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Archives October News Updates

NCW recommends changes in law governing live-in relationships

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has proposed changes in Section 125 of the Order of maintenance of Children and Parents by recommending the jurisdiction to include adopted children, step-parents and grandparents for maintenance. NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas said that a woman in live-in relationship should be entitled for maintenance if she is left by her man. Another recommendation by NCW pertains modification such that adultery is not the ground for denial of maintenance to a woman

Source:The Pioneer,pg. no. 5. October 14, 2009.

Law relating to sexual harassment at workplace to be amended

The National Commission for Women, which has drafted the law on sexual harassment, has received a proposal from the Women and Child Development ministry to constitute a complaint committee to enquire the allegations. The committee’s verdict will be binding to the government and private organizations. Moreover, this provision is to be used when it is proved that the allegations are not on mala fide grounds and if it does not prevent women from lodging complaints.

Source:Labour Law Reporter, pg. no. 262. September 2009.

Ratio of women climbs up in top ITES firms

An increase in the number of women in the workforce of IT companies has been seen in tandem with the increase in number of girls enrolling in engineering colleges. In firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Wipro Technologies, the ratio of female employees has increased by 1-2 percent compared to FY’08. Various other factors affecting the increase in the number of women include work atmosphere and financial independence sought by women, said Mr. T.V. Mohandas Pai, HR director, Infosys.

Source:Labour Law Reporter, pg. no. 252. August 2009.

Companies offering leave to both parent employees

Central government has recently increased the child adoption leave from 135 days to 180 days. Even fathers will now be entitled to these leaves. Earlier the employees were given leave for the birth of biological child only, but now the trend is changing and parents are also given leave for proper caring and raising the adopted child. Women employees used to get the maternity leave for the birth of the child, but now the Indian companies have started providing the facility of paternity leave to male employees too.

Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com, August 28, 2009. “Tech cos adopt baby-friendly policies”

50% reservation for women in panchayats approved by Cabinet

The government has approved a proposal to increase reservation for women in panchayats at all tiers from the current one-third to 50 percent. This was decided in a meeting of Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It was clarified that Article 243(D) of the Constitution will be amended for this purpose.

The new reservation ratio would be applicable to the total number of seats to be filled by direct elections, the offices of Chairpersons, and the seats and offices of Chairpersons reserved for scheduled castes and tribes.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on this occasion said that, such enhanced reservation will facilitate more women to enter public sphere. Also this would further empower women and make panchayats more inclusive institutions and improve governance and public service delivery. She also added that the Ministry is likely to move a bill to amend the constitution in the next session of Parliament to give effect to the increased quota.

Source:www.expressindia.com, August 27, 2009. “Cabinet approves 50 pc quota for women in panchayats”