The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), a central institution with several campuses across the country, transferred two officials of its Bhopal campus on directions of the Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission (MPSWC).
The MPSWC intervened after three teachers and seven students complained of sexual harassment by Joint Director Vasant Kothari, who has now been transferred to NIFT Jodhpur.
Director MP Nigam has also been moved out of Bhopal.
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MPSWC Chairperson Upma Rai said that the plaintiff approached the commission after not getting relief from NIFT authorities.
“We asked NIFT to set up a committee to investigate. They found the complaint to be valid prima facie. As per rules further action is taken after the accused has been moved from his current position, so Kothari has been sent to Jodhpur. Nigam also has been shifted out for not taking prompt action. Kothari must appear before the commission on December 11 for further enquiry,” Rai said.
This is the third incident in the recent past of sexual harassment in educational and sports institutions in Madhya Pradesh.
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In the last week, cases have been reported at the Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, Indore.