Workplace harassment: MSME probe in Kochi Coir Board after employee’s death

Kochi: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ordered a probe into the allegations of workplace harassment at the Coir Board’s headquarters in Kochi after the death of 56-year-old Section Officer here, The News Minute reported.

Jolly Madhu, who died on February 10 following a cerebral haemorrhage, had lodged a complaint of workplace harassment against senior officials.

Taking note of the allegations, the ministry issued a press released on February 10 following her death, saying: ‘It has come to the notice of the Ministry of MSME that certain allegations are being raised at various forums against the senior officials of Coir Board for circumstances leading to the sad demise of Ms. Jolly Madhu, Section Officer, Coir Board, Kochi due to illness in the hospital.’

The ministry tasked a three-member committee to look into the allegations against officials and submit its report within 15 days.

Jolly Madhu, who died at a hospital while undergoing treatment, had spent 30 years at the Coir Board.

Her family alleged that she underwent harassment from senior officials, particularly Chairman Vipul Goel, for allegedly refusing to sign a document. It is reported that she suspected the documents were linked to corruption.

Also, Jolly reportedly told a relative over phone that ‘Shukla is angry at me as I did not agree to his corruption advances’ referring to Secretary-in-charge of the Board, Jitendra Shukla.

She also leveled allegations against Vipul Goel, Joint Secretary of the MSME Department and Chairman of the Coir Board.

Prior to her death, Jolly wrote a letter expressing fear for her safety saying: ‘Sir, I am scared and have no courage to speak to our honourable chairman. So I couldn’t. My case is a clear harassment of women at the workplace. It is a threat to my health and life. So I beg your mercy. Please go through my grievances once again and help me to survive some more time.’

Jolly, who was also a cancer survivor, collapsed before completing the letter and was rushed to hospital.

The family claimed that Jolly was denied promotion and transferred to Hyderabad over her refusal to sign the documents.

Her brother Lalichan reportedly said: ‘They stopped her promotion and tried to move her to Hyderabad because she refused to be complicit in corruption,’ adding that she faced extreme workplace stress despite her medical history.

Denying the allegations, Coir Board Chairman Vipul Goel issued a press note stating that Jolly’s transfer was an administrative decision which was revoked over medical condition.

The statement read: ‘The allegations leveled against the Coir Board officials are baseless… Jolly Madhu was transferred to the Regional Office in Rajahmundry due to administrative exigencies. Due to her medical conditions which came to notice recently, her leave and leave salary were sanctioned, and her transfer order was also canceled. If any issues are identified within the Board, appropriate corrective measures will be taken.’