New Delhi: Seven officers of the Armed
Forces were punished after inquiry into eight cases of alleged
sexual harassment of women officers between 2008 and 2010, the
Government said on Monday.
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Defence
Minister AK Antony said: "Seven officers were found guilty
after inquiry into each of these cases and they have been
punished... There will be zero tolerance for any case of
sexual harassment and exploitation."
Army recorded four cases of alleged harassment
in 2008, while Navy registered a single case in last three
years in 2009.
A single case was booked in Air Force in 2008. But in
2009, two female officers lodged cases of harassment against
their senior officers.
Antony informed the House about the steps being taken
by each force to check recurrence of such incidents.
"All commands have been directed by the Integrated
Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) that cases of
sexual harassment will be viewed very seriously. All Naval
personnel are sensitized regularly on this issue at various
fora and various sensitisation capsules and workshops on the
subject have been introduced (in Air Force)," he added.
He further informed that Indian army has issued
comprehensive instructions on the definition of physical
harassment and the procedure for taking action against
defaulters.
"The environment has been sensitised in order to
maintain a healthy and respectful relation with fellow and
superior lady officers in the Army," Antony said.
PTI
