The National Commission for Women’s fact-finding team uncovered concerning “lapses and irregularities” in the functioning of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) committee at TCS’ Nashik unit. The four-member committee investigating claims of persecution and religious conversion at the IT firm in Nashik discovered several violations, including the absence of proper POSH compliance measures. The internal committee for POSH was found to be deficient, with no visits or inspections conducted at the Nashik unit.
The NCW’s investigation revealed a lack of awareness programs for employees and orientation sessions for IC members, indicating zero compliance with the POSH Act. The committee members were criticized for their insensitivity and failure to comply with the Act’s mandates. Following reports of forced conversions and sexual violations at the TCS Nashik unit, the NCW intervened and sent a team to probe the allegations made by female employees. The two-page report documented instances of non-compliance and indifference by the Nashik-based firm towards the suffering of female staff.
The accused individuals at the Nashik TCS office were reported to have targeted young and vulnerable female employees, using coercion and anti-religious commentary to intimidate them. The women employees refrained from reporting the harassment due to fear of social stigma and the absence of a proper grievance redressal mechanism within the company. The NCW’s report highlighted the control exerted by specific individuals at the TCS Nashik center and recommended that appropriate actions be taken to ensure the safety and dignity of women employees in the workplace.
