Himachal Pradesh DGP Mandates Statewide POSH Act Compliance Audit
In a decisive move to strengthen workplace safety for women, Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari has ordered a comprehensive statewide audit of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act. The directive, issued from Shimla, requires all police units and establishments across the state to complete this rigorous review within a strict 15-day timeframe.
Immediate Action Following Harassment Allegation
The audit order comes directly in response to a recent sexual harassment case that emerged at the Himachal Pradesh Police Training College in Daroh, located within the Kangra district. According to reports, a newly recruited woman constable accused an instructor of sending her inappropriate and objectionable messages. Demonstrating swift accountability, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG, Northern Range) Soumya Sambasivan, who also serves as the college principal, immediately suspended the accused instructor and initiated a formal inquiry through the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
Scope and Objectives of the Comprehensive Audit
The audit mandated by DGP Ashok Tewari is designed to be thorough and far-reaching. Its primary objectives include:
- Verifying Proper ICC Constitution: Examining whether Internal Complaints Committees have been correctly established in all eligible police offices and units across Himachal Pradesh.
- Assessing Functional Efficacy: Evaluating the operational effectiveness of existing ICCs to ensure they can properly address grievances.
- Checking Procedural Adherence: Reviewing compliance with mandatory legal procedures, including the maintenance of formal complaint records and the timely completion of inquiry processes.
- Evaluating Awareness Initiatives: Assessing the implementation of educational and awareness programs designed to inform police personnel about their rights and responsibilities under the POSH Act.
- Ensuring Statutory Reporting: Confirming that all statutory reporting obligations to higher authorities are being meticulously followed.
Strict Oversight and Accountability Measures
To guarantee the audit's effectiveness, Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Circle Officers (COs) have been personally instructed to oversee the entire review process within their respective jurisdictions. These senior officers are required to submit detailed compliance reports directly to the state police headquarters within the stipulated 15-day period.
The police department has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that any identified deficiencies in the constitution or functioning of ICCs must be rectified without delay. Furthermore, the directive explicitly states that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any officer found negligent, involved in concealing information, or failing to implement the necessary corrective measures. This underscores the administration's commitment to creating a safe, dignified, and completely harassment-free workplace environment for all women serving in the Himachal Pradesh police force.
