Concerns Raised Over Safety of Women Officials in Morigaon Amid Allegations of Harassment

A woman official in Morigaon has accused her superior of sexual harassment but instead of receiving justice, she faced disciplinary action. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety of women in government roles, especially as it contradicts directives from the Chief Minister. The case has drawn attention from women's organizations, highlighting the need for better protection and adherence to laws designed to safeguard women in the workplace. The situation is particularly alarming given that the Fishery department is led by a female minister, emphasizing the urgency for accountability and reform.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 11:17 IST

Serious Allegations of Workplace Harassment

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MORIGAON, July 6: A troubling incident has emerged regarding the safety of female employees within state government offices, as a woman official has accused her superior of sexual harassment. Instead of receiving justice, she faced disciplinary action, which contradicts directives issued by the Chief Minister.

The incident, involving the District Fishery Development Officer (DFDO) in Morigaon, was reported on June 23 at approximately 3 PM. The affected officer promptly filed a formal complaint the following day with the Director of Fisheries, requesting a departmental investigation in accordance with the POSH Act 2013 (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act). However, rather than initiating an inquiry against the DFDO, the victim was subjected to a temporary reassignment to the Directorate of Fisheries in Guwahati. This decision has raised concerns, as it goes against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s directive from January 26 of the previous year, which deemed such reassignment orders without proper authorization as 'illegal and irregular.'

The allegations of sexual harassment within the Fishery department have sparked significant alarm among women's organizations, particularly given that the department is overseen by a female minister who previously held the position of vice-chairperson of the State Women Commission.