Poor implementation of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013, irks women employees

Women working in various organisations and establishments have appealed to the government for strict implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and provision of security at the workplace.

Though the POSH Act was in force for over a decade, it was not being implemented properly, and women were continuing to face harassment at some workplaces, they said.

POSH Act was aimed at providing protection for women and addressing the complaints of physical contact and advances, demand or request for sexual favours, making sexual remarks, showing pornography, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature or any unwelcome behaviour by any person.

According to the Act, every workplace with more than 10 employees shall constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The District Magistrate, Collector, or Deputy Collector shall constitute a Local Complaints Committee (LCC) to receive complaints where there is no Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). However, there were no ICCs, and many officers and staff were unaware of the Act, said a woman officer.

In 2022, the State government constituted the LCC for Krishna and NTR districts with six members. It is headed by R. Suez, former Director of the Andhra Pradesh Women Commission and retired Regional Joint Director of the Women Development and Child Welfare Department.

“The LCC [Local Complaints Committee] has not received any complaint in the last two years. We are conducting awareness programmes on POSH Act”R. SuezLCC Chairperson

“The LCC [Local Complaints Committee] has not received any complaint in the last two years. We are conducting awareness programmes on POSH Act,” Ms. Suez told The Hindu on Friday.

“The Supreme Court has directed all the States and Union Territories to constitute ICCs and LCCs under the Act. Besides, it recently ordered comprehensive surveys where there are no ICCs. The Chief Secretaries should monitor the survey and file a report by March 31, 2025,” Ms. Suez said.

While conducting an inquiry, the ICC or the LCC will have the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the LCC Chairperson said.

“LCC is planning to write letters to the NTR and Krishna district Collectors for strict implementation of Sexual Harassment Act,” Ms. Suez said.