Jagtial child protection officer accused of harassing woman employee

A woman employee accused Jagtial DCPO Harish of workplace harassment and salary discrimination. She filed complaints with ministers and officials, alleging intimidation and denial of centrally approved salary increments

Jagtial: A woman employee at the District Child Protection Office (DCPO) has levelled serious allegations of harassment against District Child Protection Officer Harish, stating that he exploited her vulnerable position as a single woman.

In a video released on Saturday, the woman detailed the ordeal she had been facing since joining the department in 2021. She said her initial salary was Rs 8,000, and she received a Rs 2,000 increment after some time. However, after the hike, the DCPO allegedly made sarcastic remarks, saying she appeared “unbearably joyful.”

---

She further alleged that after completing her work post 5 pm, if she returned home, Harish would question her departure and demand to know who had given her permission. He would then insist that she return to the office unnecessarily, she said.

Although the salary hike was part of a centrally sponsored programme, and State Commissioner Divya had recommended a further increment of Rs 5,000 under the Fixed Travelling Allowance (FTA), the woman claimed she was never paid the revised salary, even though other staff began receiving it from 2022.

She alleged that Harish categorically told her she would not receive the increment as long as he remained in the post.

Unable to bear the harassment, she lodged complaints with SC, ST, and Minority Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar and District Collector Shaik Satya Prasad.

According to her, after receiving notices from the State Women’s Commission, the DCPO allegedly warned of retaliatory action against those who had complained about him.