Maharashtra to enforce stricter POSH Act compliance in private and government offices
The Maharashtra government has decided to strengthen the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act across both government and private establishments. Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare issued directives to enforce the law more effectively during a joint review meeting of the Women and Child Development and Labour Departments held recently at Mantralaya.
The decision aims to ensure safe, dignified, and harassment-free workplaces for women employees across the state. Tatkare stated that the effective implementation of the POSH Act remains one of the state government's top priorities. She noted that the Act is not currently being implemented satisfactorily in several private establishments, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and corrective measures.
During the meeting, senior officials from both departments reviewed the progress of constituting and reconstituting Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs). Under the POSH Act, any establishment employing ten or more workers is legally required to constitute an ICC.
The Labour Department informed officials at the meeting that action is already underway to ensure these committees are formed and reconstituted where required. The department is also working to incorporate compliance with the POSH Act into audit procedures and make the establishment of ICCs a mandatory condition for the registration and renewal of private institutions.
Tatkare instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action report outlining measures to improve law enforcement. This report will be prepared in collaboration with other concerned departments, including the Labour, Higher and Technical Education, School Education, and Industries departments.
Additionally, the state government plans to intensify district-level inspections through authorised inspection officers to ensure effective implementation of the Act. All concerned departments have been directed to work in coordination to guarantee safe and respectful workplaces.
