Sexual Harassment Complaints Jump in FY 2015

NEW DELHI: The number of cases of sexual harassment complaints at the top 100 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange rose more than two-fold to 454 in the last financial year, the government said today.

From 179 such complaints in 2013-14, the number jumped to 454 in 2014-15, according to data provided by Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley to the Lok Sabha.

The date is based on the number of sexual harassment complaints as stated in the annual reports of top 100 listed entities on the NSE.

In financial year 2012-13, the number of such cases stood at 63.

Besides mentioning the data, Jaitley said "no complaint of sexual harassment of women in the companies listed on NSE has been received by this Ministry".

In a written reply, Jaitley said Sebi recently asked listed firms to disclose sexual harassment complaints as well as details about their compliance with various social and governance requirements.

The business responsibility reports (BRR) are mandatory for top 100-listed entities based on market capitalisation as on March 31, 2012.

The prescribed format for BRR requires listed entities to indicate the number of complaints relating to sexual harassment in a financial year, he said.

"It has been further reported by SEBI that any action or enforcement in matters of sexual harassment of women at workplace emanates from Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013," Jaitley said.

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