NCW Mandates POSH Audits in All Workplaces Across States and UTs
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories to strictly implement the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory emphasizes that every workplace must be a safe and respectful environment for women.
NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stated, “A woman should never have to choose between her dignity and her livelihood. Every workplace must be a space of safety, respect and equal opportunity.” She further added that effective implementation of the POSH Act is a collective responsibility for women’s empowerment and nation-building.
The commission has urged states and UTs to establish dedicated POSH monitoring cells or digital compliance dashboards to track the implementation of the Act. Periodic reviews at senior administrative levels, capacity-building initiatives, and guidance to establishments and district authorities are also recommended.
A key recommendation is the mandatory annual POSH audit for all establishments employing 10 or more persons. “The audits will assess legal compliance, functioning of Internal Committees, status of complaints, confidentiality safeguards, workplace safety infrastructure, awareness initiatives, mandatory disclosures and utilisation of the SHe-Box platform,” the commission said. Audit reports must be submitted to district authorities, and non-conduct of audits will be treated as non-compliance.
The advisory seeks to ensure that every workplace, whether in government, private, organised or unorganised sectors, strictly complies with the POSH Act and fosters a safe, inclusive and gender-sensitive working environment for women.
