Swati Maliwal, Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) issued notice to Indian Bank for its alleged 'anti-women' guidelines. The said guideline stops pregnant women from working by declaring them medically 'temporarily unfit'. Swati requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to intervene in the matter.
In her letter Swati stated her concern over the guidelines. It read, "The Commission has learnt that the Bank has framed rules which state that if a woman candidate is three months pregnant, she would be considered as 'temporarily unfit' and would not be given immediate joining upon her selection. This will lead to delay in her joining and subsequently, she will lose her seniority."
In her letter addressed to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Swati highlighted the gravity of the situation. She said that the alleged action of the bank is discriminatory and also illegal since it negates the maternity benefits provided under 'The Code of Social Security, 2020'. Further, it discriminates on the basis of gender which is against the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens under the Constitution of India.
Taking suo-moto cognizance of media reports the DCW issued a notice to Indian Bank's Managing Director and CEO. Indian Bank is expected to reply pertaining to the matter latest by 23rd June 2022.
The Indian Bank circular in question as quoted in media reports mentioned, "A woman candidate, who as a result of tests, is found to be pregnant of 12 weeks' standing or over, should be declared temporarily unfit until the confinement is over,"
A similar guideline was earlier issued by the State Bank of India (SBI). It was further withdrawn.
Swati’s letter further read, "We request your good office to kindly issue directions to all banks in the country refraining them from making such illegal and unconstitutional rules which discriminate against women. Further, the Reserve Bank of India should also conduct an enquiry into the matter and fix accountability of the bank officials who have issued the sexist guidelines”.
