Government; Private offices to undergo POSH audit in district

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Women today are making their mark across all sectors. While balancing responsibilities at home and work, ensuring safety and dignity at the workplace is their fundamental right. However, mental harassment often goes unreported, with many women silently enduring it for fear of losing their jobs.

To curb such hidden exploitation, the Women and Child Development Department has launched an action plan to conduct POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) audits in over 2,500 government and private offices across the district.

As per the law, any workplace with 10 or more women employees must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), headed by a woman. Merely forming the committee is not sufficient; offices must also submit an annual report in March detailing complaints received, inquiries conducted and action taken. In reality, many such committees exist only on paper. The new action plan aims to address this gap.

Registration made mandatory

The department has issued strict notices to 468 government offices and 2,104 private institutions, directing them to complete their POSH audit within one month. Registration on the She-Box portal has now been made mandatory for all such establishments. Department officials are reaching out individually to ensure compliance.

Strict action for non-compliance

District Women and Child Development Officer, Mahendra Darade said, “ If a complaint is received, the committee is responsible for conducting a thorough inquiry and submitting a report. Strict punitive action will be taken against offices or institutions that fail to comply with the POSH Act. Registration on the She-Box portal is currently underway, and action may also be taken against those who fail to register.”