By Anita Shukla, Senior correspondent
Mumbai, May 16: The Maharashtra government has intensified its efforts to ensure safe and dignified workplaces for women by ordering strict implementation of the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013) across the state.
The Women and Child Development Department has directed all government semi government and private organisations to comply with the law, while simultaneously launching a statewide inspection drive against violators.
As per the new directives every office or company employing 10 or more people must compulsorily establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The government has also prescribed strict norms regarding the committee’s composition.
At least 50 percent of the members must be women the chairperson must be a senior female employee and an external representative from a non governmental organisation must be included to ensure impartiality.
To make the complaint process more accessible, organisations have been instructed to provide multiple channels for women employees to file complaints including email, written applications and platforms such as the Central Government’s She-Box portal.
Authorities will be required to initiate legal proceedings within seven days of receiving a complaint. Maintaining the complainant’s confidentiality and providing interim relief wherever necessary will also be mandatory during the investigation process.
To monitor compliance the government has prepared a detailed 31-point inspection checklist covering employee training, awareness programmes, annual reporting and workplace safety standards. If any organisation is found violating the rules or showing negligence during inspections, strict penal action will be taken against the management under Section 26 of the POSH Act, 2013.
The government believes the campaign will significantly strengthen workplace safety and create a more respectful and gender-sensitive environment for women employees across Maharashtra.
