Feeling Overwhelmed at Work Due to Cancer: Can the Law Protect Me from Discrimination?

I am new to this thread and wanted to share my personal problems here, hoping to find a solution. I am working in a government sector with over 20 years of service. My life changed 6 years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer, and I am still on medications. Recently, there has been a lot of work pressure, and as I am an introverted person who doesn't talk much in my office, they try to assign more work to me. When I am overwhelmed, my health deteriorates. I feel there is discrimination in the workplace as well. I am currently experiencing mental stress and have been unable to sleep for the past week, which is affecting my health.

I took a day off, for which my senior officer sent me a memo. When I was overloaded with work, I explained my illness to my higher authority, but so far, I am helpless. I am completely stressed, and I don't know if there is any legal action that can be taken. Does the law provide support for cancer victims like me?

Please help me handle this situation in the office. How should I proceed? Kindly advise me on the legal aspects.

I am still awaiting your help and guidance. Kindly advise me on how to handle this situation.

I am rather surprised at the behavior of your bosses, especially in a government organization. I am sure someone in India will reply to your message soon. You have not mentioned what type of "discrimination" may be going on. Kindly provide more details about the size of the organization and your role in it. The more information you give about the scenario, the better the solutions that people will suggest.

Thank you a lot for your reply. I really feel bad about my situation and feel helpless. When I mention the word "discrimination," I feel it in the way they look at a patient. I feel really bad to talk about my situation. I am still hoping that some law could favor me.

Kindly keep your top boss (appellate authority) informed of the discrimination with a request to address it. Alternatively, if you have a Union in your workplace, kindly seek their assistance. You can also approach the local MLA or MP, or any other political figure for help. Present your case to your next boss when he is alone or at home, in a manner that convinces him of the discrimination and garners his sympathy. Additionally, consult with an advocate who deals with cases in the labor tribunal and/or administrative tribunal. Consider discussing your handicap (cancer) with them to explore the benefits available to handicapped individuals.

Thank you.

I sympathize with your situation. My mother is a government employee too, and from what I understand, working in government is also becoming quite difficult and tiresome, unlike how it was perceived a few years back.

Please allow me to be the devil's advocate here. While I like your username, I find the usage of 'victim' of cancer slightly problematic. You should look at yourself more like a survivor than a victim.

Coming to your problem, there are many people less fortunate who expect equal treatment at the workplace despite having some issues while performing tasks. I don't claim to understand your pains and the toll this disease has taken on your health, but if you could do your work to the best of your abilities, perhaps someone might relent and let you off the hook. The unfortunate truth is that many times, employees are not looked at as humans but just work machines. The best way would be to hang on, do your work, talk to colleagues and superiors, and hope that things will get better.