Finding action taken on complaints of sexual harassment of women at workplace by various organisations unsatisfactory, a parliamentary panel has called for strict disciplinary action against the guilty as mere transfer of delinquent employee to a different branch/station is not adequate redressal.
Other kinds of harassment like passing objectionable remarks during office hours by use of vituperative language combined with highly rude and abusive behaviour while giving direction for work should also be taken very serious cognizance of if such harassment causes severe mental pressure to women.
Erring superior officer should be punished with penal action along with adverse entry into his confidential report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, law and Justice said on Friday.
In its report on the ‘Status of Women in Government Employment and in Public Sector Undertakings with regard to the Service Conditions, Protection against exploitation, incentives and other related issues,’ the panel, headed by Shantaram Naik, recommended mandatory appointment of lady Protection Officers under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to make aggrieved women feel safe and comfortable.
Since collective bargaining is vital, it said that more women in labour unions/employees’ associations would be crucial for negotiating bipartite, industrial agreements regarding such facilities.
At present, women constituted just 10.04 per cent of the total Government employees in 2012 while railways, which is the biggest employer, has just 6.43 per cent while in Defence they are 11.77 per cent.
Percentage of women in higher ranks in various organisations is comparatively very less with stagnation in subordinate grades because many women do not opt for promotion to avoid transfers, unavoidable family commitments, unsatisfactory postings in terms of safety, quality of life etc or for non-fulfillment of eligibility criteria.
The panel has asked Ministry to explore the possibility of evolving polices/guidelines to decrease stagnation for women employees.