SED Notification No.SO(A-1)4-6/2025: Harassment Committees in Schools

The Government of the Punjab’s School Education Department (SED) has taken a monumental step towards ensuring student safety. Through the official directive No.SO(A-1)4-6/2025, issued on October 10, 2025, the formation of Harassment Committees in all public schools across Punjab has been mandated. This crucial initiative aims to create a secure, respectful, and dignified learning environment for every student, with a special focus on protecting female students.

This post breaks down the key details of this notification, explaining the purpose, composition, and responsibilities of these committees and what it means for students and faculty in Punjab.

Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment

The primary motivation behind this directive, issued on the International Day of the Girl Child under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Punjab, is to establish a formal and effective system for addressing harassment. The notification explicitly aims to provide a confidential mechanism for handling complaints of sexual harassment, aligning with the principles laid out in the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 and other departmental policies.

Notification at a Glance

Who Will Be on the Committee?

The directive provides clear instructions on the structure of these essential committees to ensure fairness and proper representation. Each school, from Primary to Higher Secondary, must form a committee with the following composition:

• Chairperson: The Head of the institution (Principal/Headmaster/Headmistress).
• Members: A minimum of three (03) teachers.
• Representation: The committee must include adequate female teacher representation.

Key Responsibilities of the Harassment Committees

The newly formed committees will serve as the first point of contact for any harassment-related issues within the school. Their duties are clearly defined to ensure a systematic and sensitive approach:

• Receive and address sexual harassment complaints with complete confidentiality.
• Guarantee the protection of the complainant throughout the process.
• Conduct fair and impartial inquiries into all reported cases.
• Maintain detailed records of all proceedings and actions taken.
• Submit regular reports to the District Education Authority (DEA) for oversight.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a Safer Future

The issuance of notification No.SO(A-1)4-6/2025 is a proactive and commendable measure by the Punjab government. By establishing formal Harassment Committees in Punjab Schools, the School Education Department is building a framework of safety, accountability, and trust. This directive not only empowers students to speak up without fear but also ensures that educational institutions remain safe havens for learning and personal growth.

We encourage all stakeholders—teachers, parents, and students—to be aware of this important development. Your active participation and support are vital for its success.