The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on March 08, 2024, notified regarding the inclusion of gender specific infrastructure facilities to be provided by the Custodian CCSP-CFS/AFS/ICD under the HCCAR, 2009.
It is stated that the participation of women at the CFS/AFS/ICD has increased significantly through the different job roles and functions of trades in the recent past which demands for providing safe working places for women at such facilities for fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment for them. In view of the Government of India dedication to promote Nari Shakti, it is imperative to provide safe and secure working environment to women for furtherance in respective career field.
The following gender specific infrastructural facilities may also be encouraged for inclusiveness of women participation:
• Gender responsive infrastructure at the logistics facilities to improve workplace efficiency of women workforce including sufficient lightening, panic buttons etc.;
• Provision for care infrastructure and services, especially creches, per the rules laid out in the Maternity Benefits Act, 2017;
• Establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Work Places Act, 2013;
• Holding regular gender sensitization training sessions for all the staff of CFS/AFS/ICD and field formations:
• Regular upgradation of facilities from a gender perspective;
• Any other gender specific facilities to have inclusive work place ecosystem.
In view of the above, the Principal Commissioner Commissioner of Customs having jurisdiction over CFS/AFS/ICD shall take suitable steps to encourage availability of such infrastructural facilities and take appropriate action to improve above infrastructure. The Custodians of CFS/AFS/ICD may also be sensitized to provide such infrastructural facilities in a proactive manner.
[Circular No. 03/2024-Customs]
