Harassment Allegations shake GMCH: Enquiry Committee formed against Principal Achyut Baishya

The Assam government has set up an administrative inquiry committee to probe investigation following a workplace harassment complain filed by a senior doctor at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

The victim, an Associate Professor herself, names GMCH Principal Dr Achyut Baishya and alleges inappropriate conduct, intimidation and administrative victimisation during her tenure in her complaint.

FIR Lodged at Panbazar Women Police Station

The FIR was registered at Panbazar Women Police Station in Guwahati on 17th of February, after the senior doctor alleged repeated instances of uncomfortable and unprofessional behaviour by the principal.

According to the complaint, the victim had earlier submitted a detailed representation to the Chief Minister’s Office on February 6, mentioning what she described as a repeated pattern of harassment and institutional pressure.

The filing of the FIR triggered a formal police probe into the matter.

Allegations of Inappropriate Remarks

In her complaint, the doctor stated that the principal repeatedly asked her to meet him alone in his office, even though routine discussions could have taken place in regular hospital settings.

She also alleged that in one instance he asked her to call him when she was “absolutely free and alone” and indicated that his “door was always open” for her.

She described these remarks as unprofessional and distressing, particularly given the hierarchical nature of their positions within the institution.

Government Orders Administrative Inquiry

Following the registration of the complaint, the state government has constituted an administrative committee to examine the allegations.

The committee will assess whether the complaint falls under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Officials said the committee has been asked to submit its report within two weeks to the concerned department.

SHe-Box Portal Issue Raised

The victim also raised concerns that GMCH was not onboarded on the SHe-Box portal, the Government of India’s online platform designed to allow women to file workplace sexual harassment complaints.

She said the absence of the system meant that employees had no official channel to lodge anonymous complaints through the centralised platform.

“I am glad that this issue has now drawn the Government’s attention and that the concern raised has been taken seriously,” she said.

She added that workplace safety mechanisms must be accessible in every public institution and that accountability and protection for women at workplaces cannot be optional.

What is the SHe-Box Portal?

The Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (SHe-Box) is an initiative by the Government of India that provides a single-window platform for women to report workplace sexual harassment.

Women working in both government and private sectors can submit complaints through the portal. Once a complaint is registered, it is automatically forwarded to the appropriate authority for action under the law.

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