The Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Officer, Gurugram issued a notification November 4th 2024, stating that every Government and Non-Government Organization operating within Gurugram must submit an annual report regarding the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
This report is required to be submitted each year by February 28th, detailing the number of cases of sexual harassment at the workplace and the steps taken to address these issues.
The notification also emphasizes the legal requirement for all organizations—whether industries, educational institutions, banks, hospitals, or other entities—to adhere to the guidelines set forth under the POSH Act.
What Is the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act)
The POSH Act, 2013, was enacted by the Government of India to create a safe working environment for women. It mandates that every workplace with more than 10 employees must establish a Complaint Committee or Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address complaints related to sexual harassment. The law aims to:
- Prevent sexual harassment at the workplace.
- Protect the dignity of women in the workplace.
- Provide a mechanism for redressal and resolution of grievances.
One of the most important compliance requirements under the POSH Act is the annual submission of a report to the District Officer, detailing the actions taken by the organization to prevent, prohibit, and redress instances of sexual harassment.
Key Points to Understand About the Annual Report Submission
1. Who Needs to Submit the Report?
All organizations in Gurugram, whether Government or Non-Government, are required to submit an annual report on sexual harassment cases in the workplace. This includes:
- Industries
- Schools and Colleges
- Banks and Financial Institutions
- Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions
- Corporate Offices and Private Firms
- Any other establishment with more than 10 employees.
This ensures that both private and public sector employers are held accountable for maintaining a safe environment free of harassment.
2. What Should the Report Include?
The annual report should cover:
- The number of complaints received under the POSH Act.
- Details of the actions taken regarding each complaint.
- Measures implemented to prevent harassment, such as awareness programs, workshops, or policy changes.
- Steps taken to ensure compliance with the provisions of the POSH Act.
This report helps the District Officer monitor the effectiveness of the act’s implementation and ensures that employers are making genuine efforts to address sexual harassment concerns in the workplace.
3. When Should the Report Be Submitted?
The report must be submitted by February 28th of every year. The deadline is non-negotiable and requires organizations to review their records for the previous year and ensure they have adequately documented their actions regarding sexual harassment issues.
4. Where Should the Report Be Submitted?
The annual report and checklist for submission are available online on the official Gurugram district website at www.gurugram.gov.in. Organizations are required to follow the guidelines and complete the necessary forms for reporting their data.
5. What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?
Organizations that fail to submit the annual report on time will face a penalty of Rs. 50,000. Moreover, non-compliant organizations will be subject to strict legal action as per the provisions of the POSH Act, 2013. This serves as a significant deterrent to those who may try to overlook their legal obligations.
