Amid controversy over the discrimination against pregnant women in joining service, Indian Bank said that it has not made any changes to the existing guidelines and no female candidate has been denied employment.
Indian Bank said in a statement, “In some sections of the media, it has been interpreted that bank has framed new guidelines which are discriminatory against women. In this regard, we wish to inform you that the bank has not made any changes to the existing guidelines.”
“However, in view of public sentiments, we state that, in case of pregnancy, which is less than 12 weeks, the candidates are considered as fit for joining the bank. Post 12 weeks of pregnancy, candidates are allowed to join with a fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner certifying them fit for taking up employment in Bank,” Indian Bank said.
Indian Bank said “Further, in case any candidate is seeking an extension on account of pregnancy, the bank is considering the request favourably. Indian Bank has always been a progressive bank with a proactive approach toward the care and empowerment of women employees who form an integral part of its workforce. This is also evident by the fact that around 29 percent of its workforce comprises female employees, which is one of the best in the banking industry.”
Earlier in the day, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal issued notice to the Bank for alleged ‘anti-women’ guidelines that prevent pregnant women from joining service declaring them ‘temporarily unfit and requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to intervene in the matter.
The Bank denied that it has any guidelines that are against women. The bank is not engaged in any gender-discriminatory practices.
Earlier on January 12, 2022, State Bank Of India revised its recruitment policy that a woman candidate who is more than three months pregnant will be considered temporarily unfit and she “may be allowed to join within four months after the delivery of the child.
However, SBI had withdrawn its controversial order against hiring pregnant women on January 29, 2022.
