Parliament gives nod to sexual harassment at workplace Bill

New Delhi, Feb 27: Good news for working

in India. Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Feb 26 passed a bill to ensure that cases of

at workplace should be disposed of by in-house committees within 90 days.

Failure in doing so will attract a fine of Rs 50,000. Repeated violations of provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Bill can lead to higher penalties and cancellation of licences or registration.

Along with office going women, the bill include domestic helps and agricultural labourers, against sexual harassment at workplace.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill stands to provide protection to women in unorganised and organised sectors including the private sector.

The bill was already passed by the Lok Sabha.

According to the act, sexual harassment includes unwelcome behaviour such as physical contact and advances, a demand or request for sexual favours or making sexually coloured remarks or showing pornography.

It also has provisions for safeguard against false or malicious charges. Women and child development minister Krishna Tirath promised to follow up the legislation with strict rules for its implementation.

"The system, the elected representatives and society itself will have to implement the Bill," stressed Tirtah.

Tirtah added, "sexual harassment was all encompassing and included mental harassment."

OneIndia News