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Strengthening POSH Compliance: The Role of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs)

  Posh law in India A crucial aspect of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment ( POSH ) Act, 2013, is the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organizations. These committees play a pivotal role in ensuring workplace safety, handling complaints effectively, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for harassment. Understanding the Role of ICCs The ICC is responsible for addressing workplace sexual harassment complaints and ensuring a fair, unbiased resolution process. Key functions include: • Receiving and Redressing Complaints – ICCs must ensure that victims feel safe reporting incidents and that complaints are handled with confidentiality and sensitivity. • Conducting Investigations – The committee must carry out impartial inquiries, gather evidence, and recommend appropriate actions. • Recommending Disciplinary Action – Based on findings, ICCs have the authority to suggest penalties, policy changes, or preventive measures. • Ensuring Awareness and Comp...
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Status of Local Committee formation under POSH.

According to Section 6(1) of the Act, "Every District Officer shall constitute in the district concerned a committee to be known as the "Local Complaints Committee" to receive sexual harassment complaints from establishments where the Internal Committee has not been formed because it has fewer than ten employees or if the complaint is against the employer himself."

The Local Complaints Committee was changed to become the Local Committee in May 2016, broadening its mandate from merely handling complaints to one that requires it to act proactively to combat sexual harassment.

According to a report by the Martha Farrell Foundation, POSH policies are not generally being followed to its fullest extent (2018). In accordance with this research, 655 districts had 56 percent of requests for data sets from operating Local Committees ignored. Only 29% of districts claimed to have created LCs, and 15% of those districts still hadn't done so.

43% of respondents from the unorganized sector said they had at least once felt uneasy around a coworker. It is crucial to recognize the part stigma plays. The stigmatization of women increases with their level of marginalization, and many may not have the backing of their families to come forward and report workplace sexual harassment.

The Local Committee has the potential to sustain the spirit of the Vishakha principles through efficient execution. Since 95% of women in India's workforce are employed in the unorganized sector, strengthening the LC's operations would help the country's deeply ingrained patriarchal systems while ensuring institutional accountability.

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