Public Schools directed to set up anti-harassment committees

In a bid to ensure a safe and dignified environment for students, the Punjab government has made it mandatory for all public sector schools across the province to establish anti-harassment committees.

The directive was issued on Thursday following Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s orders on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child. According to the official notification, these committees will act as a confidential and effective system for handling harassment-related complaints under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. The initiative aims to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for students and staff, especially girls. The SED has instructed that each primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary school must immediately establish a committee.

Each committee will be chaired by the school head and include at least three teachers, with mandatory representation of female staff members to ensure fairness and inclusivity. The committees will be responsible for receiving complaints privately, conducting impartial investigations, and protecting complainants throughout the inquiry process. They will also be required to maintain proper records and submit regular reports to the District Education Authorities (DEAs).

Officials emphasized that the move reflects the provincial government’s commitment to creating a safer educational environment and empowering students and teachers to speak up against harassment without fear. The new system is expected to strengthen accountability and provide an effective channel for justice across Punjab’s public schools.