Maharashtra State Women’s Commission has formally called for mandatory audits of POSH compliance across workplaces in the state, citing widespread gaps in the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act.
The proposal was submitted to the Minister for Women and Child Development, urging the issuance of a government resolution (GR) to institutionalize regular audits.
Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, in a video message shared on social media platform X, expressed concern that while many organizations have technically fulfilled the legal requirement of forming Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), these bodies often exist only on paper.
POSH Act: Lack of Awareness Undermines Workplace Safety
During her recent state-wide visits, Rupali observed a serious lack of awareness among ICC members regarding their rights, responsibilities, and the legal framework of the POSH Act.
This, she noted, leaves many women employees feeling unsafe despite the formal presence of these committees.
“There is a serious lack of awareness among committee members about their rights, responsibilities and the legal framework, leaving women employees feeling unsafe despite the existence of these committees,” Rupali said.
The commission has proposed treating POSH audits with the same importance as financial or fire safety audits to ensure that workplaces are not only legally compliant but also genuinely safe for women employees.
Proposal for Government Resolution
The commission’s proposal seeks a state-wide mandate requiring all offices—public and private—to undergo regular POSH audits.
These audits would assess the functionality and effectiveness of ICCs, the level of awareness among staff, and the overall compliance with the POSH Act.
Rupali emphasized that such audits would help institutionalize accountability and promote a culture of zero tolerance toward sexual harassment.
The move will encourage organizations to invest in training and sensitization programmes for their employees and committee members.
POSH Audit: A Step Toward Systemic Reform
The call for mandatory audits comes amid growing recognition that legal compliance alone is insufficient to ensure workplace safety.
While the POSH Act mandates the formation of ICCs and outlines procedures for addressing complaints, its implementation has often been inconsistent and superficial.
Experts and activists have long argued that monitoring mechanisms are essential to ensure that the law translates into meaningful protection for women at work.
The commission’s proposal could serve as a model for other states, especially in sectors where informal practices and lack of oversight are prevalent.
Next Steps and Public Response
The proposal is currently under review by the Ministry for Women and Child Development, and if accepted, could lead to the issuance of a formal GR mandating audits.
Public response to the commission’s announcement has been largely positive, with many calling it a timely and necessary intervention.
Workplace safety advocates have welcomed the move, noting that regular audits would not only improve compliance but also build trust among employees, particularly women, who often hesitate to report incidents due to fear of retaliation or lack of support.
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