BS EDIT: Making POSH work: Govt institutions should take lead

A decade of slow progress

The 2013 POSH Act aims to prevent workplace harassment, but slow implementation led to SC's March 2025 deadline for full compliance by departments

Supreme Court's latest directives

Govt departments must form ICCs/LCCs by Jan 2025, create SheBox portals for complaints, and hold regular awareness programmes for workplace safety

Failures in public institutions

Sports bodies lack ICCs; incidents like R G Kar highlight neglect of women's safety. Govt institutions must lead by implementing the POSH Act effectively

Pvt sector’s patchy compliance

Listed firms report zero harassment cases, hinting at underreporting. Sebi’s 2018 mandate sees patchy compliance, with cultural barriers deterring complaints

Structural and cultural challenges

Societal chauvinism and managerial ostracism deter women from reporting harassment. Organisations must build a culture that addresses complaints seriously.

A call to action

SC deadlines are progress, but institutional commitment is crucial. Govt must lead by example as workplace safety needs cultural change and strict enforcement