IT sector employee body NITES on Monday approached the Ministry of Labor and Employment for a detailed audit of POSH compliance at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), according to a report by news network PTI. He also urged the authorities to conduct a wider audit at the state level across technology companies and ITES companies, especially large MNCs in Maharashtra.
NITES urged the ministry to take “immediate and decisive action” by ordering a comprehensive and time-bound audit and review.
The letter to the labor ministry comes amid allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion of eight female employees at the TCS office in Nashik.
On Sunday, India’s largest IT services company said the firm has long adopted a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and coercion in any form, confirming the suspension of employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at its Nashik office.
What did NITES state in their letter?
The nascent Senate for Information Technology Employees (NITES) in its letter to Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya – has called for a detailed audit of the POSH – Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace – TCS compliance in all its establishments, including the establishment, independence and functioning of internal committees.
The IT staff body also called for an investigation into all sexual harassment complaints received, dealt with or disposed of within the organization (TCS) over the past few years, along with the action taken, while calling for an assessment of the role and responsibilities of HR staff and senior management in handling complaints and ensuring a safe workplace.
It also required “verification of whether employees were discouraged from reporting complaints or subjected to retaliation.”
NITES also highlighted the need for “wider state audit of POSH compliance in IT and ITES companies operating in Maharashtra, especially large multinational organisations”.
It also called for strict guidelines to hold employers and management accountable for failing to provide a safe, legal and dignified workplace.
“This country’s workers contribute immensely to the growth of the IT sector and the economy in general. They deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and law-abiding,” NITES said.
He added: “Therefore, we request the ministry to look into this matter with the utmost urgency and seriousness, not only to look into this case but also to ensure that such incidents do not recur anywhere in the country.”
Last week, the police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the complaints filed by eight employees who alleged that they were psychologically and sexually harassed by their senior colleagues, and the human resources department dismissed their complaints. Police have since arrested seven people, including the company’s HR manager.
In a statement, the company said, “TCS has a long-standing policy of zero tolerance towards harassment and coercion in any form. We have always ensured the highest standards of safety and well-being of our employees at the workplace. We took swift action upon learning of this matter in Nashik.”
The employees under investigation have been suspended pending an investigation, a company spokeswoman said, adding that the company is cooperating with local law enforcement and any further action will be based on the conclusion of that investigation.
(with input from agencies)
