Srinagar, Oct 16, KDC: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a viral video allegedly showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan verbally abusing, humiliating and threatening junior woman JKAS officer Beenish Wani during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, the Commission said its Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, has written to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, seeking verification of the video, an impartial inquiry and appropriate disciplinary and legal action if the allegations are established.
The NCW has also called for safeguards against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation, along with protection and support for the woman officer, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the authorities within seven days.
“Every woman officer is entitled to a safe, respectful and dignified workplace. Abuse of authority and workplace humiliation must be addressed with utmost seriousness,” the Commission said.
The development comes amid controversy over an alleged heated exchange between Ranjan, Administrative Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, and Wani, Assistant Director, Employment, Ganderbal, during a Mission YUVA review meeting held in Srinagar on October 14.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has separately ordered a formal inquiry into the alleged misconduct, appointing Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, as the Inquiry Officer. She has been directed to submit her report within 15 days.
The NCW has also highlighted the importance of protecting women officers from workplace harassment and ensuring that their dignity and professional rights are upheld. (KDC)
