Government forcibly retires tax officer on sexual harassment charges

The Union government has compulsory forced almost a dozen of senior tax officers to retire prematurely from their jobs over allegation of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to fraud and extortion.

Accused also includes SK Srivastava an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of 1989 batch. He is accused of sexual harassment of two lady IRS officers of Commissioner rank. He was posted as Commissioner (Appeal) in Noida. In fact, he also accused of using his official position to thwart the proceedings against him.

The finance ministry has invoked Rule 56J of the “fundamental rules” citing “public interest”  against the officers. At the end of every quarter there is a review conducted which include officials and employees facing graft charges and serious allegations. If the review committee discovers that the allegations are true, then it recommends compulsory retirement. Following which the President signs the compulsory retirement order. The office so retired receives a sum equivalent to the amount of pay and allowances for a period of three months calculated at the same rate at which he/she was supposed to be drawing them immediately before his retirement.  At present retirement age is 60 years. Loss of 10 years of service means a loss in terms of the benefits and perks for that period and loss of honour for the whole life. Such an action is considered as a penalty and the Government believes that it will act as a deterrent for others.

The most powerful weapon against sexual harassment is prevention. Harassment at the workplace will not disappear on its own. Government and private sector companies need to assure that all employees understand that sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the workplace and reports should be taken seriously and stern actions must be taken against the guilty. Besides that, we need to foster an environment where workers who witness sexual harassment feel comfortable approaching their companies to resolve the situation.