Strict Implementation of POSH Act at Local Level Essential: Women’s Panel Chief

The Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission, Rayapati Shailaja, has underscored the urgent need for effective ground-level implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Addressing a special awareness seminar held at the Tikkana Auditorium in the district Collectorate on Wednesday, Shailaja stressed that stronger enforcement mechanisms are crucial to ensure safer workplaces for women. She noted that the Commission has been conducting outreach programmes down to the village level to enhance awareness about legal protections available to women employees.

Reminding institutions of their statutory obligations , she said that every government and private establishment employing more than ten women must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). While expressing satisfaction that 256 such committees have already been set up in the district, she cautioned that they must function proactively rather than exist merely on paper.

Shailaja observed that several committee members lack adequate understanding of the Act and announced plans to organise dedicated training sessions to strengthen their capacity. She directed that complaints be handled with utmost sensitivity and impartiality to ensure justice for victims.

Despite the law being in force for 13 years, she expressed concern that many women still hesitate to come forward due to social stigma and fear of humiliation. She urged victims not to remain silent and encouraged them to report incidents without fear. In this regard, she called for wider use of the central government’s online complaint platform, She-Box, which enables women to lodge grievances directly.

Speaking at the event, Joint Collector Mogili Venkateswarlu described misconduct against women as both inhuman and criminal. He emphasised that employers bear the responsibility of ensuring dignity and freedom for women in every workplace. A culture of respect towards women, he added, is fundamental to building a progressive society.

Officials from various departments, committee members and women representatives attended the programme.