Nashik Establishments Must Form POSH Committees By August 15

Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad has directed all establishments in the district to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act and register it on the SHE Portal by August 15.

The directions were issued during a quarterly meeting of the District-Level Monitoring Committee. Collector Prasad warned that action would be taken against establishments failing to comply with the legal requirement.

The Collector emphasised that every workplace must ensure a safe environment for women by establishing an Internal Complaints Committee as mandated under the POSH Act. He instructed concerned departments to verify compliance and initiate legal action against defaulting establishments.

Collector Prasad also directed the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act through the police and protection officers. Anganwadi workers were instructed to conduct a survey of widowed, divorced, and abandoned women and organise service camps to help them access government welfare schemes.

The Collector announced a separate meeting to address issues faced by women government employees. He directed government offices to appoint nodal officers to ensure pregnant and lactating women receive priority service.

To prevent child marriages, the Collector ordered meetings with Police Patils and Gram Sevaks in villages where such cases have been reported. Marriage service providers will be required to submit affidavits declaring that they will not facilitate child marriages.

The Collector stressed that only the legal adoption process should be followed. He directed authorities to regularise past adoptions and instructed that notices be issued to notaries and sub-registrars, warning them against registering illegal adoption cases.

The move aims to ensure a safe and dignified environment for women in the district. The Collector's directives are part of a broader effort to protect women's rights and prevent violence against them.

The POSH Act mandates that all workplaces with more than 10 employees constitute an Internal Complaints Committee to address sexual harassment complaints. The SHE Portal is an online platform for registering and tracking such committees.

The Collector's warning of action against non-compliant establishments serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the law. The deadline of August 15 is fast approaching, and establishments are advised to take necessary steps to comply with the regulations.

In conclusion, the Nashik Collector's directives are a significant step towards protecting women's rights in the district. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the safety and well-being of women in the region.