6 things you need to know about the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill

In 2012, the Union Cabinet had approved the introduction of the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, 2010 in the Parliament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What does it really mean?

When the status of a woman’s employment prospects at a workplace is ‘determined’ by her ‘willingness’ to offer sexual favours to perpetrator.

Or creation of hostile work environment where sexual advances are made.

Who qualifies for protection under this act?

Any woman who is:

Employed in an organisation

Is a client, customer, daily wage worker or any work accomplice

Is a student or research scholar in educational institutes

Is a patient in a hospital

Employed in unorganized sectors

How this helps the complainant:

Can request a transfer or leave until issue is resolved

What must employers do?

Set up Internal Complaints Committee

District Officers to set up Local Complaints Committee for companies with less than 10 employees

The Committee must address complaint within 60 days

Employer must attend to complaint as instructed by the Committee within 90 days

If employers do not do the needful?

They will have to pay a fine of upto Rs. 50,000

What about false complaints?

Safeguards against false complaints exist

However, complainant’s inability to provide ‘proof’ does not make the complaint dismissible.

Push the Pin

Are you facing sexual harassment at the workplace? Don’t stay mute. Push the Pin now on women’s safety and education and employment and make your voice heard.