Madras High Court Recommends Gender Sensitivity Test for Government Job Seekers

Madras High Court Recommends Gender Sensitivity Test for Government Job Seekers

The Madras High Court has recommended the innovative step of making those who seek government jobs undergo some kind of gender sensitivity test at the time of their selection. The recommendation comes in a case relating to misconduct in the workplace and gender discriminationJustice Anand Venkatesh, in this case, brought forward the significance of a gender-sensitive workforce in government institutions. The court observed that the technical qualifications and expertise with respect to the subject matter qualify an individual for a governmental job, but at par, a person's awareness and sensibility towards gender-related matters is as important as other requirements for a respectable work environment. The court questioned the Central Government as to whether measures could be introduced at the time of selection so that it could assess the understanding of gender sensitivity. This was done in an attempt to instill gender awareness within the professional ethos of public servants so that there would be a reduction in cases of workplace harassment and bias. This was in a case where a female employee had leveled allegations of gender-based discrimination and inappropriate behavior by her male colleagues in a government department. The court, in dealing with the grievance, held that incidents of workplace misconduct generally arise out of ignorance regarding gender equality and respectful behavior. Justice Venkatesh, however opined that, until and unless the principle against gender discrimination and harassment is internalised by people, laws and policies like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 would remain on paper. He also added, as representatives of the government, public servants have the duty to uphold the constitutional values of equality and dignity. The court further added that gender sensitiveness can be measured through any behavioral tests, interviews, or psychometric assessments at the stage of recruitment. It would help understand whether the applicant not only fulfills all the technical parameters required to perform a certain job but also has an emotional quotient to handle a more diversified and inclusive environment. Time is being given to the Central Government to present their view on whether such an assessment is feasible or not in response to the court's suggestion. Meanwhile, the High Court has asked the existing government employees to undergo gender-sensitivity training programs to immediately address the respect for the workplace culture. This initiative by the Madras High Court has generated quite a lot of debate in the legal, academic, and professional circles, as many would perceive it as a progressive measure toward addressing the deep-rooted issues of gender bias and harassment in workplaces. This case may become a precursor for integrating gender sensitivity in public service recruitment and training throughout India..

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