KVS employee alleges sexual harassment

NEW DELHI: Even centres of learning are not free from the evils of roving eye and uncharacteristic remarks. A week ago, a woman officer of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), accused the joint commissioner (administration) of KVS of sexual harassment.
The officer is also looking after the duties of the joint commissioner (academics) since the post fell vacant in March 2004.
The Times of India has in its possession a copy of the letter that had been sent by the complainant to higher-ups of the KVS and to the education secretary as well as the National Commission for Women. KVS authorities, confirming the receipt of the complaint, said that the matter is being "looked into."
"A complaint has been received. We are ascertaining the facts as per the guidelines laid down for such cases," said KVS commissioner Sunil Kumar, when contacted.
The complainant had alleged that the concerned officer, to whom she reports for her daily work, behaved in a "highly improper" manner.
According to the complaint, the officer made a phone call to the complainant while she was away on leave, suggesting that the two "go out together" when she returns.
The complainant further alleged that the officer also sent her messages via another mobile phone.
Meanwhile, senior officials at KVS informed that as of now, the authorities were conducting preliminary inquiries. "Basic facts and phone records are being verified and then a committee will be set up to look into the complaint and take suitable action," said an officer.
When the ''officer in question'' was contacted he said: "I am not aware of any such complaint."