Maharashtra tightens POSH Act enforcement to combat workplace harassment

The Maharashtra government has announced plans to strengthen the enforcement of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. The move aims to create safer, more dignified workplaces for women across both government and private establishments. Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare has taken a leading role in the initiative. A joint review meeting was held at Mantralaya to discuss the POSH Act’s implementation. Representatives from the Women and Child Development Department and the Labour Department attended. Minister Tatkare directed both departments to collaborate more closely on enforcement.

The government will intensify district-level inspections through authorised officers. It will also monitor compliance more strictly to ensure the Act is followed in all eligible organisations. Under the POSH Act, any establishment with ten or more workers must form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

The Labour Department is taking steps to enforce this requirement. It will include POSH compliance in audit procedures and make ICC formation mandatory for the registration and renewal of private institutions. Officials have also been tasked with preparing a detailed action report to outline further enforcement measures. The Maharashtra government remains committed to the effective implementation of the POSH Act. Stronger inspections, mandatory ICCs, and inter-departmental cooperation are expected to reduce workplace harassment. These measures will apply to all qualifying organisations in the state.