Apprehensions on Bill against sexual harassment

New Delhi, Apr 8: Despite concerted efforts by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the bill meant to prevent sexual harassment of women at work places faces many hurdles due to apprehensions in certain quarters about its possible misuse.

The ministry was earlier planning to bring the Protection Against Sexual Harassment of Women Bill in the coming session of Parliament but the possibility now seems remote as a large number of suggestions comprising appreciations, criticism and apprehensions regarding the bill have been received by it.

''The ministry had inivited suggestions and observations regarding the bill to ensure a wider public debate on it. We have received a large number of suggestions. They will all be collated and studied and deliberated. After studing them depending on the merit, some of these positive suggestions may be incorporated. All this would take time, so though we are trying, the bill may not come in the coming Parliament session,'' Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury told UNI