A woman scientist working with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) has reportedly served a notice on the organisation alleging that she was harassed by her senior and that the management failed to respond properly.
Even after lodging a complaint with the management after the incident in January 2013, it has failed to nominate women members to the committee, including an NGO, and take action against the accused, she alleged.
The 28-year-old scientist stated that she had complained to the Governing body about the incident and though she agreed not to pursue the case if the accused tendered a public apology, it never happened. N.J. Poole, chairman of the Governing Board of Icrisat, in a reply to her notice, said they would request the management to reopen and reassess the complaint afresh.
She further alleged that she and the person “responsible” for the entire trauma caused to her, continue to be working in the same department despite specific rules which makes it mandatory for the complainant and the accused to be separated in the workplace. Late on Friday night, the Icrisat issued a release stating that the management has taken appropriate action in this case. “The person concerned has apologised to the complainant and the apology was accepted by the complainant. This is also mentioned in the media report. On further request by the complainant to the Governing Board of Icrisat to re-open the case, the Governing Board readily agreed to the request and this was conveyed to the Complainant,” Icrisat informed in the statement.
The case will be reopened and further investigation would be taken up, informed an official of the Icrisat.
