New Delhi: Amid Microsoft's Indian-origin CEO Satya Nadella's gaffe on linking pay hike for women to 'good karma', research shows that a considerable pay gap emerges between men and women staff in Indian IT sector over time, despite they normally starting at similar levels.

According to Catalyst global research, there are considerable gender pay gaps within the tech sector as well as across other industry sectors.

"In India specifically, our research on the tech sector reported that women and men start out as equals with equal pay and responsibility, and similar aspirations to the highest levels, including that of CEO," Catalyst India WRC executive director Shachi Irde

"But a gender gap emerges over time. Women lag behind men (to a tune of about Rs 3.8 lakhs or USD 6,000) by the time they are about 12 years into their careers," Irde said.

Intentional action and leadership is needed to root out these disparities within organisations.

"We look to leaders like Nadella to ensure that appropriate action is put to words so that talented women and men can contribute, achieve and get paid fairly for their work," Irde said.

GlobalHunt MD Sunil Goel said "on a broader term this (Nadella's comments) should have been that good worker whether male/female should concentrate and focus on working hard and burn their larger portion of energy in work rather than thinking of how to negotiate better.

Founded in 2011, Catalyst India WRC is a membership community composed of 58 leading corporations and professional firms committed to building inclusive workplaces that expand opportunities for women and business in corporate India.

It is part of US-based Catalyst group, which was founded in 1962 and is a leading non-profit membership organisation expanding opportunities for women and business.