NCW issues advisory to States, calls for mandatory POSH audits

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, urging immediate and effective implementation of measures under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, also known as the POSH Act.The move aims to strengthen workplace safety and ensure that women across sectors have access to a secure and respectful working environment.According to the NCW, the advisory is meant to ensure that every workplace — including government offices, private organisations, and establishments in the organised and unorganised sectors — follows the provisions of the POSH Act."The advisory seeks to ensure that every workplace, whether in the government, private, organised, or unorganised sector, strictly complies with the provisions of the POSH Act and fosters a safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environment for women," the Commission said.The advisory has been sent to chief secretaries and directors general of police of all States and Union Territories. It has also been shared with district magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Commissioners of Police across the country to improve enforcement at the district level.NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said women should not have to compromise their dignity for their careers."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. Effective implementation of the POSH Act is not merely a legal obligation but a collective responsibility towards ensuring women's empowerment and participation in nation-building," she said.The Commission has recommended several steps, including setting up State-level POSH monitoring cells, creating digital compliance dashboards, conducting mandatory annual POSH audits, and improving accountability mechanisms for women's safety.The advisory also calls for every district to have a designated officer under the POSH Act who will oversee implementation, awareness programmes, monitoring and grievance redressal.The NCW has asked all government departments, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, hospitals, local bodies, statutory authorities and all establishments with 10 or more employees to constitute Internal Committees (ICs).The Commission stressed that these committees must be legally compliant, with a woman Presiding Officer, qualified members, an external expert and at least 50 per cent women representation.It also highlighted the need to strengthen Local Committees for women working in the unorganised sector, where formal workplace grievance systems may not exist.The NCW said the objective of the advisory is to go beyond procedural compliance and create a culture of dignity, accountability and safety, making workplaces across India more secure and empowering for women.