations committed to the cause of women or a person familiar with the issues relating to sexual harassment, which may be prescribed: Provided that at least one of the nominees should, preferably, have a background in law or legal knowledge: Provided further that at least one of the nominees shall be a woman belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes or the Other Backward Classes or minority community notified by the Central Government, from time to time;
- (d)the concerned officer dealing with the social welfare or women and child development in the district, shall be a member ex officio.
- (2)The Chairperson and every Member of the Local Committee shall hold office for such period, not exceeding three years, form the date of their appointment as may be specified by the District Officer.
- (3)Where the Chairperson or any Member of the 1 [Local Committee]—
- (a)contravenes the provisions of section 16; or
- (b)has been convicted for an offence or an inquiry into an offence under any law for the time being in force is pending against him; or
- (c)has been found guilty in any disciplinary proceedings or a disciplinary proceeding is pending against him; or
- (d)has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest, such Chairperson or Member, as the case may be, shall be removed from the Committee and the vacancy so created or any casual vacancy shall be filled by fresh nomination in accordance with the provisions of this section.
- (4)The Chairperson or Members of the Local Committee other than the Members nominated under clauses (b) and (d) of sub-section (1) shall be entitled to such fees or allowances for holding the proceedings of the Local Committee as may be prescribed.
Summary
- The District Officer nominates the Chairperson of the Local Committee, who must be an eminent woman in the field of social work.
- The committee must include one woman working at the local block, taluka, tehsil, ward, or municipality level within the district.
- It must have two additional members, at least one of whom is a woman, from non-governmental organisations committed to the cause of women.
- Out of the nominated members, at least one must preferably have legal knowledge, and at least one must be a woman belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, or a minority community.
- The district officer in charge of social welfare or women and child development serves as an ex officio member, meaning they belong to the committee automatically due to their job.
- The Chairperson and members can hold office for a maximum period of three years, and non-government members are entitled to receive fees or allowances.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who can be appointed as the Chairperson of the Local Committee under the 2013 Act?
Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, the Chairperson must be an eminent woman in the field of social work and committed to the cause of women.
2. How long can a member serve on the Local Committee under the law?
Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, the Chairperson and every member of the Local Committee can hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date they are appointed.
3. What are the diversity requirements for nominating members to the Local Committee?
Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, at least one member must be a woman belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, or a minority community, and at least one nominee should preferably have a background in law.
4. On what grounds can a Local Committee member be removed before their term ends?
Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, a member must be removed if they break confidentiality rules, are convicted of a crime, are found guilty in disciplinary proceedings, or abuse their position.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, what is the maximum term of office for a member of the Local Committee?
Q2.Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which of the following is an ex officio member of the Local Committee?
Q3.Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which members of the Local Committee are NOT entitled to fees or allowances for holding proceedings?
Q4.Under Section 7 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, a member of the Local Committee must be removed from office if they commit which of the following acts?