TCS Nashik Campus Case: An IT industry association has formally lodged a complaint against Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, raising concerns over alleged incidents at the company's Nashik facility, according to a letter accessed by ET NOW 's Sumita Kareer.
The complaint highlights that allegations made by multiple women employees are "extremely serious" and point to a "failure of workplace safeguards and accountability" within the organisation.
The industry body has called for an immediate, comprehensive and time-bound audit of compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) norms, along with a broader review of workplace conditions at TCS.
In addition, the association has demanded a wider audit covering IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) companies operating in Maharashtra.
Company Response
TCS, in its response, stated that it maintains a "long-standing zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form" and has consistently ensured high standards of employee safety and wellbeing.
TCS on Sunday said that the firm has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form for a long time, confirming the suspension of employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at its Nashik office.
Background of the Case
The clarification comes in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion by eight female employees at the multinational company's office in Nashik.
Earlier this week, the police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the complaints lodged by eight employees, who claimed that senior colleagues mentally and sexually harassed them, and the human resources department turned a deaf ear to their complaints. The police have since arrested seven people, including the company's female HR manager.
The company, in a statement, said, "TCS has a long-standing zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form. We have always ensured the highest standards of safety and well-being of our employees at the workplace. As soon as we were made aware of the matter in Nashik, we took swift action."
The employees being investigated have been suspended pending enquiry, the company's spokesperson said, adding that the firm is cooperating with local law enforcement authorities and any further action will be based on the conclusion of this investigation.
Letter Highlights;
- Allegations made by multiple women employees are extremely serious
- Allegations reflect failure of workplace safeguards and accountability within the organization.
- Called for an immediate, comprehensive and time bound audit of POSH compliance and overall workplace conditions at TCS
- Demand a wider audit across IT and ITES companies in Maharashtra
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