This report on safe workplaces reveals some shocking facts about sexual harassment

The report reveals that nearly 36% of Indian companies and 25% among MNCs are not compliant with the Sexual Harassment Act 2013, according to a FICCI - EY Report 'Fostering Safe Workplaces'. To add to it, nearly 35% companies surveyed were unaware of the penal consequences for non-compliance when constituting ICCs. The issue was more pronounced among MNCs with almost 38% stating their ignorance

Sexual harassment cases at the workplace have seen a noticeable rise in 2014, according to the National Commission for Women (NCW, with the number of received complaints becoming double (526 from 249) in one year.

The survey shows that 31% of the respondents were not compliant with the Act (after its enactment), which mandates ICCs being constituted to address complaints. This is employers' responsibility to provide a safe working environment to women employees. This is mandated to constitute the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to display the penal consequences of sexual harassment, organise orientation programs for the members of the ICC and arranging awareness programs for employees. About 40% of the respondents are yet to train their ICC members. Indian companies fared low with 47%. On the other hand, MNCs stood at 34%.

About 44% of the respondents' organisations did not display the penal consequences of sexual harassment in their premises. SME sector fared low with 71% did not display such warnings clearly at their place.

(Image credits: Indiatimes)