The Assistant Labour Commissioner of Leh has proposed the reinstatement of Amina Khatoon, a former purchase manager at Sheshyon Innovations Private Limited, along with payment of `3.06 lakh in maternity benefits. Sheshyon Innovations is an enterprise arm of the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The proposal follows Khatoon’s complaint alleging denial of maternity leave and termination of her services in 2024 without prior notice. The matter was taken up for a final hearing on November 7 in the presence of Khatoon and HIAL CEO Geetanjali Angmo, who is also Wangchuk’s wife.
During the proceedings, Khatoon raised grievances regarding the non-sanctioning of maternity leave, non-payment of admissible maternity benefits, and the termination of her services without any prior notice.
According to the proceedings, both parties expressed willingness to explore an amicable settlement through mutual discussions.
As part of the proposed settlement, the labour authorities directed the respondent company to reinstate Khatoon to her former position or an equivalent post, with continuity of service. The direction took into account that her services had been terminated without prior notice and without following the applicable procedure. The respondent company has been given until November 26 to comply with the proposed settlement. In case of failure to do so, the settlement will be treated as unsuccessful, and the matter will proceed in accordance with law.
In that eventuality, the court said Khatoon’s additional claim of `50,000 as compensation, over and above the proposed settlement amount, will also be
considered.