In a significant step toward improving workplace safety for women, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the formation of a special committee comprising women legislators from both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
The panel will review existing laws and workplace safety regulations, particularly in corporate environments, and recommend reforms to address emerging challenges such as workplace harassment and coercive religious conversion.
Speaking in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, June 24, Fadnavis said the committee would examine current legal provisions, study recent incidents, and suggest measures to strengthen protections for women employees. The state government has assured that the panel’s recommendations will be implemented.
The announcement came during a discussion initiated by BJP MLC Chitra Wagh, who raised concerns over alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion pressure faced by women employees in Nashik. Shiv Sena legislators Neelam Gorhe and Manisha Kayande also highlighted similar issues and called for stronger safeguards.
Providing an update on the Nashik case, Fadnavis said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has nearly completed its inquiry. Based on complaints received, nine FIRs have been registered, and a manager who allegedly failed to act on the victim’s initial complaint has been named as an accused.
The Chief Minister clarified that the investigation has found no evidence of institutional involvement by the company concerned. Instead, the allegations point to the actions of certain individuals accused of harassment and coercion. He noted that the company has fully cooperated with investigators and expressed its willingness to adopt any additional safety measures mandated by the government.
"It would be unfair to question the reputation of a leading Indian IT company because of the actions of a few individuals," Fadnavis said, emphasizing the corporate sector’s contribution to employment generation and economic growth.
The government has also promised swift action on other workplace-related complaints. A grievance raised by Manisha Kayande regarding alleged issues at a government-run Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Solapur will be investigated immediately. Additionally, a high-level probe has been ordered into allegations involving a multinational company operating in Talegaon Dabhade near Pune, with authorities directed to complete the inquiry within 15 days.
The move follows months of controversy surrounding a high-profile case in Nashik that gained national attention earlier this year. A fact-finding team from the National Commission for Women (NCW), headed by retired Bombay High Court judge Justice Sadhna Jadhav, visited the site and reported what it described as a deeply toxic workplace culture.
According to the NCW’s findings, there were serious lapses in compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, weaknesses in internal complaint mechanisms, and an atmosphere that discouraged victims from speaking out. Several women alleged that a group of senior employees used their positions of authority to intimidate junior staff, subject them to harassment, and pressure them regarding their religious beliefs.
The Nashik Police SIT has since filed a detailed chargesheet against multiple accused individuals, including team leaders and HR personnel allegedly linked to the case. The matter is currently before the courts.
Addressing the broader issue, Fadnavis acknowledged that while Maharashtra already has laws dealing with workplace harassment and unlawful religious conversion, many regulations were drafted in a different era. With more women working in private-sector jobs and night shifts than ever before, he said there is a need to reassess existing legal frameworks.
“The nature of workplaces has changed significantly. We must ensure that our laws evolve as well to provide women with a safe and secure working environment,” the Chief Minister said.
The newly formed committee is expected to play a key role in identifying gaps in existing legislation and recommending stronger safeguards to prevent harassment, exploitation, and coercion in workplaces across the state.