SEXUAL HARRASMENT BILL DRAFTED

Sweeping provisions proposed in a draft Bill aim to penalize firms that do not set up a sexual harassment complaints panel.

An employer can be penalized with a fine of up to Rs 50,000 if it fails to do any of the following — set up an internal committee, act on recommendations of the inquiry report, take action against those found guilty of making a false complaint or providing false evidence and publish information relating to harassment cases in its annual report.

Apart from government organizations and the organized private sector, the proposed legislation covers sectors like the hospitality industry — including catering services and restaurants — NGOs, health services, coaching centres, domestic workers and those working in tailoring or beauty parlours.

The Bill also includes educational institutions, bringing students and researchers into the ambit of protection. The draft law provides that if any employer, after being convicted of an offence punishable under the Act, is again convicted for the same offence, the punishment will be three time greater than that imposed on the first conviction, subject to the punishment being the maximum provided for the offence.

The government or local autho-rity would also have the right to cancel or withdraw the licence to carry out business activity of the employer. The employer will be expected to provide a safe, working environment at the work place.