Updated on January 11, 2025 11:03:37 AM
One of the very critical compliances required for organizations in Goa is governed by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and is to annually file a POSH report. It aims to prevent and resolve incidents of sexual harassment to facilitate a healthy work environment for women. Companies with ten employees or more should have an annual report and forward it to indicate the preventive measures and training sessions conducted during the year and any complaints reported.
This reporting shall be submitted to the designated District Officer by 31st January every year, summarizing the activities undertaken for POSH compliance. Non-filing of this report can attract penalties of up to INR 50,000 and may affect morale at the workplace and the reputation of the organization. The Chairperson of the Internal Complaints Committee shall do the compilation work which comprises details about complaints and resolutions and awareness initiatives carried out during the reporting period.
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 Goa: An annual legally incurred return that will be submitted by an organization to prove that it complies with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. According to this act, every such establishment employing ten or more employees shall provide a workplace free from harassment and redress grievances relating to sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment: The organizations shall present an annual report on the measures taken against sexual harassment, complaints received and action thereafter, and also the training programs. The report is normally done by the Chairperson of the Internal Complaints Committee and is submitted to the District Officer by January 31 for every preceding calendar year. Failure to submit this report may put one in a position to face penalties of up to INR 50,000. This includes a problem with an organization's reputation and employee morale.
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.
The POSH annual return filing is to be made from all organizations eligible in Goa with the intention of showing seriousness towards a safe working environment and therefore meeting all the legal obligations, further developing a respect and safety culture. Through the adherence to these provisions and making such a return by the end of each January, companies ensure that they have made an obligation to remove harassment in their work environments for the betterment of the employees and the reputation of the organization.
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POSH Annual Return Filing is an annual report mandated by the POSH Act that the organizations submit before the District Officer. In it, the efforts of an organization toward preventing workplace harassment are depicted, including reported cases, resolutions, and training programs held for the employees.
All organizations employing 10 or more employees are mandatorily required to file the annual POSH return and also establish the Internal Complaints Committee to receive complaints of harassment.
The due date for filing the POSH annual return in Goa is January 31st every year.
All feedback reports submitted should include a number of complaints received, resolved, and pending; furthermore, reports on any awareness and training that was conducted to and about employees regarding the prevention of workplace harassment.
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