Fifteen women employees of the Warangal Zilla Praja Parishad (ZP) have lodged a formal complaint against the chief engineer of the Panchayat Raj Department, alleging harassment and inappropriate conduct at the workplace.
The complainants submitted a detailed nine-page representation to Telangana Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) in Hyderabad. According to the complaint, the official allegedly used abusive and derogatory language, made inappropriate remarks about women staff, and employed offensive proverbs during interactions. They further alleged that he behaved inappropriately with a woman employee during an official meeting in his office.
Escalation of the Complaint
The women employees stated that they had earlier emailed and faxed their grievances to the Engineer-in-Chief (ENC) of the Panchayat Raj Department and two district collectors. They claimed that efforts were being made to suppress the complaints and prevent them from reaching higher authorities.
In addition to the minister, the staff have approached the Telangana State Women’s Commission seeking stringent action. They have also appealed to the principal secretary, the special chief secretary, and other senior officials for intervention.
Official Response Expected
The matter is expected to be investigated by the concerned authorities. Workplace harassment complaints involving government employees typically undergo departmental inquiry, and the Women’s Commission may also examine the allegations under relevant provisions for the protection of women at the workplace.
The development has drawn attention to issues of workplace safety and the need for a respectful environment for women employees in government offices. Further updates are awaited as the investigation proceeds.
