NCW report flags sexual harassment, POSH violations at TCS Nashik office

In a scathing fact-finding report submitted to the Maharashtra government in connection with the Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) Nashik unit case, the National Commission for Women (NCW) flagged "pervasive sexual harassment", "systemic bullying" and "zero compliance" with the POSH Act at the TCS unit.

Suo motu cognisance by NCW

The NCW on Monday (May 11) said it had taken suo motu cognisance of complaints emerging from the TCS Nashik office following serious allegations made by several women employees.

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The fact-finding committee, constituted under the directions of NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, comprised retired Bombay High Court judge Sadhna Jadhav, former Haryana DGP B. K. Sinha, Monika Arora, and NCW senior coordinator Lilabati.

During its visit to the Nashik unit on April 18 and 19, the committee interacted with victims, members of the POSH Internal Committee (IC), police officers and other witnesses, and prepared a report spanning over 50 pages with observations and more than 25 recommendations.

‘Toxic workplace environment’

The report was submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 8.

According to the report, the committee found a "deeply disturbing and toxic workplace environment" marked by "pervasive sexual harassment" and abuse of authority.

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"The accused persons had assumed effective control of the TCS, Nashik. They used to target young and vulnerable girls, and harassed them sexually, emotionally and mentally," the report said, adding that complainants had faced sexual harassment and attempts of molestation.

Flags religious intimidation

The committee further stated that several women employees were subjected not only to sexual harassment but also to sustained religious intimidation inside the workplace.

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According to the findings, female staff were allegedly exposed to "anti-Hindu commentary" and repeated attempts to undermine their religious beliefs. "The accused used to bully female employees by denigrating Hindu mythology, beliefs, traditions and practices and by impressing upon the girls that Islam was a far superior religion to Hinduism," the report said.

Describing it as a "typical case of sexual harassment at the workplace", the committee said stalking, humiliation and coercive conduct had created a climate of fear. It found that younger women employees were particularly vulnerable, while several others allegedly remained silent due to fear of transfer, termination or social stigma.

Compliance failures

The report also flagged serious procedural lapses, including non-functional CCTV systems, absence of awareness programmes and "zero compliance of the POSH Act".

Calling the institutional response deeply inadequate, the panel said the issue reflected not merely a "compliance deficit" but a "governance deficit".

(With agency inputs)