Sexual Harassment at Work Place -UPSC General Studies Notes

Creating notes on Sexual Harassment at Workplace for UPSC General Studies would entail covering various aspects comprehensively. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Definition and Context:
   • Define sexual harassment at the workplace, which includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
2. Legal Framework:
   • Introduce the legal framework in India:
     • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
     • Guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Vishaka judgment (1997) before the enactment of the Act.
3. Key Provisions of the Act:
   • Definition of sexual harassment.
   • Duties of employers, including the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
   • Redressal mechanisms, including the provision for conciliation and penalties for non-compliance.
   • Protection against retaliation for the victim.
   • Confidentiality of proceedings.
4. Role of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
   • Composition and functions of ICC.
   • Procedure for filing complaints and conducting inquiries.
   • Timeframes for resolution and reporting.
5. Awareness and Prevention:
   • Training programs for employees and employers.
   • Sensitization workshops on gender sensitization and prevention of sexual harassment.
   • Encouraging a culture of respectful behavior and zero tolerance towards sexual harassment.
6. Challenges and Criticisms:
   • Underreporting due to fear of retaliation or victimization.
   • Lack of awareness among employees and employers.
   • Delayed or inadequate redressal mechanisms.
   • Limited coverage of certain categories of workers (e.g., informal sector, domestic workers).
7. Significance and Impact:
   • Creating safer and more inclusive work environments.
   • Empowering women to speak up against harassment.
   • Enhancing productivity and morale in workplaces.
8. Recent Developments:
   • Any amendments or updates to the Act.
   • Landmark cases or judgments related to sexual harassment at the workplace.
9. International Perspective:
   • Mention international conventions or guidelines on sexual harassment.
   • Comparative analysis with other countries’ legal frameworks.
10. Conclusion:
    • Emphasize the importance of robust legal mechanisms and proactive measures to prevent and address sexual harassment at the workplace for gender equality and overall societal well-being.

By covering these points, your UPSC General Studies notes on Sexual Harassment at Workplace would provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue, its legal framework, challenges, and significance in the Indian context.