NCW Calls for Mandatory Annual POSH Audits and State-Level Monitoring Across All Workplaces

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a nationwide advisory to all States and Union Territories calling for immediate and effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). The advisory mandates annual POSH audits for all establishments employing ten or more persons, covering legal compliance, functioning of Internal Committees, complaint status, confidentiality safeguards, workplace safety infrastructure, awareness initiatives, mandatory disclosures, and utilization of the SHe-Box platform. States have been directed to establish dedicated POSH Monitoring Cells or digital compliance dashboards to track implementation and ensure periodic reviews at senior administrative levels. District Officers must be notified in every district to serve as nodal authorities for implementation, monitoring, awareness generation, and grievance redressal. The advisory applies to government departments, public sector undertakings, boards, corporations, educational institutions, hospitals, local bodies, statutory authorities, and all establishments in the organized and unorganized sectors. Non-conduct of audits will be treated as non-compliance, and audit reports must be submitted to District Authorities and concerned departments. The advisory also emphasizes strengthening Local Committees for the unorganized sector, appointing Nodal Officers at block and municipality levels, ensuring transparency through public disclosure, protection against retaliation, and large-scale awareness campaigns in rural and informal sectors.