The Government of India, through the Department of Personnel and Training of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (“DoPT”), published the Office Memorandum F. No. 11013/2/2014-EsttA-III, dated May 5, 2015, containing the minutes of the meeting of chairpersons held on April 16, 2015, to discuss the progress of the implementation of the guidelines on the prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. The following was discussed in the meeting:
- The broad role of the ICC to discuss general issues: The chairpersons raised queries on whether the mandate of the ICC could be increased to address the general concerns of the women employees. The Chairman i.e. the Secretary, DoPT (“Chairman“), under whose chairmanship this meeting was convened, replied that ICCs could play an active role in making the working environment more conducive by looking into some general issues such as grant of child care leave, increasing the representation in training for women, and looking at the status of availability of basic facilities such as toilets, creches, women’s staff rooms, etc. Therefore, ICCs, which are required to meet on a regular basis, should also invite women workers for general consultations. He also said that chairpersons should realize that the ICC headed by them is fairly empowered and much can be done by them, and the ICC could also issue guidelines or instructions to the administration of the ministry or department if they are found wanting in their duties towards the women employees.
- ICC to work for awareness: It was discussed that ICCs should do their best to increase awareness by having regular interactions with women employees, particularly new entrants in service, so that a feeling of confidence could be developed in them, as it is only through regular interaction that one could really ascertain the problems being faced by them. Workshops could play a vital role as they provide a platform where women can get all their issues addressed.
- Emphasis on training male employees: The chairpersons also stressed that male employees should also be made aware of the law and be put through gender sensitization programs.
- Observations of the Chairman on the current state of affairs: The Chairman stated his observation that available data indicates that intensified efforts have to be taken to ensure that welfare measures actually reach women employees, as women employees are not adequately represented in various training programs.
He also pointed out that while the results of most examinations at various academic levels show the exceptional achievement of girl students, the percentage of women in the workforce remains dismally low. He stressed the need for making the working environment more conducive to women, as their percentage of representation, though low at this stage, is likely to rise in the coming years.
In the end, the Chairman stated that the government is committed to asserting its role as an ideal employer and that providing a safer and more conducive workplace for women employees is part of the resolve.
Please click here to view the Office Memorandum dated May 5, 2015.