The Hindu : Front Page : BPO firms' views to be sent to Government

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Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005

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BPO firms' views to be sent to Government

Staff Reporter

Bangalore police to strictly enforce traffic rules and set up `nakabandi' at night

BANGALORE: The city police will place some of the suggestions made by the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies on traffic and security-related issues before the State Government for issuing a notification under the Karnataka State Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.

The issuance of the notification will make it mandatory for BPO firms to implement all the security and transport measures, Police Commissioner Ajai Kumar Singh said here on Tuesday.

Addressing presspersons on the sidelines of a meeting with representatives of BPO companies, Dr. Singh said: "Some of the suggestions made by the BPO companies look good. I want all the companies to voluntarily put them in practice. We will also suggest to the Government to issue the notification setting forth the conditions necessary for allowing women to work on night shifts," he said.

Section 25 of the Act prohibits shops and commercial establishments from allowing women and young persons to work on night shifts. It was in 2002 that a proviso was inserted to permit "IT and IT-enabled services" to employ women and young persons provided that these companies ensure adequate security and transport facilities and follow other conditions. "But the State Government has not issued any notification stating the other conditions," Dr. Singh said.

Enforcement

On the other hand, Dr. Singh said, the police will go ahead for strict enforcement of traffic rules and continue using "nakabandi" (check points) at night. "The police will be strict on the use of tinted glasses. We will impose fine if vehicles are found using more than the permissible amount of tint for the glasses," Dr. Singh said. He said the police will also provide BPO companies with copies of security guidelines that need to followed.

Dr. Singh said he will press the State Government for sanction of jeeps for setting up more Hoysala mobile patrolling teams.

Terming the kidnap and murder of Prathiba Murthy as "serious," Dr. Singh said the police will take action against all those involved in the offence. He denied reports that family members of Prathiba had met him and complained about possible foul play.

Mr. Singh said that while the police will do its best to ensure the security of women working at night, the responsibility is primarily that of their employers.

Speaking at a meeting with security and transportation officers of major BPO/call centres here, he drew attention to Section 25 of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act which made managements responsible for the safety of women on night shifts in IT and IT-enabled services.

This includes safe transportation to and from places of work.

"There is no scope for debate on this issue... the companies are responsible and the police can only help in reviewing and improving security arrangements put in place by the managements," Mr. Singh said.

The officials of companies including Siemens Software, Mico Bosch, Convergence Technologies, Wipro, Hewlett-Packard, ICICI One Source and Oracle participated in the meeting.

Kevin from Satyam said the charge of Rs. 3,000 for each "police verification" was too high and could be brought down with a uniform fee.

Others suggested that women employees should not be forced to work beyond midnight.

Other participants suggested the use of wireless linked geographical positioning systems and concealed cameras in hired vehicles. Wing Commander (redt) Nigam said companies could follow the Delhi example of an armed guard in every vehicle and keeping radio communication with a control room.

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