TERI doesn't address my issue: Woman complainant

The woman who accused TERI executive vice chairman R.K. Pachauri of sexual harassment on Friday said the organisation's statement did not address the harassment case but rather talked of "TERI operations".

"It is really sad they speak through press releases after such a massive public outrage. The release does not make my allegations or the case the focus, but is discussing TERI operations," the complainant told IANS.

A statement issued on Friday by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)said it is a "unique organisation with a global presence" and that 33 percent of its 1,200 employees and 14 of the 30 directors are women.

"The governing council of TERI supports the rights of women and has consistently ensured the provision of a secure environment and a safe workplace for its employees," the statement said.

"The paragraph says they protect women staff. Why was I impacted? Why was the researcher allegedly pressurised? The ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) too was intimidated," said the woman who complained against Pachauri last year.

"As per the news reports, ICC faced hostility and intimidation. TERI officials visited their homes late at night. Why didn't TERI do anything about that? As per news reports, ICC had to write to the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare to safeguard them. Why couldn't TERI ensure that they are protected?"

Pachauri was on Friday sent on indefinite leave by the organisation, days after his promotion as the executive vice chairman.

"Pachauri, who had been the head of the institute since 1982, will be on leave from TERI, TERI governing council and TERI University, till this is reviewed by the governing council given the sub judice nature of the matter," a TERI statement said.