Chennai: Following a Reuters investigation highlighting discriminatory hiring practices, Apple supplier Foxconn has instructed its recruitment agencies in India to eliminate age, gender, and marital status criteria from job advertisements for iPhone assembly workers.

The investigation revealed that Foxconn excluded married women from jobs at its Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai, though such restrictions were relaxed during high-production periods. Foxconn reportedly employs thousands of women at this facility, with recruitment handled by third-party agencies.

In June, Reuters reviewed job ads by Foxconn’s Indian hiring vendors, posted between January 2023 and May 2024, specifying eligibility criteria for unmarried women of specific age groups. This contravened Apple and Foxconn’s anti-discrimination policies. Following the report, Foxconn directed vendors to standardise recruitment materials and omit the company's name from advertisements.

Sources revealed that vendors were warned against using discriminatory language, such as marital status or gender, in job postings. Advertisements now focus on benefits like air-conditioned workplaces, free transport, and hostel facilities, offering a monthly salary of ₹14,974.

Government investigations into these practices were initiated, but findings remain undisclosed. Labour officials inspected the facility in July, yet state and federal authorities have not commented on the outcomes.

Dilip Cherian, a public relations consultant, said the media scrutiny might have pushed Foxconn to make changes, though it remains unclear whether these represent substantial reforms.

Foxconn Chairman Young Liu, during a visit to India in August, emphasised the contribution of married women in the company’s efforts. This issue arises as Apple and Foxconn expand operations in India amid geopolitical tensions between China and the United States.

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Mumbai, Nov 18: Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol, wanted for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and firing outside actor Salman Khan's Mumbai home, has been detained in the United States, Mumbai police sources said on Monday.

Anmol, who was believed to be living in Canada and making regular travels to the US, is the younger brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of running a global criminal syndicate despite being in jail.

Anmol Bishnoi is wanted in connection with several criminal cases, including the murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Siddique on October 12 in Mumbai's Bandra area. He was also allegedly behind the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's home, located in the Bandra area, on April 14 this year, according to the sources.