The National Commission for Women (NCW) has reported widespread allegations of sexual harassment, workplace bullying and non-compliance with the POSH Act at Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) Nashik office in Maharashtra. The findings were presented in a fact-finding report submitted to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 8. The NCW had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter following complaints related to the workplace environment at the Nashik office. NCW team conducted two-day investigation Under the direction of NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, a committee visited the Nashik office on April 18 and 19 to investigate the allegations. The committee included: Retired Bombay High Court judge Justice Sadhana Jadhav Former Haryana DGP BK Sinha Supreme Court advocate Monika Arora NCW Senior Coordinator Leelabati The panel interacted with employees, alleged victims, members of the Internal Committee under the POSH Act, police officials and other stakeholders before preparing a report exceeding 50 pages. ‘Toxic and Disturbing’ work environment According to the report, the atmosphere at the Nashik office was “severely disturbing and toxic.” The committee alleged: Abuse of power by certain employees Sexual harassment and mental harassment of women employees Targeting of young and vulnerable female staff Bullying, stalking and humiliating workplace behaviour The report stated that several women employees were unwilling to file formal complaints due to fear of social stigma, lack of trust in the system and concerns about losing their jobs or being transferred. The panel also noted allegations of attempted molestation in multiple cases and said several women were subjected to continuous mental and emotional stress. Allegations of religious pressure The report also mentioned allegations related to religious remarks and workplace pressure. According to the committee: Certain employees allegedly made comments against Hindu traditions and beliefs Islam was allegedly portrayed as a “superior religion” in conversations with female employees Young employees were allegedly pressured through repeated religious remarks The report claimed that individuals identified as Danish, Tausif and Raza Memon exercised significant influence in the Nashik office, while another employee, Ashwini Chainani, allegedly enabled the environment through “silence and insensitivity.” Serious questions raised over security arrangements The NCW panel also raised concerns about office security and surveillance systems. According to the report: CCTV cameras installed in the office were reportedly non-functional The lack of surveillance reflected major lapses in workplace safety measures ‘Zero compliance’ with POSH Act The committee described compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act as “zero compliance.” The report stated: The committee criticised the functioning of the Internal Committee, alleging that members lacked sensitivity towards women employees and failed to conduct mandatory awareness activities under Section 19(C) of the POSH Act. Recommendations by the committee The NCW panel stated that the issue reflected not just procedural violations but also a “lack of governance” within the workplace system. The committee recommended: The report has now been submitted to the Maharashtra government for further action.
Emphasize accuracy and depth.