Updated on January 11, 2025 11:03:37 AM
Under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, compliance is mandatory for all organizations employing 10 or more in Chhattisgarh. As part of compliance, the organizations have to submit an annual POSH return to the District Officer before January 31 every year. This return provides a report on how the organization keeps its workplace safe and respectful by detailing the number of complaints received for harassment cases, those resolved, those still pending, and training or awareness programs conducted to educate employees to keep the workplace free from harassment.
The annual return under POSH is more than a statutory compliance; it is a commitment to fostering a workplace where employees feel respected and valued. The prompt submission of such a return reflects the organization's commitment to upholding the principles of the POSH Act, thus creating an obligation and responsibility-related culture and ensuring a harassment-free work environment. This guide provides organizations with the key steps and insights to successfully file the POSH return in Chhattisgarh, thereby enabling compliance with the legal obligation and further strengthening the commitment towards the employees and the integrity of the workplace.
The return shall have such essential details as complaints received, actions taken, and any training or awareness initiative during the year. Non-compliance will attract heavy penalties of up to ₹50,000 and also the possibility of consequences to the business license in case of repeated default.
POSH Annual Return Filing in Chhattisgarh: This is a yearly return that an organization of 10 or more employees is required to file under the POSH Act. This return, which is due by January 31 of every year, must be furnished to the District Officer. In it, the efforts of the organization shall be noted in curbing workplace harassment at its workplace. The key features of the annual return include the number of complaints received for harassment and the number of cases resolved, pending, and others. Information regarding all training or awareness programs conducted to educate employees on workplace safety and respect are included.
The main objective of POSH Annual Return Filing in Chhattisgarh is compliance with the POSH Act while promoting a safe, dignified, and respectful work environment. Organizations show their commitment to harassment prevention and the protection of employee rights by completing this filing, strengthening a culture of trust and accountability.
The key components of POSH Annual Return Filing encompass the following:
The annual POSH return can be tricky for someone new to such a return. For one end, one can pursue an easy way to understand it in a few simplified steps:
All data related to complaints should be collected, such as dates, responses, resolutions, and pending cases. Report the training, awareness programs, or any other activities related to POSH conducted throughout the year.
Represent everything in a simple structured report that provides details regarding each resolved or pending complaint. Make sure sensitive information, such as the complainant or respondent's identities, is protected and anonymized while complying with guidelines.
Double-check facts for accuracy and completeness before submission. Coherently report all actions taken by the IC regarding complaints, and specify all pending matters.
The report will be submitted to the concerned District Officer of the state/the government (most likely, appointed by the state). Since submission deadlines vary, organizations should clarify such aspects with their local District Officer.
It is the filing of the POSH Annual Return that matters most, as there are several key reasons for its significance of which are beyond compliance. Here is why it is vital:
The procedure for filing the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) annual return is fraught with problems an organization needs to overcome to achieve compliance smoothly.
Filing the POSH Annual Return is an important step toward creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment. Organizations annually demonstrate their compliance with the POSH Act and commitment toward making the workplace harassment-free by filing before 31st January every year. This not only helps organizations avoid legal consequences but also strengthens their reputation as responsible employers committed to ensuring employees' safety and dignity.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
POSH Annual Return Filing is a mandatory yearly report submitted by the organizations to the District Officer under the POSH Act. The report brings the details of harassment complaints received, cases disposed of, pending cases, and even any training or awareness programs conducted to educate staff about preventing harassment.
All organizations in Chhattisgarh having 10 or more employees, will have to mandatorily file the annual POSH return and form an Internal Complaints Committee to address complaints regarding sexual harassment at the workplace.
The POSH annual return shall be filed by January 31 every year.
The POSH return shall inter alia contain the following particulars:
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured