MDU staff ‘force’ women to click photo of private parts, sanitary pads as menstruation proof, booked
Rohtak: Three officials from Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak have been booked after two women sanitation workers alleged they were forced to take photographs of their private parts and sanitary pads to prove they were menstruating.
The University, on its part, suspended two sanitation supervisors and has ordered an internal probe into the incident, as reported by The Indian Express on Friday.
The FIR was registered on Wednesday against sanitation supervisors Vitender and Vinod Hooda and assistant registrar Shyam Sunder at PGIMS police station, SHO Roshan Lal said. “The FIR includes charges under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe and outrage a woman’s modesty, criminal intimidation, and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman,” TIE quoted Lal as saying.
The incident occurred on October 26 while they were cleaning the university’s sports complex.
Four female sanitation workers have accused their male supervisors at MDU of harassment and undue pressure to work faster, despite clearly stating they were unwell. The supervisors reportedly insisted they speed up their work and, when the women explained they couldn’t due to menstrual pain, the supervisors allegedly told them: “You click photos of your private parts as proof so that the menstrual cycle can be confirmed’. When two of us refused to follow the instructions, we were abused and threatened with dismissal.”
The incident triggered widespread outrage, with sanitation workers staging a protest and directly confronting one of the accused. The demonstration also garnered support from students, who gathered in solidarity to demand justice.
Meanwhile, the University emphasised that any incident of insecurity or harassment in the workplace will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The university reiterated its commitment to “always providing a safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive” work environment. It added that “the safety and respect of women are paramount, and that the strictest action will be taken against any form of inappropriate behaviour or misconduct”.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
