Mumbai: Sexual harassment complaints recorded across some of India’s largest companies showed a sharp increase in FY24, underscoring the rapid emergence of a culture of improving corporate disclosures.
There has been a 40.4% increase in number of complaints of sexual harassment (up by 268) filed during last fiscal, shows latest data from BSE 30 companies put together for ET by Complykaro, which advises companies on PoSH compliance.
A total of 932 sexual harassment complaints were reported across BSE 30 companies in FY24, up from 664 in FY23, shows the data.
PoSH committee members attributed this to a greater awareness among women professionals about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PoSH) law as well several companies pushing for a culture that encourages reporting of such cases.
“This indicates increased awareness among employees which is leading to real change as more women are coming forward and lodging complaints,” said Vishal Kedia, PoSH expert, Complykaro.
Smita Shetty Kapoor, CEO of Kelp, a PoSH advisory firm, said: “Harassment cases were there earlier too but what has changed is the increase in awareness among women as well as the companies, which is leading to more such cases being reported.”
Majority of the companies that showed an increase in reporting are in banking and technology sectors that have a younger workforce and employ more women.
ICICI Bank showed the maximum increase in the number of complaints with 133 cases reported in FY24 versus 43 in FY23, 46 in FY22 and 33 in FY21.
An ICICI Bank spokesperson said: “In addition to our policy for dealing with sexual harassment complaints, we have a strong culture where our (women) employees are encouraged to report all incidents fearlessly, no matter how minor they may appear to be.” About 59 complaints were established out of the reported 133 cases in FY24, the spokesperson added.
TCS reported 110 cases in FY24, up from 49 in FY23, 36 in FY22 and 27 in FY21. Infosys reported 98 cases in FY24 versus 78 in FY23, 25 in FY22, and 16 in FY21. Tech Mahindra reported 93 cases in FY24, up from 74 in FY23, 45 in FY22 and 30 in FY21. HDFC Bank reported 77 cases in FY24, up from 68 in FY23, 51 in FY22 and 47 in FY21. Axis Bank reported 36 cases in FY24 versus 34 in FY23, 45 in FY22 and 39 in FY21.
An HDFC Bank spokesperson said: “The Bank has a ‘zero tolerance’ stance for any type of sexual misconduct. We actively promote a culture of transparency and openness to encourage reporting of any such instance.”
Tata Steel showed the maximum decrease in number of sexual harassment cases reported with 21 in FY24 versus 38 in FY23, 22 in FY22 and 21 in FY21.
Axis Bank refused to participate in the story. Mails sent to TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and Tata Steel did not elicit any response till the time of going to the Press.
Kapoor of Kelp said: “The increase in physical presence in office post pandemic is leading to the lines being breached sometimes. The Gen Z and millennial are more aware and more open to reporting such cases.”
