Mumbai, May 8 : The Maharashtra Government has issued a strong warning to organizations across the state, stating that negligence towards women’s safety at workplaces will not be tolerated. Following a serious incident reported at a leading multinational company in Nashik, the Women and Child Development Department has announced strict enforcement of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act statewide.
Authorities have warned that establishments failing to comply with women’s safety regulations may face strict punitive action, including cancellation of business licenses.
Major Directives Issued
Mandatory Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
All government and private establishments employing 10 or more people must compulsorily set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address complaints of workplace sexual harassment.
Compulsory Registration on SHe-Box Portal
The ICC must also be registered on the Central Government’s SHe-Box portal to ensure transparency and accountability.
Financial Penalties for Violations
Organizations violating the provisions of the POSH Act can face penalties of up to ₹50,000 against the head of the institution.
License Cancellation Warning
Women and Child Development Commissioner Jagdish Miniyar stated that if institutions fail to make corrections even after penalties are imposed, the government may levy double fines or directly revoke the organization’s operational license.
Prescribed Structure of the ICC
According to legal provisions, every Internal Complaints Committee must include:
A senior woman employee as the Chairperson
At least two employee representatives
One expert member from a social organization or NGO
A minimum of 50 percent women members in the committee
District Officials Directed to Ensure Compliance
The state government has instructed District Collectors, Deputy Collectors, and District Women and Child Development Officers to ensure that all establishments have formed ICCs in accordance with the law and completed their registration on the SHe-Box portal.
The administration has also clarified that offences such as sexual harassment, stalking, and secret recording of women can attract direct criminal prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) apart from departmental action.
The Women and Child Development Department has appealed to all government and private institutions to create a safe, secure, and respectful working environment for women employees.
