The Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) has finally introduced a Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy (POSH). This is a much-needed change overall, as BCCI had yet to introduce this.
Along with the policy, BCCI has also formed an Internal Complaints Committee (IC) for cases of POSH. The committee will comprise Presiding Officer Ms. Rupawati Rao, External Member Ms. Usha Devendra Andewar, and two Members, Mr. Abey Kuruvilla and Mr. Gaurav Saxena.
The following people or members will be liable for this policy –
(a) Administrators
(b) Employees
(c) Players
(d) Commentators
(e) Team Officials
(f) Match Officials
(g) Production Crew
(h) State Association Personnel
(i) BCCI personnel
If anyone is found guilty, then the person could face the following punishments –
(a) Censure
(b) Counselling
(c) Carrying out community service
(d) Warning
(e) Fine, compensation
(f) Loss of pay
(g) Loss of seniority
(h) Withholding of promotion or pay rise/increments
(i) Termination of contract/employment with or without notice or compensation in lieu of notice
(j) Written apology and a few more
Complaints about Sexual Harassment shall be communicated to the IC member on the official email id – [email protected]
BCCI also mentioned the purpose of the POSH policy, saying, “The BCCI has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, including sexual harassment at the workplace. The main purpose of the Policy is to promote a safe working environment for all free from any sort of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment.’
The Policy is framed as required under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
This is a much-awaited introduction to the basic framework and policies for safeguarding its employees. It was a bit surprising to see an institution as big as BCCI introduce such a policy so late. Nonetheless, it is really good to see that BCCI has now officially revealed it.
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