Ratifying PoSH policy among agenda for SGM

CHENNAI:  With more emphasis being given to women’s cricket and wresters’ protest at Jantar Mantar over sexual harassment allegations against sidelined Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, The Indian cricket board has listed ratification of the new prevention of sexual harassment policy during its special general body meeting in Ahmedabad on May 27.

The richest sports body in the country did not have adequate PoSH policy and even the National Human Rights Commission sent a notice. 

In a notice that was circulated by the BCCI secretary’s office to the affiliates, the BCCI has laid out the five-point agenda for the SGM scheduled for May 27. Formation of Infrastructure Development & Subsidy Committee, guidelines for appointments of Physiotherapists and Trainers in-state teams, Formation of a Working Group for ICC World Cup 2023, Formation of the committee of Women’s Premier League and Ratification of Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy are on the agenda for the meeting as per the notice accessed by this daily.

After the sexual harassment allegations against former BCCI CEO Rahul Johri, the absence of a sexual harassment policy was highlighted and a four-member committee was formed. However, there has not been any update since the new office bearers took charge in November last year. Earlier this month, the NHRC had issued notices to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, the BCCI, the Wrestling Federation of India, and 15 other National Sports Federations to submit detailed reports within four weeks including the present status of the ICC in their organization as well as the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address the issue.

With the ODI World Cup set to be played in October, the BCCI is planning to form the Working Group for the tournament. While the funds already allocated for the upgradation of the venues zeroed in for the World Cup, with just four months to go for the global tournament, the working group will have to finalise the venues and complete the revamp on a priority basis.

While the inaugural season of the WPL happened in March last year, there was not a separate governing committee for the tournament. The committee that is set to be formed will have to finalise a permanent window for the tournament in the cricket calendar. The BCCI will also be looking into forming the guidelines for appointments of physiotherapists and trainers for the state teams which might include a minimum certification or experience as a qualification criteria.