Diversity in India Inc: Sexual harassment plaints below pre-pandemic levels

This four-part series examines diversity, equity, and inclusion in Corporate India. Part 3 examines sexual harassment in the age of remote work - and the absence of awareness

Priya and Neha (names changed), who worked in the quality control department of a private company, were pulled up for poor performance. Their male superintendent on the shop floor chose to discipline them by spanking with a rod.

A complaint was filed with the local complaints committee, and action taken against the superintendent, along with changes to the administrative rules. Fewer such instances are coming up after the pandemic.

Business Standard collated data on complaints of sexual harassment from annual reports of the top 100 companies of the last five financial years.

Only eight sexual harassment complaints were filed for