Why is the DMK Government Lacking POSH Committees in Colleges?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticizes the DMK government for not establishing mandated POSH committees in colleges, raising serious concerns about student safety and governance.
Key Takeaways
- 46 out of 180 government colleges lack ICCs.
- Recent RTI reveals 113 colleges did not respond about ICCs.
- POSH Act requires ICCs in institutions with over 10 female members.
- Only a single complaint recorded in colleges with ICCs.
- Call for immediate action from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Chennai, July 19 (NationPress) The President of Tamil Nadu's BJP, Nainar Nagendran, has openly condemned the DMK government for its failure to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in over 46 out of 180 government arts and science colleges, as required by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
The disturbing details emerged from a Right to Information (RTI) inquiry, which also indicated that approximately 113 government colleges did not even respond to inquiries regarding the presence of these committees.
In a post on the social media platform X, the BJP state president expressed his astonishment at the blatant disregard for the POSH Act. He pointed out that even in institutions where ICCs are operational, such as those in Thanjavur, Rasipuram, and Namakkal, only one complaint has been logged per college, with all being reportedly “settled amicably,” thus raising questions about the efficacy of these redressal mechanisms.
Nagendran emphasized that the POSH Act necessitates ICCs in every institution with more than 10 female members.
“Nevertheless, the DMK government has neglected to set up these committees in its educational institutions, showcasing a blatant disregard for the law and a lack of commitment to maintaining safety,” he stated.
He further alleged that the state government, which has previously employed intimidation tactics when sexual harassment complaints reached law enforcement, may be seeking to manipulate data by not establishing these mandatory committees, potentially giving the false impression that such incidents are non-existent.
Citing the recent uproar surrounding the sexual assault of a student at Anna University by an individual reportedly linked to the DMK, Nagendran lamented that even after such a high-profile incident, the government has not implemented basic institutional protections for students.
He called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to promptly establish Internal Complaints Committees in all government colleges, asserting that if the DMK is genuinely committed to its pledge of taking decisive action against crimes targeting women, this action is both essential and urgent.
Point of View
The lack of adherence to the POSH Act by the DMK government raises critical questions about governance and accountability in educational institutions. Ensuring the safety of students is paramount, and the absence of Internal Complaints Committees is an alarming oversight that must be addressed.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the POSH Act?
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act aims to protect individuals from sexual harassment in the workplace and educational institutions by mandating the formation of Internal Complaints Committees.
How many colleges are affected?
Over 46 out of 180 government arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu have not established Internal Complaints Committees.
What actions has the BJP taken?
BJP President Nainar Nagendran has publicly criticized the DMK government for its failure to comply with the POSH Act and called for immediate action.
What are the implications of this issue?
The lack of ICCs raises serious concerns about student safety and the government's commitment to addressing sexual harassment.
What did Nagendran say about the government's response?
Nagendran alleged that the government is attempting to suppress data regarding sexual harassment by not forming the necessary committees.
