#GirlsGottaKnow: Rights, Laws & Procedures
What could possibly be a Disneyland for a Grown-up Girl? Well a world that she has figured out. More importantly, a world that signposts every twists and turns of life, so that she can drive smoothly.
One such disneyland is this site that ensures every girl learns every law they need to know called #GirlsGottaKnow
Hats off to the team that built this site, which gives you a sneak peak at every Law you need to know, right from Relationship to Rent Agreement to Job.
Yes, it’s worth your time to invest in understanding the loop-holes and way out . Why wait for a rainy day, go learn it now!
We’ve assorted a couple of high alert areas of a woman’s life which calls for our immediate attention.
EMPLOYMENT
Minimum Wage
The wage disparity in India is dismal and sadly most women believe that they deserve less wage than their male counterparts for the same amount of work done.
But ladies did you know, there’s a minimum rate of wage – i.e., there are rules about how much an employer has to pay you.
Note: The state governments set the minimum wage for individuals in such a way that it ensures basic subsistence.
The type of employment and work being performed may also impact a person’s minimum wage entitlement.This specifically applies to trainees and apprentices.
Know more about Provident fund and your rights as an employee.
Sexual Harassment At Workplace
Sexual harassment is the act of unwanted and unwelcome sexual behaviour, which makes the other person feel victimized, offended, harassed, humiliated and intimidated.
Sexual harassment at work is against the law. It is also a criminal offense. Sexual harassment can be committed by an employer, workmate, manager, a junior colleague or other people in a working relationship with you. It can be verbal, physical or psychological. It can be in the form of an inducement for better working conditions or that job promotion you really want.
Note: Your workplace should have policies and procedures in place to help you to deal with the situation, however if you feel your case isn’t being dealt with properly, you can lodge a complaint with the police station in your region.
You have the right to make a complaint. If you make a complaint about sexual harassment and, as a result, your employer takes adverse action against you (for example, by reducing your hours or dismissing you), you can take legal action against the employer.
Note: It is your employer’s duty to provide you with a space that is free from sexual harassment. It is also your employer’s duty to keep all sexual harassment complaints confidential.
Tackle bullying at workplace by clicking here. Also deal with discrimination at workplace here.
TAXES
When you start a new job, your employer will ask you for your Permanent Account Number (PAN). This is a 10 digit number issued by the Income Tax Department which helps you file taxes.
Typically your new employer will ask you to fill out your PAN Details. If you don’t give your employer your PAN, they are required by law to take the tax of your wages and pay it to the Income Tax Department instead of to you.
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships are another important facet of our lives. Quite often, relationship issues spill over to our professional lives, miring things further. Therefore take control of the situation by educating yourself with the steps that could be taken in case you find yourself in the soup.
Marriage
Your choice of form of marriage will determine your legal rights in an alliance. If you marry in a civil ceremony before the marriage registrar your rights and liabilities will be governed by Special Marriage Act.
For marriages performed as per Hindu rites/ ceremonies or Nikah before Qazi or a church wedding, the rights and liabilities are under the personal laws of Hindus, Muslims or Christians respectively.
Note: All marriages must be registered with the Marriage Registrar in your district.
Live-In Relationship
A Live-in relationship is where two people live together in a marriage-like relationship but are not married. A live in relationship between a man and a woman is treated in the same way by the law as a marriage only for getting relief and protection from domestic violence and abuse. Beyond this, live in relationship has no legal recognition under laws in India.
CONSENT
Consent is extremely important when you are having sex. If you do not consent to sex, then it is rape or sexual assault. You can withdraw consent at any time, even after you have started having sex. It is also important to understand what consent is.
Note: Consent is not just about how old a person is, as in some circumstances the law says you cannot consent to sex:
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If you are below 16 years of age.
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If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and are confused or don’t understand what you’re doing;
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If you are passed out and don’t know or understand what is happening; or
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If you feel pressured, intimidated, threatened or forced into doing any sexual act.
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Remember – your silence does not equal consent.
Separation and children
It is handy to know that some terms or phrases used currently in the family law system.
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The phrase custody relates to where a child will live, and with whom.
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Where the phrase “spends time with” is used, it means the time the child spends with the parent that they don’t live with. In the past this has been called contact or access or visitation.
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The term “communicates with” relates to the child being in contact with another person on the telephone, by letter, email or SMS.
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Parental responsibility is the responsibility of a parent to make decisions to make sure a children’s needs are met, until the children reach the age of 18.
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Equally shared parental responsibility means that both parents should consult with each other and make an effort to reach agreement on all major issues concerning the children. This can include education, religion, culture, living arrangements, the child’s name and other important issues.
MONEY
MANAGING MONEY
How do you open a bank account?
To open a bank account, you will need personal identification such as an Aadhar card, a voter id card, a pan card, your driver’s license or passport, or a combination of these. You may also be required to provide a document as proof of residence. In India, children above the age of 10 are allowed to open and operate a savings accounts. These accounts cannot be overdrawn and must always remain in credit.
TYPES OF BANK ACCOUNTS
Current Account
A current account is more suited for businesses. They allow for transactions which are more liquid in nature and are suited for day-to-day transactions. These are usually opened in the name of the firm or the company. These accounts don't earn any interest from the bank and the bank will typically charge some form of service taxes. on these accounts.
Savings Account
Savings accounts are normally used by individuals who don’t have day to day transactions. Interest is accumulated on the amount in these accounts on an annual or quarterly or monthly basis depending on the terms and conditions of the account. The Interest rates can be as low as 3% per annum to as high as 6%-7% per annum.
Recurring Deposit Account
Recurring Deposit Accounts are similar to a savings account, though they differ in terms of the amount that can be deposited each month and their duration. Recurring deposit accounts have a fixed amount that is to be paid into the account each month for a specific number of months. Normally banks set the minimum amount at 500 rupees per month. Banks will give compounded interest on these accounts.
Fixed Deposits
Instead of putting some money into an account each month, a fixed deposit account lets you deposit a lump sum amount in the bank for a fixed duration, usually a number of months. These accounts collect interest towards the end of that duration. You can end your Fixed Deposit at any point in time, though your account will not receive the total amount of interest promised when you set up your fixed deposit account. Fixed Deposits are very low on risk when compared to investments in Mutual Funds or shares.
Joint account
A joint bank account is one that you have with someone else, usually your partner/parent/ family member. This account is owned by both of you and can be accessed by both of you. If one of you dies, the remaining account owner will then own the account.
If you and your partner have a joint account and you break up, you should close the account and ensure that your salary and other benefits are paid into your own personal account.
To know about procedures to follow for opening bank accounts follow this link.
There are lot of legal options available to women, all they need is access and information about its existence and enforcement.