The Indian government has called on the Tamil Nadu government to probe allegations of discriminatory hiring practices by Foxconn, a key Apple supplier. The move comes in response to a Reuters report that highlighted the company’s alleged exclusion of married women from iPhone assembly jobs.

What Happened: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has asked for a “detailed report” from the state of Tamil Nadu after a the report claimed Foxconn has been systematically denying employment to married women at its main iPhone plant near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Family responsibilities, potential pregnancies and higher absenteeism were the reasons for this exclusion, Reuters reported, citing sources.

The Ministry invoked the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which prohibits gender-based discrimination in recruitment. It has also directed the office of the Regional Chief Labour Commissioner to furnish a “factual report”.

See Also: KEC International Zooms 4% After Winning ₹1,025 Cr Orders

While Apple and Foxconn admitted to lapses in hiring practices in 2022, they have not addressed incidents that occurred in 2023 and 2024. The companies, as well as the Tamil Nadu state government, are yet to respond to the recent government statement.

Apple said it immediately took action after concerns were raised in 2022 regarding the hiring practices. Foxconn denied allegations that it discriminated in its hiring process.

Read Next: Quantum Mutual Fund Clarifies It is Different From Probe-Hit Quant Fund