Circular to prevent sexual harassment issued by Air India

MUMBAI: On Thursday evening, Air India in a post-facto move had issued a circular for preventing sexual harassment against women at workplace.

An Air India woman pilot had levelled charges of sexual harassment against her colleague, earlier this month, senior commander, who had allegedly asked her about her sexual relations with her husband.

The alleged incident had occurred on May 5 in Hyderabad when the pilots had gone for training purposes.

A written complaint was submitted by the woman pilot to the Air India management on 9 May.

"Every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to work in a safe environment, which is free from harassment, abuse and discrimination. Every Air India employee also has corresponding responsibility to actively promote such an environment," said Air India in its circular.

It was further added that, reports of sexual harassment will be dealt promptly, sternly, justly and heavily in accordance with laid down procedures.

According to the laid down norms, Air India has called sexual harassment as a certain unwelcoming acts and behavior (direct or implication). It includes physical contact and advances, demand or request for sexual favors, making sexual remarks, showing pornography and any other kind of unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature, said Air India