Amidst a raging debate on safety of women, IT industry body Nasscom on Thursday asserted that the sector is doing its best to ensure security of over 800,000 women employed in the sector, but said it cannot take over the government role as far as law and order is concerned.
“For long we have been ensuring that the best practices are followed as far as security of employees, especially women, is concerned, as they are the raw material for our industry. However, we cannot take over the role of the government and enforcement officials,” Nasscom Chairman (BPO Forum) Vikram Talwar told reporters here.
Nasscom will soon submit to the government some recommendations that they believe will help the IT—BPO industry to better security measures.
“Among other things, we have asked the government to help us with verification of drivers, transport authority link to check validity of driving licenses and access to database of offenders linked to criminal offences,” Nasscom President Som Mittal said.
Other recommendations include expediting nation—wide implementation of women helpline No 181, maintaining proper street lights and increasing police patrolling in poorly lit, desolate areas.
The body has also asked for implementation of Justice J S Verma committee’s recommendations of appointing special commissioners with adequate powers to redress complaints of sexual violence against women.
“There should also be a special cell in Delhi NCR region to avoid delays due to state jurisdiction,” Talwar said.
According to Nasscom estimates, women today comprise about 30 per cent of the $100 billion IT—BPO industry workforce.
While women comprise 24—32 per cent of the workforce in IT services, the percentage is much higher in the BPO segment at 35—42 per cent.