Prevention of Sexual Harassment

Prevention of Sexual Harassment (Posh) Act, 2013

A recent investigation revealed that more than half of India’s 30 national sports federations do not have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) which is a legal requirement under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013.

About Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013

• The Government of India has enacted ‘the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013’ (POSH Act) with the aim to provide a safe and secure work environment to women.

Features:

• It mandated that every employer must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) .
• In effect, the Act protects the rights of all women who are working or visiting any workplace, in any capacity.

Internal Complaints Committee(ICC)

• The ICC was designed to be the first port of call for any grievance under the PoSH Act, a key element needed to create a safe workplace environment for women.
• In fact, a functional ICC is one of the key conditions set up by the Ministry of Sports to grant annual recognition to the federations.

Prelims Question for Practice

 Which among the following does not come under the meaning “workplace” under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013?
a) any private sector organisation
b) hospitals or nursing homes
c) any sports institute, stadium, sports complex
d) None of these

Ans. d

Mains Question for Practice

Sexual harassment at the workplace remains a persistent challenge in India’s quest for gender equality and inclusive workplaces. In light of this, explain how the provisions of the PoSH Act 2013 ensure a safer workplace. Also, highlight the associated challenges.

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