Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual Harassment Policy at the Workplace
1. Purpose
Fresco Web Services Pvt. Ltd. is committed to providing a work environment that ensures every employee is treated with dignity and respect. This policy aims to prevent and address issues of sexual harassment at the workplace, in line with the provisions of The Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment Act, 2013.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, consultants, trainees, and any other individuals associated with Fresco Web Services Pvt. Ltd., at the premises located at F470-71, 3rd Floor, Major Tower, Phase 8b, Industrial Area, Mohali, Punjab – 160071.
3. Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behavior (whether directly or by implication) such as:
- Physical contact and advances
- Demand or request for sexual favors
- Sexually colored remarks
- Showing pornography
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
4. Responsibilities
- Employees: All employees must ensure a safe working environment free from sexual harassment.
- Management: The management must ensure awareness and proper enforcement of this policy.
5. Complaint Mechanism
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
Fresco Web Services Pvt. Ltd. will constitute an ICC to address complaints of sexual harassment. The ICC will comprise of:
- A Presiding Officer (a woman employed at a senior level)
- At least two members from employees, preferably committed to the cause of women or who have had experience in social work or have legal knowledge
- One external member from an NGO or association committed to the cause of women or a person familiar with issues relating to sexual harassment
6. Complaint Process
- Any aggrieved woman may make a written complaint to the ICC within three months from the date of the incident.
- The ICC will conduct an inquiry following principles of natural justice.
- The parties involved will be given an opportunity to be heard, and a fair process will be followed.
7. Confidentiality
The identity of the complainant, respondent, witnesses, statements, and other evidence shall be kept confidential.
8. Protection Against Retaliation
Retaliation against individuals who report sexual harassment or participate in the investigation process will not be tolerated.
9. Disciplinary Action
- If the ICC finds that the allegations of sexual harassment are substantiated, it will recommend appropriate action to the management, which may include:
- Written apology
- Warning
- Reprimand or censure
- Withholding of promotion or pay rise
- Termination of employment
- Providing assistance to the woman if she so chooses to file a complaint in relation to the offence under the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) or any other law for the time being in force
10. False Complaints
If the ICC concludes that the complaint was made with malicious intent or the complainant provided false evidence, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against the complainant.
11. Awareness and Training
Regular awareness programs and workshops will be conducted to educate employees about the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace.
12. Amendments
Fresco Web Services Pvt. Ltd. reserves the right to amend this policy in line with changes in the law or organizational requirements.
13. Contact Information
For any concerns or queries regarding this policy, employees can contact the HR department (hr@frescowebservices.com) or the ICC.
Issued by:
Management
Fresco Web Services Pvt. Ltd.
Address: F470-71, 3rd Floor, Major Tower, Phase 8b,
Industrial Area, Mohali, Punjab – 160071