Women to get more power to fight sexual harassment at work

Victims of sexual harassment in government and private offices will soon be able to get findings of an in-house probe committee, in case it does not recommend charges against the accused, before giving its final verdict.
The Ministry of Personnel today decided to form new rules in this regard.
As per the proposed changes in a law, in cases where a complaint committee has not recommended any action against the charged officer in a case of involving allegations of sexual harassment, the disciplinary authority shall supply a copy of the report of the committee and shall consider her representation before coming to a final conclusion, it said.

These changes are aimed at providing more security to women government employees at work place and avoid any litigation in such cases.
"There may be instances where a complainant can be aggrieved in cases she find co-employee accused of sexually harassing her has not been found guilty. As per existing rules, she would go for appeal to tribunal or court after the final verdict which may delay the justice.
"By these proposed changes, a woman complainant will come to know in advance in case a complaint committee looking into such charges does not recommend action against the accused. The complainant will be able to appeal in such matter when the matter is being examined and it will be considered by disciplinary authority before arriving on its final decision," a senior official in the Ministry said.

Existing rules allow appeal by complainants in tribunal or court against the final order only.

Sexual harassment includes physical contact and advances, demand or request for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks, showing any pornography and any other unwelcome physical, verbal, non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
Besides, implied or explicit promise of preferential or detrimental treatment in employment; implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; interference with her work, creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment for her; and humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety may also amount to sexual harassment.
The Personnel Ministry has sought comments from all ministries and departments on the proposed changes by amending the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. They have been asked to give their reply by June 21.