Updated on January 11, 2025 11:03:38 AM
According to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013 (POSH Act), every organization is supposed to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees. The POSH Act mandates an organization to establish an Internal Committee (IC) and take proactive steps against sexual harassment, including conducting awareness and training programs. Filing an annual return is one of the critical but mostly neglected provisions under the POSH Act.
Crucially, the POSH Act has become one of the major and primal legislative frameworks introduced in India for the security of women in the workplace. One of the most significant features of this Act is that every establishment must submit an annual return regarding its compliance with the provisions of the law. Hence, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the processes of filing an annual return under POSH, its objective, requirements, and implications for the organization.
It is not only a regulatory requirement but also a responsibility that organizations engage in to prove their commitment to upholding the dignity of the workplace. In undertaking such reports with diligence, the organizations can exude their legal compliance and instill a culture of respect within their workforces. With the growing awareness around the cause of sexual harassment, these guidelines would help protect employee rights and create a healthy work atmosphere.
The annual filing of the POSH returns is one of the key activities that demonstrate the organization’s resolve to create and maintain an environment that harbors no form of harassment to its members, employees included. According to the POSH Act of 2013, reports have been a prerequisite for the District Officer on the part of the employers indicating the annual count of the received complaints, the resolved ones, and the remaining count.
Completing the filing will help enhance transparency in handling sexual harassment cases, promote compliance, and foster accountability. The filling process also depicts the organization’s deliberate efforts in creating an environment within which all the employees will be treated with dignity and respect and be provided with equal chances devoid of any discrimination.
The key components of POSH Annual Return Filing encompass the following:
The annual POSH return can be tricky for someone new to such a return. For one end, one can pursue an easy way to understand it in a few simplified steps:
All data related to complaints should be collected, such as dates, responses, resolutions, and pending cases. Report the training, awareness programs, or any other activities related to POSH conducted throughout the year.
Represent everything in a simple structured report that provides details regarding each resolved or pending complaint. Make sure sensitive information, such as the complainant or respondent's identities, is protected and anonymized while complying with guidelines.
Double-check facts for accuracy and completeness before submission. Coherently report all actions taken by the IC regarding complaints, and specify all pending matters.
The report will be submitted to the concerned District Officer of the state/the government (most likely, appointed by the state). Since submission deadlines vary, organizations should clarify such aspects with their local District Officer.
It is the filing of the POSH Annual Return that matters most, as there are several key reasons for its significance of which are beyond compliance. Here is why it is vital:
The procedure for filing the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) annual return is fraught with problems an organization needs to overcome to achieve compliance smoothly.
Filling a POSH annual return filing is an important way of ensuring the obligation towards maintaining safety and dignity in workplaces is met. Though this process of POSH annual return filing has its own set of difficulties such as ignorance of the mandate from the employer end, imperfect records, confidentiality, and paucity of resources; the protocols can be met by taking some pre-emptive measures.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
.svg)
POSH Annual Return is a compulsory filing that organizations have to make to the District Officer in India. It shows the information regarding complaints regarding sexual harassment received, and actions taken.
All organizations in India with ten or more employees, both in the private sector and public sector, are under an obligation to file the annual return under POSH.
POSH Annual Return should show statistics on the number of complaints lodged, number of complaints resolved, number pending, actions taken on each complaint, details regarding POSH, and training undertaken during the calendar year concerned.
It is the Internal Committee established under the POSH Act in the organization that should compile and file the annual return with the District Officer.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured
Call us on
+91 9821113117
[Mon - Sat, 10am - 7pm]
Write to us
809, 8th Floor, Madhuban Building,
Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019
Reliable
Affordable
Assurity
They've been very helpful in our registration with ICEGATE. It was a small thing with a small amount paid which somehow escalated to a very painful procedure. Never did they say "You've only paid so much. It's too much effort for us.".
Very pleased with their service. Prompt, professional and great communication. Definitely recommend. Special mention for Ms. Razia - she handled our case.
Professional Utilities is fully professional in their work, Rates are too low and genuine. Services and satisfaction are high so I highly recommended Professional Utilities.
They are one of the most genuine and reasonable people. I applied for lmpc certificate through them and they charged me a very nominal amount as compared to what other firms asked .
