Learn about the SHINE App launched by Indian Railways to address workplace sexual harassment complaints. Explore its features, objectives, complaint mechanism, and how it strengthens workplace safety for women employees. Important for APSC& UPSC ( Prelims& Mains). Read More Below
What is the SHINE App?
SHINE stands for Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment. It is a customized digital application developed by Indian Railways to enable women employees to report incidents of sexual harassment at the workplace quickly and securely.
The app was made operational on International Women’s Day, highlighting the organization’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive work environment for women.
Objective of the SHINE App
- The primary aim of the SHINE App is to strengthen mechanisms for addressing workplace harassment and to empower women employees to raise complaints without fear or hesitation.
- By providing a digital reporting system, the initiative improves accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness in handling such cases.
A Complementary Mechanism to Legal Frameworks
The SHINE App does not replace existing procedures but rather supports and strengthens them.
It complements the work of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) established under the landmark Vishakha Guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India in 1997. These guidelines laid down the framework for preventing and addressing sexual harassment at workplaces across the country.
Complaint Mechanism and Key features
- Digital Complaint Filing: Women employees can lodge complaints through the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) used by Indian Railways.
- Employee Self Service Access: The application can be accessed through the Employee Self Service (ESS) platform available to railway staff.
- Reporting on Behalf of Others: Employees can report incidents involving individuals who may not have access to the app, including visitors, contractual workers, students, or other external stakeholders.
- Confidentiality: The system ensures privacy and secure handling of sensitive information.
- Efficient Grievance Redressal: The platform enables faster reporting and systematic follow-up of complaints.
Practice Questions for Civil Services Examination
UPSC& APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. “The digitalization of grievance redressal mechanisms, such as the SHINE App, is a crucial step towards ensuring workplace safety and gender justice in large public sector undertakings.” In light of this statement, discuss how technology can help overcome traditional barriers to reporting sexual harassment at the workplace. (Write in 150 words) 10
UPSC& APSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. The SHINE App launched by Indian Railways is primarily intended for which of the following purposes?
(a) Monitoring train schedules and passenger safety
(b) Reporting cases of workplace sexual harassment by women employees
(c) Managing railway ticket reservations and refunds
(d) Tracking railway freight and logistics operations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The SHINE (Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment) App was developed by Indian Railways to provide a secure platform for women employees to report incidents of sexual harassment at the workplace through the HRMS system.
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